Skin Guide · Hair Removal · Ranked Review
How to Remove Facial Hair at Home: 5 Methods Ranked
From $5 razors to $3,000 laser packages to the newest CRYO serums — we ranked the 5 most common approaches by regrowth time, safety, cost, and how well they actually work. Our #1 pick is below.
The Verdict
At a glance
- #1 overall: Glide CRYO Serum — the only method on this list that slows regrowth at the root (51% reduction in 4 weeks, clinical).
- Most permanent: Laser hair removal — 6 to 8 clinic sessions, $1,500–3,000 total. Works best on darker hair on lighter skin.
- Cheapest: Shaving — $5 for a razor pack, but you're back to regrowth in 1 to 3 days.
How we ranked them
Every facial hair removal method does one of two things: removes the hair that's already there (shave, wax, dermaplane, laser) or slows the hair from growing back (CRYO serum, long-course laser). Only a handful of products do the second thing — which is why the ranking looks the way it does.
We scored each approach on four things: regrowth time (how many days until the hair is back), safety (how much the method stresses facial skin), cost (one-time vs recurring), and peach-fuzz compatibility (some methods skip fine, light hair entirely). Below is the ranking, best to worst, with honest verdicts on each.
1Glide CRYO SerumEDITOR'S PICK
A daily CRYO facial serum that slows hair regrowth at the follicle — no cutting, plucking, waxing or burning.
Every other method on this list removes hair that's already there. Glide is the only one that addresses the follicle itself — the part of the skin that decides how fast hair grows back. In a clinical study on the product's formulation, 51% of users measured reduced regrowth at 4 weeks of daily use. That's why it sits at the top.
What makes it work
The serum pairs a CRYO-cooling rollerball applicator with actives that target the follicle matrix — the structure responsible for producing new hair. Over weeks of daily use, the follicle slows, meaning hair that does grow back grows slower and finer. Unlike shaving or waxing, you're not fighting regrowth after the fact. You're reducing the amount of regrowth that happens in the first place.
Pros
Only method on this list that reduces regrowth at the follicle, not just the surface. Works on all skin tones and hair colors — including the peach fuzz laser typically misses. Safe on the upper lip, chin and cheeks. Painless. 4.68 out of 5 across 2,381 verified reviews. 60-day money-back guarantee.
Our verdict
The only method we tested that targets regrowth, not just the hair that's already there. Best used daily as a long-term solution — not as a one-shot treatment. Made by NU:YU Beauty. 60-day returns. Free US shipping on 2+ bottles. $67 per bottle.
Learn more about Glide →2Laser hair removal at a clinic$200–400/session × 6–8
Concentrated light targets the pigment in the hair follicle and damages it over multiple sessions.
Clinical laser is the closest thing on this list to permanent reduction. The laser beam finds the pigment in the hair follicle and damages the structure enough that the follicle produces less — and eventually no — hair. For the right candidate (darker coarse hair on lighter skin), the results genuinely last years after a full course.
Pros
The most long-lasting reduction available outside surgery. After 6 to 8 sessions plus occasional touch-ups, many patients see 70 to 90% long-term reduction on treated areas. Minimal daily upkeep after the course. Usable on face and body. Modern diode and Nd:YAG lasers are safer on darker skin tones than older alexandrite machines.
Cons
$1,500 to $3,000 for a full course. Sessions must be spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart over 6 to 9 months. Works best on coarse dark hair on lighter skin — light hair, blonde hair, red hair and peach fuzz typically do not absorb enough laser energy to respond. Painful (described as a "hot rubber band snap"). Requires avoiding sun exposure 4 weeks before and after each session. Rare risk of hyperpigmentation, especially on deeper skin tones without the right laser setting.
3Dermaplaning (at home or salon)$40–80 at-home · $60–100 salon
A small surgical-grade blade shaves peach fuzz and removes dead skin in one pass.
Dermaplaning is essentially a very controlled, very precise shave that also exfoliates. Estheticians have done it as a facial for years; the at-home versions are shorter-bladed tools that mimic the technique. The result is an instantly smooth face that holds makeup noticeably better for about a week before the stubble comes back and the exfoliation wears off.
Pros
Instant smoothness — you feel the difference in 2 minutes. The exfoliation step means makeup and skincare products absorb better. Painless. Works on all skin tones and all hair types including peach fuzz. At-home tools are $40 to $80 for the full kit. Good option for people laser skips.
Cons
Weekly to biweekly upkeep — stubble returns in 3 to 7 days. Small nick risk, especially with at-home tools and first-timers. Should not be done over active acne, cold sores, sunburn, or broken skin. The "hair grows back thicker" worry is a myth but the stubble feels stubbly for a day or two. If your skin is sensitive or you have rosacea, patch-test on the jawline first.
4Depilatory creams$10–15
Chemical dissolvers that break down the keratin in the hair shaft at the surface.
Depilatory creams contain alkaline chemicals (thioglycolates) that weaken the protein structure of the hair so you can wipe it away. The result is smooth skin that lasts a few days longer than shaving because the break is slightly below the skin surface. On facial skin — which is thinner and more sensitive than leg or underarm skin — they're a more aggressive tool than the price tag suggests.
Pros
Cheap. Fast — most face-specific formulas work in 4 to 8 minutes. No blade, so no nick risk. Regrowth is slightly slower than shaving because the break is below the skin surface. Drugstore-available.
Cons
Strong chemical smell. Burns and skin reactions are common on sensitive facial skin — even with face-specific formulas. Not safe near the eyes or inside the nose. Not safe during pregnancy without doctor sign-off. Patch test behind the ear 48 hours before first full use. Regrowth in 3 to 5 days. Does not slow regrowth at the follicle — the next hair is on its way back before the skin has fully recovered.
5Shaving, waxing or threading$5–40
The classic physical-removal trio. Cheapest, fastest — and the shortest-lived.
These are grouped together because they share the same tradeoff: cheap, fast, and temporary. Shaving cuts hair at the surface (regrowth in 1 to 3 days, razor-bump risk). Waxing pulls hair from the follicle (regrowth in 2 to 4 weeks, painful, ingrown risk). Threading twists cotton thread to pull multiple hairs at once (regrowth in 2 to 3 weeks, very precise — best for eyebrows and upper lip).
Pros
All three are cheap to start (a razor pack, a wax kit, or a threading appointment). Fast — 2 to 10 minutes. Work on all hair types and skin tones. Waxing and threading last longer than shaving because the hair is pulled from below the surface. Good fallback when you need smooth skin in 5 minutes for an event.
Cons
All three are entirely temporary — none of them address regrowth. Shaving causes razor bumps and ingrown hairs with frequent use, especially on the upper lip and chin. Waxing pulls the skin's top layer off with the hair and is risky after retinol or active acne. Threading hurts on the upper lip. Repeated waxing over years can weaken the follicle slightly, but not reliably.
Tips that multiply every method
- Always apply SPF 30+ after any hair removal. All methods irritate the skin barrier and increase photosensitivity — hyperpigmentation is the most common post-removal complaint.
- Exfoliate 1 to 2 times per week. Gentle exfoliation prevents ingrown hairs and lets products penetrate better. Skip exfoliation for 48 hours immediately after waxing or dermaplaning.
- Track your menstrual cycle. Facial hair growth peaks 2 to 3 days before your period when androgens rise — timing a dermaplane or wax for that week gives the longest smoothness.
- Combine methods intentionally. Glide daily + occasional dermaplaning gives the fastest visible smoothness. Glide daily + a laser course gives the deepest long-term reduction. Don't stack depilatory creams and waxing in the same week — the skin needs recovery time.
- Avoid retinol for 24 hours before and after any mechanical removal. Retinol thins the top layer of skin; combining with waxing or dermaplaning is how you end up with tiny tears.
- If growth suddenly increased, see a doctor. A rapid increase in facial hair (hirsutism) can signal PCOS, a thyroid issue, or hormonal shift. This is a medical issue first and a skincare issue second.
Warnings
- Never use depilatory creams near the eyes or on broken skin. Face-specific formulas are safer than body formulas, but the chemicals are still alkaline enough to cause chemical burns.
- Don't laser over moles, recent tans, or during pregnancy. Laser can damage pigmented lesions and is not cleared for use in pregnancy.
- Patch-test every new product for 48 hours behind the ear. This applies to CRYO serums, depilatory creams, and new wax formulas alike.
- Stop any product if burning or redness persists beyond 48 hours. Mild tingling on application is normal; prolonged irritation is not.
- See a doctor for sudden-onset facial hair. Hirsutism can signal PCOS, thyroid dysfunction, or hormonal shifts that need medical attention — not skincare.
Frequently asked questions
How fast will I see results?
Shaving, dermaplaning and depilatory creams give instant smoothness with regrowth in 1 to 5 days. Waxing and threading last 2 to 4 weeks.
Laser requires 6 to 8 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart before you see durable reduction. CRYO serums show visible regrowth reduction at around 4 weeks of daily use — 51% of users in clinical testing.
Will my facial hair grow back thicker if I shave?
No. This is one of the most persistent skincare myths. Shaving cuts the hair shaft flat at the surface, which can feel stubbly for a day or two, but it does not change hair diameter, color or density. The hair that grows back is exactly the same as what was there.
The confusion comes from the fact that new stubble has a blunt tip (from the blade cut) vs the tapered tip of a never-cut hair. Blunt feels thicker; it isn't.
Is a CRYO facial hair serum safe on the upper lip, chin and cheeks?
Yes. CRYO serums are formulated for the face and are safe on the upper lip, chin and cheeks. Avoid the inside of the mouth, broken skin, active acne, and the eye area itself.
Patch-test behind the ear for 24 hours before the first full-face use. Start with once-daily application for the first week and build up to morning and night.
Does this work on peach fuzz?
Dermaplaning removes peach fuzz instantly and is the most effective surface method. CRYO serums slow peach-fuzz regrowth over 4+ weeks of daily use.
Laser typically struggles with peach fuzz — the fine, light-pigment hair doesn't absorb enough laser energy to damage the follicle. If peach fuzz is the main concern, laser is usually a poor choice.
Is laser hair removal better than a CRYO serum?
They solve different problems. Laser is closer to permanent reduction (for the right hair-and-skin contrast) but costs $1,500 to $3,000 and needs 6 to 8 clinic sessions.
CRYO serums slow regrowth for daily at-home use, work on peach fuzz and all skin tones, and cost under $100. Many women use both — laser for permanent reduction of coarse hair, CRYO for the peach fuzz laser misses.
Can I use Glide while waxing or dermaplaning?
Yes, with a 24-hour gap. Wait at least one day after waxing, threading or dermaplaning before applying any serum, to let the skin barrier recover.
Once the skin is calm, daily CRYO serum use slows the regrowth so you can stretch the time between wax or dermaplane appointments — which is the most common way long-term users combine methods.
NU:YU Editorial Team
Skincare writers & formulation reviewers
Our editorial team reviews products in-house before writing about them. We test at-home hair removal tools, drugstore creams and clinical services on real human skin, not in a lab. We work with licensed estheticians and chemists when fact-checking ingredient and safety claims, and we flag honest tradeoffs on every method — including our own product.
Try our #1 pick
60-day money-back guarantee. Free US shipping on 2+ bottles. $67 per bottle.
Learn more about Glide CRYO Serum →