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Medea Giordano
Gear
Shaving can cause razor burn and ingrown hairs. These alternatives might be better for your skin—and your sanity.
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Things to Know Before You Try
Hair Removal Tips
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A Depilatory Cream for Legs
Nair Leg Mask
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Wax Off
Glee Wax Strips
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IPL Devices
HoMedics Duo Lite
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Getting rid of hair on your body can be frustrating and painful, especially since no two bodies are the same. Hair can be curly or straight, dark or light, coarse or fine. Shaving is popular because it's easy and provides instant results, but for some people (including me), it's a painful nuisance.
I have stubborn, sensitive skin that gets razor burn and ingrown hairs. My skin gets so itchy between shaves that I've drawn blood by mindlessly scratching. But I can't resist the feeling of super-smooth legs against fresh sheets, and so I set out to find alternatives that were easier on my skin, and hopefully yours. It's also important to say: You absolutely do not need to get rid of your body hair. Regardless of what social norms might say, it's a personal choice.
If you're worried about the hair on your head, see our how-tos on cutting and dyeing your hair at home. Also, check out our ultimate guide to self-care for other grooming tips.
Updated September 2021: We added more picks, including the Panasonic Wet/Dry Shaver, Nair Whipped Cream, and more.
Medea Giordano turned her shopping problem into a career as a product writer for WIRED. She covers a little bit of everything but loves health, beauty, and pet tech. Prior to WIRED, she was an assistant editor at Wirecutter and an assistant in the newsroom of The New York Times.... Read more
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