Hair-removal alternatives
Ways to remove or reduce hair without a blade dragging on the skin. This includes electric trimmers and clippers, depilatory creams, laser hair reduction, and electrolysis.
Why it helps
Shaving close can cause razor bumps, ingrown hairs, folliculitis, and friction in sensitive areas. Trimmers leave hair slightly longer so it is less likely to curl back into skin, while laser and electrolysis can reduce hair for the long term.
Look for
- Electric trimmers or clippers with an adjustable guard that leaves a little length
- Depilatory creams labeled for the body area, fragrance-free if possible
- Laser clinics that treat your skin tone and use the right laser type for it
- Licensed electrologists for permanent removal of individual hairs
- Clean, sanitized blades and tips
Avoid
- Using depilatory creams on the face, broken skin, or sunburned skin unless the label says so
- Skipping the patch test with a cream
- Laser or electrolysis from untrained operators
Caution
Patch test a depilatory cream on a small area first because chemical burns and allergic reactions are common, and tell the laser provider about your skin tone and any recent sun or tanning.
Worth asking a clinician about
Ask a dermatologist about laser hair reduction, especially with deeper skin tones, scarring, or hidradenitis suppurativa, because settings and laser type matter.
Products
Wahl
Manscaper Lithium-Ion Body Grooming Cordless Rechargeable Trimmer
Price: higher price · Other
A cordless, rechargeable wet and dry trimmer made for body areas such as the chest, back, and groin.
View product Manscaper Lithium-Ion Body Grooming Cordless Rechargeable Trimmer (opens in a new tab)Philips
Bodygroom Series 5000 Showerproof Groin and Body Trimmer (BG5025/42)
Price: medium price · Other
A showerproof, cordless trimmer for body and groin hair that comes with click-on combs.
View product Bodygroom Series 5000 Showerproof Groin and Body Trimmer (BG5025/42) (opens in a new tab)Philips
Body Groomer 7000 Series
Price: higher price · Other
A showerproof body groomer with two heads, one for trimming and one for shaving, with a skin guard.
View product Body Groomer 7000 Series (opens in a new tab)Veet
Gel Cream Hair Remover, Legs & Body
Price: low price · For body
A fragranced depilatory cream with aloe for legs, arms, underarms, and bikini line, not for the face.
View product Gel Cream Hair Remover, Legs & Body (opens in a new tab)
These are products Dr. Haque has reviewed and recommends for different reasons. Unless a product is clearly marked 'Affiliate link,' it is not one. Most are not.