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

Searching for effective methods on how to get rid of stomach hair? While the presence of abdominal hair is completely normal and varies naturally from person to person, some people may prefer a hairless, smooth stomach. If this sounds like you, don't worry! We’ve got you covered. 

Here we will dive deep into numerous stomach hair removal options, talk through the effectiveness of each method, and will also introduce you to an innovative alternative - the IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) technology. Let’s get into it.

Understanding stomach hair: A testament to natural diversity

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. Hair on our bodies, including our stomachs, plays several key roles, like protecting our skin and helping to regulate our body temperature. The decision to either keep or remove it is entirely personal, and completely depends on your preferences! 

Though some people find their belly hair to be a natural and beautiful feature of their bodies, others may prefer a smoother look. There is, however, no right or wrong answers when it comes to belly hair. It is entirely up to the individual if they want to remove it or not.

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. Also, personal factors like your skin type, hair thickness, and pain threshold should be considered when deciding on the best hair removal method. 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, inexpensive way to quickly remove stomach hair, making it a viable solution for those seeking an instant fix. However, as shaving only cuts the hair at the skin's surface, the hair grows back relatively quickly, often within a few days. So, while it's quick and easy, shaving requires frequent maintenance. Also, it might lead to skin irritation or the development of stubble, which can feel rough against the skin.^1,2 
   
   
2.  Waxing
   For those who want a longer-lasting solution to their stomach hair, waxing could be an effective option. The process 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.^1,3 
   
   
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 these creams can provide 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, laser hair removal could be the one for you. This process involves using concentrated light beams to damage hair follicles and prevent future hair growth. It's an especially appealing option for women with hair on the stomach looking for a more long-term solution. 
   
   However, laser hair removal typically requires professional assistance and can be quite costly and multiple sessions are usually needed to achieve noticeable results. 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.¹ 
   
   
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 the belly fuzz! ¹

Philips’ own IPL device – Lumea - offers up to 12 months of hair-free skin*, as well as coming with your very own hair removal companion, the Lumea app. Using Lumea device with the Lumea app even lets you unlock the exclusive skin AI feature, where you can get an analysis of your skin and body hair.

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 above has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, and it's important to consider these when deciding which method suits you best. 

If you're looking for a quick, inexpensive solution that is likely to be kinder to your skin, shaving or depilatory creams might be the way to go. However, if you want longer-lasting results and can tolerate a bit of discomfort, waxing could be the right choice for you. 

For those seeking more permanent results, laser hair removal and IPL are your best bet. They're particularly beneficial for those who want to see significant reductions in hair growth over time. Although these treatments might be a little heavy on the pocket initially - laser hair removal can be especially pricey - they could save you time and money in the long run because you won't have to worry about frequent hair removal.

IPL: A promising answer to unwanted belly hair

IPL stands out as a very promising option for those wondering how to get rid of belly hair in the long term. It offers benefits such as long-lasting results, relative affordability, and the convenience of at-home use. It's an effective answer for individuals who are seeking a non-invasive hair removal method that can be carried out at home.

Here’s how to get rid of stomach hair using our Lumea 9900:

1. Choose the intelligent underarm attachment of the Lumea 9900, which has a specially curved design to remove even hard-to-reach armpit hair.
   
   
2. Before treatment, make sure your skin is clean, dry and free from long-lasting deodorants. Remember, in order to use IPL, you need to remove hair from the surface, so it’s important to shave, wax or epilate before you start. Your hair should be as short as possible so the light can penetrate the hair roots under the skin surface more easily.
   
   
3. To remove your armpit hair, turn the Lumea 9900 on, see which setting the Skin Tone sensor recommends and choose the matching light intensity for your skin tone.
   
   
4. Hold it in a 90-degree angle directly against your skin and push the trigger to activate the light impulse. After two seconds, you can continue with the next skin area. Gentle hair removal can be this easy!
   

Refurbished IPL: a more sustainable choice

Embracing items in their second life is something you’re likely to be familiar with. Pre-loved clothes that fit just right, second-hand furniture that ties the room together just perfectly – it can feel like a real win. Plus, it’s not only kinder to your purse, but it can be the more sustainable option, too. Why not extend that feeling to grooming tools?

We understand our responsibility for sustainable design and manufacturing and that’s why we’ve introduced refurbished products, including refurbished Lumea IPL devices, as just one of our sustainability initiatives. In 2022, our refurbishment program helped us prevent 139 tons of electronic waste.**