Hair-removal routines are meant to be unique. In fact, not having a hair-removal routine of any kind is just as normal as having one that leaves you virtually hairless. Whatever works for you, works for you. But finding a hair-removal regime that meets your individual needs can come at a great sacrifice — the money, the time, and not to mention the potential nicks and ingrown hairs. Luckily, our editors have tried it all so you don't have to.
Curious if it's worth tossing your razor for an epilator? Could an IPL be the secret to smooth, hair-free skin? We share the editor-approved, foolproof methods worth trying ahead.
The Method: IPL
"I'm a huge fan of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments at the dermatologist for improving my complexion, so I'm super excited to try out an at-home device for hair removal. IPL works by using warm, gentle pulses of light to effectively put the hair follicles to sleep, which keeps hair from growing back for up to six months. I'm looking forward to putting this powerful device to the test for all my hair-removal needs this summer (and beyond!)." — Aviel Kanter, content director
The Recommendation: Not all IPL devices are built the same, but when it comes to gentle, quick, and customised results, nothing beats Philips Lumea Series 9000 (£459). The cordless device makes hair removal a fuss-free process. Not only does it come with four curved attachments for different body areas, like the face and underarms, but it also utilises SmartSkin sensor technology to adjust the light setting for your unique skin tone. If you're unsure of how well an IPL treatment will fit into your routine, you might benefit from the Philips Try & Buy programme, which allows you to test the device at home. You can pay monthly instalments for up to 12 months, with the freedom to cancel payments and return the device at any time if you decide it's not for you.
The Method: Epilator
"Over the years, I've tried my fair share of razors and even the safest options — the kinds that promise no cuts — do me wrong. A few years ago, I finally tried an epilator. If I'm being honest, my first epilator sat dormant in the closet for about six months before I finally worked up the courage to use it. It does take a bit to get used to the unique feeling of an epilator essentially plucking the hair out of its root, but the results are worth it. Unlike some other hair-removal methods, like waxing, epilators are expert at plucking short hair, so I don't have to wait very long for regrowth in between uses. Bonus: the more I epilate, the finer and more sparsely my hair grows back. I could wax poetic about how freeing it is to leave my shower without any cuts. My bath towels are finally free!" — Samantha Sasso, editor
The Recommendation: Between its ergonomic shape and extra-wide head, the Philips Series 8000 Wet and Dry Epilator (£120) proves to be a powerful hair-removal device that's hard to beat. Built to work quickly — on wet and dry skin — this epilator covers more surface area, so you have smooth legs in under 10 minutes. The more often you use it, the finer your hair grows back, so eventually, you'll be effectively hair-free for up to a month.
The Method: Electric Shaver
"The primary reason I switched over to using an electric shaver is the ability to use it outside of the shower on dry skin. I have enough things to do in the shower as is (dry brushing! scalp scrubbing!) that I don't want to have to remember whether or not I need to shave, too. Plus, I prefer to shave when I know my legs will be on display, and sometimes I don't make that decision until I get dressed for the day. With my electric shaver, I can quickly and easily remove hair at the last minute before heading out — all without any skin irritation. It's that convenient!" — Stephanie Nguyen, senior editor
The Recommendation: Most people wouldn't describe a shaver as skin friendly, but the Philips SatinShave Prestige Wet and Dry Cordless Shaver (£50) is. Traditional shaving methods often leave skin irritated, but this electric option helps to guarantee a close, gentle shave. Its pearl-tip trimmers and ergonomic design make shaving shockingly easy — maybe even fun. Rarely are you able to use hair-removal devices this intuitive in the shower, but it was built to work just as well on wet skin as it does on dry.
The Method: Trimmer
"I know trimmers are having a huge moment on TikTok right now, but they have been my go-to for summer — actually, for every season — for the last year. The bikini line is a sensitive zone, so I don't take grooming down there lightly. In addition to exfoliation, I almost always rely on a trimmer to keep the hair down there short and the skin smooth. Ingrowns are public enemy number one, so opting for a trimmer over a razor means I'm always bump-free." — SS
The Recommendation: Trimmers come in all shapes and sizes, but it's the Philips BikiniGenie Trimmer (£25) we're adding to our arsenal this year. It does everything you need a trimmer to do — safely trim hair without damaging the skin — but with the added bonus of two click-on combs, which allow you to opt for a longer length, if that's your style.
