How to get rid of stomach hair: A guide to belly hair removal

Understanding stomach hair

First things first, it's important to remember that having stomach hair (also known as abdominal hair) is as normal as having hair on any other part of the body.

Body hair plays several key roles, from protecting your skin to regulating your body temperature.¹ Stomach hair isn’t necessarily essential to your comfort, though, and you don’t have to put up with belly fuzz if it’s impacting your body confidence.

While some people embrace belly hair as a natural part of their bodies, others can prefer a smoother look - it’s all down to personal preference.

A deep dive into different methods of stomach hair removal

When considering how to get rid of belly hair, it’s good to note that not all methods offer the same results. The effectiveness, costs, convenience, and side effects can differ significantly from one method to another. There are also personal factors to consider, like your skin type, hair thickness, and pain threshold.

For a full breakdown of the different methods of hair removal, check out our dedicated guide.

1. Shaving
   Shaving is a very common method of hair removal. It's an easy and inexpensive way to quickly remove stomach hair, making it a great solution if you want instantly smooth skin. However, as shaving only cuts the hair at the skin's surface, it grows back quickly, and you’ll often see stubble within just 1-3 days. You might also experience side effects from shaving, with around 88% reporting some form of skin irritation.² This can vary from erythema (redness) to ingrown hairs and bumps, and following a good shaving routine is essential to keep your skin clear and comfortable.
   
2. Waxing
   If you want a longer-lasting solution to your stomach hair, explore options for waxing. This involves applying hot or cold wax to the stomach area, which, when quickly pulled off, removes the hair from the roots. The results can last for several weeks, often up to six.
   However, waxing can be quite painful and may result in temporary skin redness and irritation, especially as the skin on your stomach might be more sensitive than other areas. It’s also important to take careful precautions against ingrown hairs, as this method of stomach hair removal can make them likely.³
3. Depilatory creams
   Depilatory creams present another solution for those pondering how to get rid of stomach hair. These creams work by breaking down the protein structure of the hair, making it easy to wipe away. While depilatory creams can achieve super smooth results, they can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some people. It's therefore important to conduct a patch test on a small area of skin before using them – it's always better to be on the safe side, especially if you’ve never used one of these creams on stomach hair before.
   
4. Laser hair removal
   If you're seeking a more permanent solution to stomach hair removal, consider laser hair removal. This process uses concentrated light beams to damage hair follicles and prevent future hair growth, helping reduce regrowth over time. The main downside to laser hair removal is that, typically, it requires heading to a salon or clinic and paying professional fees. This makes it a pricier option and less accessible to those on a budget, or who need to carry out hair removal at home.
   It's also worth noting that the procedure may not be effective for everyone, especially if the colour of your stomach hair is similar to the colour of your skin.⁴
5. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
   The use of Intense Pulsed Light, or IPL, is another way to deal with a hairy stomach. Much like laser hair removal, IPL uses broad-spectrum light to damage hair follicles, preventing hair growth. The primary difference lies in the kind of light used. IPL devices emit multiple wavelengths of light, whereas laser hair removal uses a single wavelength. IPL devices can also be used at home, making them a convenient option for those who want to eradicate their belly fuzz.⁴

If you’re new to IPL, try the Philips Lumea 9900 Pro. With real-time coaching (including skin contact guidance and motion guidance), it helps you feel confident that you’re using the device correctly for the best results. After just two sessions, you can expect to see more than an 80% reduction in hair*, all without having to leave your home.

The Philips Lumea 9900 Pro also features a handy SmartSkin sensor, which recommends the right light intensity based on your skin tone. Use this before each session for comfortable flashing and achieve long-term hair removal with confidence.

For stomach hair, we recommend the curved body attachment. This is subtly shaped to suit the natural contours of your body, making it easier to achieve direct contact with your skin for efficient hair removal across your belly. It’s just one of the reasons why the Philips Lumea 9900 Pro delivers up to 30% faster sessions** from the comfort of your home.

Picking the right hair removal method for your needs

Choosing how to get rid of stomach hair largely depends on your personal preferences, pain tolerance, budget, and the results you're hoping to achieve. Each stomach hair removal method outlined in this guide has its own set of pros and cons, so it’s worth considering what matters most to you before deciding.

For example:

• If you want a quick, inexpensive option: shaving or depilatory creams may be the most convenient choice.
• If you want longer-lasting results: waxing could be a good fit, especially if you’re comfortable with a little discomfort.
• If you’re looking for a longer-term at-home solution: IPL hair removal with the Philips Lumea Pro 9900 may be the best option.

For those seeking more permanent results with at-home convenience, the Philips Lumea Pro 9900 can help you achieve up to 5 years of smooth skin*** and leave stomach hair concerns in the past, making it ideal for a long-term confidence boost. While upfront costs can be higher than other methods, the reduced hair growth over time makes it a convenient, time-saving option in the long run.

Say goodbye to frequent hair removal with the Philips Lumea Pro 9900.

How to use IPL to get rid of belly hair

IPL is an excellent option for how to get rid of belly hair permanently. If you’re ready to reduce hair growth and worry less about shaving, waxing, and trimming your hair, it’s time to get started.

Here’s how to get rid of stomach hair using the Philips Lumea Pro 9900:

1. Choose the precision curved attachment of the Philips Lumea Pro 9900 for easier hair removal
2. Before treatment, make sure your skin is clean and dry, and remove any hair from the area you’re targeting. You can shave immediately before IPL, but waxing or epilating should be done the day before.
3. To remove your stomach hair, turn the Philips Lumea Pro 9900 on, and use the SmartSkin sensor to match light intensity to your skin tone.
4. Hold your device at a 90-degree angle directly against your skin and push the trigger to activate the light impulse. If you’re unsure about placement, use the skin contact guidance to help you.
5. Continue moving the Philips Lumea Pro 9900 across your stomach, using the real-time motion guidance to make your hair removal sessions a breeze.

Refurbished IPL: a more sustainable choice

We understand our responsibility for sustainable design and manufacturing, and that’s why we’ve introduced refurbished products, including refurbished Lumea IPL devices. It’s just one of our many sustainable initiatives here at Philips, and it sees real results. In 2022, for instance, our refurbishment program helped us prevent 139 tons of electronic waste. ****

The Lumea Try & Buy programme

With the Philips Lumea Try & Buy programme, you have the freedom of choosing whether ​​to pay monthly, in one go, or cancel and return within 12 months. That’s complete control over the hair on your body with minimal fuss.

The decision to keep or remove stomach hair is entirely up to you. If you do want to say goodbye to your belly hair, the Philips Lumea 9900 Pro is here to make long-term hair reduction quick and convenient.

Looking for some tips on how to remove hair down there? Why not check out our guide on how to remove hair in the intimate area with IPL.

*Median results on legs

**Vs S9000 with body attachment

***With ongoing monthly touch-ups following the indicated treatment schedule

****Number calculated using product weight and quantity of sold refurbished products