8 Best Ways to Remove Unwanted Hair

January 26, 2026Advance ClinicLaser Hair Reduction

Be it for face, armpits, or bikini area – unwanted hair is one of those universal problems no one escapes. It’s the same across different skin tones, different genders, and different generations. And with that comes the same old question: What’s the best way to get rid of it without pain, regret, or spending half your life in the bathroom?

Though the concept of removing unwanted hair isn’t new (yes, ancient Egyptians used sugar-based pastes and Romans preferred pumice stones), today, we’re juggling razors, wax strips, creams, devices, and clinic appointments, all promising smoother skin and fewer ingrown hairs.

But, now here’s the hard truth: there is no single “best” hair removal method. There’s only the one that fits your skin, hair type, and most importantly patience level.

So, without any ado, let’s break it all down.

Best Ways to Remove Unwanted Hair

1.   Shaving

Shaving is the most common hair removal method globally, and there’s a good reason for that. It’s quick, cheap, and painless.

You get instant results with no salon visit needed. It’s budget-friendly, but like everything, it has its cons. Hair grows back in 24–72 hours. And not to mention razor burns, cuts, and ingrown hairs. Plus, it is not ideal for coarse hair.

Now here’s a fun fact: despite popular belief, shaving does not make hair grow back thicker. It just feels stubby because the tip is blunt.

So, if there are any emergencies, you’re traveling, or looking for very short-term grooming, there’s rarely any other method to remove unwanted hair.

2.   Hair Removal Creams (Depilatory Creams)

These are the creams that dissolve hair at the surface. They use chemicals like calcium thioglycolate. Yes, they are painless, offer a smooth finish, and are easy to use at home, but they also leave a strong smell and can cause chemical burns on sensitive skin. Plus, regrowth happens in 3–5 days.

A 2018 review in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology highlighted that improper use of depilatory creams is a common cause of contact dermatitis, especially on the face and bikini area.

So, it’s only best for people with fine hair and non-sensitive skin.

3.   Trimming

This hair removal method is often very much overlooked. Well, trimming is more about management than removal. Unlike shaving and hair removal creams, it causes zero skin damage. It is especially ideal for intimate areas as it leads to no ingrown hairs.

However, expect your hair to still be visible. And you’ll need to do it often. Overall, it works like a charm if you want facial fuzz, beard shaping, or low-maintenance grooming.

4.   Waxing

Though considered very painful, waxing removes hair from the root, giving smoother skin for 3–4 weeks. So, expect longer-lasting results and finer hair growth.

But, like any other person, the cost it comes at (ahem – pain) with a risk of ingrown hairs and irritated sensitive skin makes it a lukewarm choice.

According to the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, improper waxing techniques are a leading cause of folliculitis and post-inflammatory pigmentation, especially in deeper skin tones.

5.   Sugaring

Never heard of it? Well, this homemade method of hair removal uses a natural paste made from sugar, lemon, and water. It is way more gentle than waxing, with less sticking to live skin and an easier cleanup.

Though it is still painful and not widely available. And not to mention, the results are similar to waxing. It is best for people prone to redness or mild sensitivity.

6.   Threading

For those sleeping under a rock, threading is a precision-based technique using twisted cotton threads. There are no chemicals used – only excellent precision. That’s what makes it ideal for facial hair.

Though it is time-consuming and can only be worked upon, limited to small areas, it is still a good way to shape up eyebrows, upper lip, and chin.

7.   Electrolysis

Electrolysis destroys individual hair follicles using an electric current. It’s the only FDA-approved permanent hair removal method. Its biggest draws are that it is permanent and works on all hair and skin types. But the biggest drawbacks that it has are that it is extremely slow, costly over large areas, and requires many sessions.

8.   Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal works by targeting melanin in the hair follicle, damaging it enough to reduce future growth.

It doesn’t remove hair instantly. Instead, it reduces hair density and thickness over time.

What makes laser hair removal treatment different from other methods is that:

• Advanced lasers work on all skin tones
• Cooling technology improves comfort
• Sessions are faster than ever

A study published in Lasers in Surgery and Medicine found that laser hair removal can achieve 70–90% long-term hair reduction after multiple sessions, depending on hair type and consistency. So, it’s the future of hair removal and one of the most effective ways to remove unwanted hair.

Pros & Cons of Each Hair Removal Method

How to Choose the Right Hair Removal Method

Before settling on a method, ask yourself:

• How fast does my hair grow back?
• Can I tolerate pain?
• Do I want a short-term fix or a long-term solution?
• Am I prone to ingrown hairs or pigmentation?

And then choose a hair removal treatment which suits you the best.

Final Thoughts

Hair removal is personal. Some people are perfectly happy shaving forever. Others want smoother skin with less effort. Neither is wrong.

The best hair removal method is the one that fits your lifestyle, respects your skin, and doesn’t turn self-care into a chore.

Because at the end of the day, smooth skin should feel freeing, not like a full-time job.

Someone shaving every two days might actually spend more money over five years than someone opting for long-term hair reduction.

That’s exactly why more people are now leaning toward long-term solutions that reduce the need for constant upkeep. When done right, professional laser treatments can significantly cut down regrowth, ingrown hairs, and the endless cycle of shaving or waxing.

Clinics like Advance Clinic focus on personalised consultations, where a skin specialist evaluates your hair type, skin tone, and growth pattern before recommending a plan. For those looking for Laser Hair Removal in Connaught Place, New Delhi, this approach makes the process feel less like a commitment and more like a practical lifestyle upgrade.