A complete guide to at-home hair removal

Working by killing the hair follicle, IPL is the most permanent way to remove unwanted hair. It works by emitting light that is absorbed by the melanin in the hair, where it is converted to heat. This damages the bulb, inhibiting – or in some cases, altogether stopping – the growth of new hair from that follicle.

IPL works in a similar way to an in-salon laser treatment. “Laser uses a single spectrum of concentrated light in one single colour and wavelength, whereas IPL uses a much broader spectrum of light in various colours & wavelengths,” explains Emily Buckwell. brand manager at Currentbody. “Both methods target the melanin in the hair follicle, and can provide long-lasting results.

There are now several good at-home IPL devices to try. According to Buckwell, the practical Smoothskin device is a bestseller. “It’s a British-made device, produced in Swansea and its makers, Cyden, were the originators of home IPL, launching the first device back in 2009. They offer the fastest device on the market (Smoothskin Bare) and the strongest (Smoothskin Pure).”

If you’re looking to remove grey hair, Buckwell suggests the Silk’n Infinity. And for a budget option, the Sensilight Mini is the best value IPL machine.

However, before you buy, consider that IPL devices are not suitable for all skin types and tones. “Darker skin tones towards the end of the Fitzpatrick scale should not try IPL,” says Buckwell, as there needs to be a certain degree of difference between skin and hair colour in order for the laser to work.

Unlike lasers, epilating devices work by physically removing each hair. Where a razor cuts off the hair from the surface of the skin, an epilator grabs and plucks each one right from the root, meaning you get smoother, longer lasting results – and no shaving rash.

“Epilators pull hairs directly out of the follicle, just like tweezing or threading,” explains Buckwell, who says you can expect the results to last as long as your salon wax, which works in the same way.

There are dozens of epilators on the market today, but this long-trusted option from Philips ticks all the boxes. Offering 70 000 hair-catching actions per minute, it allows you to treat your lower legs in just ten minutes, with smooth results that will last up to a month.

It's cordless and can be used wet or dry (so you can epilate your legs in the bath) and comes with a host of welcome attachments. Use the exfoliating brush head for a thorough scrub, or use the bikini trimmer to remove unwanted fuzz.

Braun’s most advanced facial epilator to date is designed to be used on your forehead, chin and upper lip without leading to redness or sensitivity. The extra-slim head and precision openings can grab and pluck the finest of hairs, while the pore-cleansing brush attachment keeps skin clear and balanced. There’s even a vibrational micro-toning head to increase the absorption of your serums and creams.

This is one of the most convenient and complete waxing kits available for at-home use. From a salon-style wax heater to both hard and soft wax options – soft adheres more strongly to the skin, so is good for large areas – removal lotion and even two spatulas, it contains everything you could possibly need for a professional result.

When the founders of men's grooming line Harry's realised over a million women were purchasing its razors, they decided to produce a sister brand that spoke better to its female customers.

Enter Flamingo: an accessible, affordable brand that makes hair trimming, shaping and removal an easy feat. The signature razor comes housed in recyclable paper, and can be refilled with fresh German-engineered blades as you need them. The result is the closest, softest shave you've experienced.