The Different Methods of Hair Removal: What’s Right for You?
Hair removal is personal.
For some, it’s about comfort. For others, hygiene, skin sensitivity, cultural preference, or simply how they feel in their body. At Aesthetically Suite, I believe hair removal should feel safe, informed, and supportive — not rushed or intimidating.
Here’s a gentle breakdown of the most common methods, so you can decide what feels best for your skin and lifestyle.
Shaving
Best for:
Quick maintenance, low cost, at-home care.
Pros:
• Fast and convenient
• Inexpensive
• Pain-free when done properly
Cons:
• Stubble returns quickly (1–3 days)
• Can cause razor bumps or ingrown hairs
• May irritate sensitive skin
Holistic Tip: Always shave on warm, hydrated skin and follow with a calming, fragrance-free moisturizer.
This is not my favorite method because of the number of micro-tears and irritation shaving causes. I have not shaved for 16 years and no plans on ever turning back.
Waxing
Best for:
Longer-lasting smoothness (3–6 weeks).
Pros:
• Slower regrowth
• Finer hair over time
• No daily upkeep
Cons:
• Temporary discomfort
• Requires some hair growth between visits
• Not ideal for certain medications or skin conditions
The type of wax used is also a huge factor. Especially when it comes to reactive skin types. Most soft waxes have a plastic in it that can cause a faster hardening after application (typically seen in hard waxes), however that without extra flexibility; that comes with the bad after sting and lingering “heat” or “burning” sensation from it attaching to the skin as well as the hair. Those plastics cause a majority of the breaking during waxing. I love a soft wax with minimal ingredients and less fillers.
Hard wax is perfect for drier skin types and curlier hair textures. But it does require post wax tweezing or going over the same area more than once or clean up with soft wax.
Trauma-Informed Note: Waxing should always be consent-based, paced, and respectful. You deserve to feel safe and in control during your appointment.
Sugaring
Best for:
Sensitive skin and those wanting a more natural option.
Pros:
• Gentle on skin
• Water-soluble and easy to clean
• Often less irritating than wax
Cons:
• Similar regrowth timeline as waxing
• May require multiple passes in coarse areas
Sugaring is often loved by clients who struggle with irritation or frequent ingrowns.
Sugaring is perfect for curly, thick or course hair. But all hair types can use it.
Cold sugar and heated sugar provide the exact same results, but cold sugar is better in my professional opinion.
Depilatory Creams
Best for:
Those who prefer not to shave but want an at-home method.
Pros:
• Painless
• Easy to use
• Slightly longer results than shaving
Cons:
• Strong odor
• Can cause chemical irritation/burns
• Not ideal for very sensitive skin
Patch testing is essential with this method.
Nair and Veet and similar brands have lead the trends of at-home hair removal. It can be beneficial in inconsistent time frames. like last minute choices but other than that, I would leave it on the shelves.
I don’t recommend using it in the nether regions.
Laser Hair Reduction
How it works:
Light energy targets the hair follicle to reduce growth over time.
Best for:
Long-term reduction.
Pros:
• Significant reduction after multiple sessions
• Smooth skin long term
• Reduces ingrowns
Cons:
• Requires multiple treatments
• Higher upfront cost
• Not suitable for all hair/skin types
Laser is considered reduction, not permanent removal — and consultation is key.
Electrology
How it works:
A very fine probe is inserted into each individual hair follicle. A small electrical current destroys the follicle’s ability to grow hair.
Best for:
Permanent hair removal of individual hairs, especially facial hair, hormonal hair growth, or small targeted areas.
Pros:
• Considered the only FDA-recognized method of permanent hair removal
• Works on all hair colors and skin tones
• Ideal for small areas like chin, upper lip, brows, or stray hairs
Cons:
• Treats one hair at a time (so it requires patience)
• Multiple sessions are needed to catch hairs in their growth cycle
• Can feel like a brief heat or prick sensation
Who Often Chooses Electrology:
• Clients with hormonal hair growth
• Those who are not good candidates for laser
• Individuals seeking permanent removal rather than reduction
• Clients wanting precision shaping