Best way to remove hair: Upgrade your hair removal routine

Signs your hair removal process needs an upgrade

Before getting into the best ways to remove hair, it’s worth checking whether your current routine needs an upgrade in the first place. Here are the signs it might be time to shake up your hair removal techniques:

• Results don’t last long enough: Hair removal takes time, and short-term methods can mean repeating the process too often – sometimes even daily. If your current routine feels too frequent, it may be worth looking for a method that leads to longer-lasting results.
• Constant ingrown hairs: Shaving, waxing, and plucking are the leading causes of ingrown hairs, but that doesn’t mean you have to put up with them.¹ When you’re constantly finding ingrowns after hair removal, it’s time to switch up your routine.
• Irritated skin: Almost 60% of people struggle with irritation after shaving, including erythema (redness) and razor burn.² If your skin’s not happy with your current hair removal process, you shouldn’t be either.
• Missed spots: Always spotting patches of hair you’ve missed? From your knees to your ankles, this is a clear sign that your approach needs a re-think.

Hair removal techniques self-assessment

Every hair removal process is different, and the best choice is often the one that works for your skin, lifestyle, and preferences. This quick assessment is designed to help you reflect on your current routine, but it’s only a guide. If you’re happy with the method you use now, there’s no need to change it.

Take a look at the statements below and give yourself one point for each that applies to you:

1. I feel the need to remove hair multiple times a week.
2. I frequently experience ingrown hairs.
3. My skin often feels irritated after hair removal.
4. I regularly notice redness, bumps, or discomfort after hair removal.
5. I struggle to achieve the results I want from my routine.

Now add up your score and see where your current routine stands:

• 0-1 points: Your current routine seems to be working well for you. Unless your score reflects an issue you'd like to address, there may be no need to make any changes.
• 2-3 points: There may be opportunities to improve your experience with hair removal. Exploring different techniques or tools could help address some of the challenges you're experiencing.
• 4-5 points: If these concerns are affecting your comfort, convenience, or results, it may be worth considering other options to help you find the best way to remove hair for your skin and lifestyle.

Is IPL hair removal worth it?

If you’re tired of shaving, waxing, and plucking, consider IPL hair removal. Rather than simply pulling out the hair or trimming it, it uses light waves to damage the follicle so that the hair falls out and can’t regrow. After the initial treatment period, IPL produces long-lasting results and can be done from the comfort of your home, making it a top choice for stress-free hair removal.

Never tried IPL before? Choose an easy-to-use device, like the Philips Lumea 9900 Pro. You can connect your device to the Philips Lumea IPL app for audio and visual guidance, giving you clear advice for:

• How to position your IPL device for the best results
• How to move your IPL across your body
• When to press the flash button

After each session, track your progress in the app. Use the personalised feedback to improve your IPL hair removal technique and gain confidence in your at-home IPL sessions.

With smart features designed to make hair removal a breeze, your IPL sessions can be up to 30% faster*.

You can learn more about all the Philips Lumea 9900 Pro has to offer in our dedicated guide.

What to expect from IPL hair removal: before and after

After IPL with the Philips Lumea 9900 Pro, you can expect up to 5 years of smooth, hair-free skin**. Use the built-in guidance to steer clear of missed spots and embrace easy hair removal across your body.

Irritation after IPL is rare, too, with the most common being some redness after your sessions.³ Ingrown hairs and razor burn are far less likely, making this a smart choice if you’re prone to these common issues.

So, is the Philips Lumea worth it? If you want to ditch daily hair removal and cut down on post-shave irritation, the Philips Lumea 9900 Pro might be the right choice for you.

Best form of hair removal: FAQs

Does IPL actually work?

With proper use and continued sessions, IPL can be an effective form of hair removal. It works by targeting the pigment in the hair follicle, helping to gradually reduce hair growth over time for longer-term results. However, the success of IPL can vary depending on several factors, including the device you use, your hair colour, and your skin tone.

Is IPL painful?

IPL shouldn’t be painful. While you might feel a little discomfort (often described as a light snapping sensation), your hair removal should be pain-free. If you do experience any minor discomfort, use the Philips Lumea 9900 Pro SmartSkin sensor to automatically adjust the intensity of your flashes, and try again. If pain persists, stop using the device immediately and seek advice from a dermatologist.

How many sessions of IPL do you need?

When using the Philips Lumea 9900 Pro, start with 4 treatments in total, spread out over 2 weeks. Your first round of sessions will take 8 weeks, though you should see an up to 80% hair reduction after just two sessions***.

How long does IPL hair removal last?

IPL is designed for long-term hair removal, but it isn’t permanent. While hair growth is drastically reduced, you’ll need to maintain your silky-smooth skin with regular touch-up sessions. When using the Philips Lumea 9900 Pro, we recommend a session every 4 weeks after you’ve completed your initial 8-week treatment plan.

Hair removal doesn’t need to be a constant hassle. By upgrading to the Philips Lumea 9000 Pro, you can focus on long-lasting hair removal from top to toe. Save time, embrace convenience, and feel confident in your IPL hair removal techniques with our smartest device yet.

* vs. S9000 with Body Attachment.

** with ongoing monthly touch-ups following the indicated treatment schedule.

*** Median results on legs.

Sources

¹Ingrown hairs, NHS

²Multispectral Near‐Infrared Spectroscopy Study Evaluating the Effect of Razor Design on Shaving‐Induced Erythema, NIH

³Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy, NIH