After years of peach fuzz messing with my makeup, I realized the answer to my problem was simple: I needed one of the best facial hair removal products for a smoother canvas. Everyone has a fine layer of facial hair (a.k.a. vellus hair), but if it’s on the thicker side it can create a textured, cakey finish. There are various safe options to removing it like waxing, tweezing, dermaplaning, and epilating, but the “best choice depends on hair color, texture, and individual skin type,” says Brittany Waller, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in TK city. .
In my hunt to find the best option, I turned to dermatologists, makeup artists, and Glamour editors for their recommendations. After testing, the top pick overall was the Flamingo Refillable Dermaplane Razor, which editors love for its ultra-sharp, refillable, and reusable blade, as well as its weighty handle that makes it feel way more expensive than its $14 price tag suggests. We also fell in love with the Dermaflash Luxe+ Advanced Sonic Dermaplaning, an electric razor that whisks away hair and dead skin cells without irritation or nicks. Keep reading for in-depth reviews of the hair-removal products that earned our seal of approval.
The best facial hair removers for women, at a glance
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How we tested
We tested each facial hair removal product over multiple uses, focusing on ingredients, ease of use, and how smooth our skin felt after use. Glamour contributors evaluated how each product targeted facial hair—whether that means at the surface with a razor or depilatory formula, or a more intensive approach by removing the hair follicle by plucking or waxing. We paid attention to how skin looked and felt after continued use and favored those that made our skin softer and smoother without irritating it. The ones that made it to this list were tough on facial hair but gentle on our delicate skin and didn’t lead to redness, acne, or ingrown hairs.
Best Overall: Flamingo Refillable Dermaplane Razor
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- Why we like it: Fast; effective; under $20
- What’s worth noting: Some reviewers wish the razor folded shut instead of having a protective plastic cap that can fall off
This under-$20 face razor is a top pick among our testers. Skeptical about taking a blade to your face? “Shaving is the most effective method for removing hair, with the least side effects, which is great if you have sensitive skin,” says Melanie Abeyta, an aesthetic nurse practitioner, licensed master injector, longevity coach, and owner of Harmony Aesthetics Center. While you can find cheaper alternatives, it’s worth spending a few extra bucks on this pick. With its weighted handle and supersharp blade, this dermaplaning tool feels luxe and sweeps away markedly more hair and dead skin than the disposable razors our testers have tried in the past. Each blade lasts through multiple shaves as long as you clean the blade after each use and pop the protective cover on after you’re done.
Specs
- Best For: Everyone but don't use if you have active acne
- Type: Dermaplaning razor
- Wet/Dry Use: Dry (cleansed skin with moisturizer)
Tester notes from Glamour contributor Mary Honkus
“My peach fuzz can get really annoying. I know no one else notices it, but it bothers me and I know it’s time to grab my trusty dermaplaner when my makeup starts looking patchy,” says Glamour contributor Mary Honkus. “The Flamingo tool feels—and looks—luxe without the high-end price tag. I like how weighty it is, and the nonslip grip is a nice touch. I’m able to shave away all the fuzzies, and exfoliate in the process—and it takes less than five minutes.”
Best Tweezers: Tweezerman Slant Tweezers
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- Why we like it: Effective; precise; easy to use
- What’s worth noting: Takes a bit of practice; hold these at a slight angle for best results
When it comes to tweezing tools, this slender, slanted-tip tweezer reigns supreme. Our testers shout out its sleek tip and no-slip grip, which allows for effortless precision that pulls fine strands out right at the root. Use the sharper end of its tip to grab finer hairs and the flat slant to focus on larger clusters (just make sure not to pluck out too much when it comes to your eyebrows—less is more!).
Specs
- Best For: Everyone
- Type: Tweezers
- Wet/Dry Use: Dry
Tester notes from Glamour contributor Jennifer Hussein
“Whenever a rogue brow or chin hair pops up, I can always count on these tweezers to pluck them away with haste,” says Glamour contributor Jennifer Hussein. “Each pluck is so satisfying and pulls out the full hair, follicle and all, so I don’t have to fret about pore-clogging ingrown hairs as they grow out.”
Best for Upper Lip: Gillette Venus Mini Facial Hair Remover
- Why we like it: Gentle; easy to use; travel-friendly
- What’s worth noting: Requires multiple rounds to remove hair; better for smaller areas
Abeyta recommends this shaver “because it’s small enough to travel with and glides easily around the contour of your face, targeting fine facial hair.” The device is battery-powered and comes with a tiny, dual-ended brush you can use to clean the head between uses. It’s also equipped with an LED light so you can easily spot stray eyebrow and chin hairs.
Specs
- Best For: Upper lip and chin hair; larger areas
- Type: Electric trimmer
- Wet/Dry Use: Dry
Tester notes from Glamour contributor Ariel Wodarcyk
“I particularly liked this option for shaving smaller areas of my face, like the tiny hairs closest to my upper lip or the fuzz between my brows,” says Glamour contributor Ariel Wodarcyk. “The blades were gentle and didn’t drag, even when I forgot to prep my skin with a cream or serum before use. Because of its size and gentleness, though, it was less effective at quickly removing peach fuzz on the larger planes of my face, like my cheeks. Still, I’ll definitely pop this in my makeup bag before my next trip.”
Best Dermaplaner: Kitsch Dermaplaning Tool
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- Why we like it: Easy to use; inexpensive; comes in a multipack
- What’s worth noting: Best for small areas of the face
“This is a great tool for removing facial hair and dead skin. Plus, the handle is angled for ease of use around the face,” says Abeyta. Compared to other plastic dermaplaners we’ve tried, this one weighed slightly more, making it feel sturdier and easier to navigate around the corners of our mouths and brows. In a pinch, this is a fast, effective way to slough off dead skin cells and remove small amounts of facial hair, especially if you just want to do a quick touch-up before you apply makeup. For larger areas of the face, we still find an electric shaving tool faster and gentler.
Specs
- Best For: Small amounts of facial hair like upper lip
- Type: Dermaplaning razor
- Wet/Dry Use: Dry
Tester notes from Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle
“I’ve been using Kitsch dermaplaning blades for years and it’s always been a gentle and quick routine. It removes my peach fuzz without causing irritation and it’s great for exfoliation. I can feel product effectively being absorbed and my hair doesn’t grow back thicker after using. I only use it about once a month when I feel like my makeup is looking a bit cakey,” says Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle.
Best Cream: Nair Hair Removal Cream for Face & Upper Lip
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- Why we like it: Moisturizing; no pain; affordable
- What’s worth noting: May irritate sensitive skin
Dr. Waller’s preferred approach to hair removal is a depilatory cream, which dissolves the hair at the surface of the skin for a smoother, softer feel. One of her favorite formulas is this one from Nair, which is packed with moisturizing almond oil to condition skin as it melts away finer hairs. “It’s perfect for beginners who want effective results without the fuss,” she says.
Before trying a depilatory cream, Dr. Waller suggests patch testing on a small area to make sure the formula won’t irritate your skin. “It’s a quick step that saves you from redness and irritation before going all in,” she notes.
Specs
- Best For: Most skin types except extremely sensitive or acne-prone skin
- Type: Depilatory cream
- Wet/Dry Use: Dry
Tester notes from Glamour commerce writer, Alanna Martine Kilkeary
“I’ve been using Nair since I was about 12 years old, thanks to my mom, who’s a long time fan of the brand. While my youthful experiences with the product weren’t as pleasant (due to the fact that I was probably using the cream incorrectly and too consistently), I’ve now got a handle on how to use it and it’s become a staple in my cabinet. The newer formulas (compared to the ones I used in the early aughts), are also a lot more soothing than their predecessors, thanks to added hydrating ingredients like almond oil. When I use this, it never irritates or causes redness on my upper lip or chin— instead the hair glides away with ease and I’m left with smooth, stubble-free skin,” says Glamour commerce writer, Alanna Martine Kilkeary.
Best for Sensitive Skin: Schick Hydro Silk Dermaplaning Wand Professional Style
- Why we like it: Ergonomic grip; lightweight; comes with refills that should last up to half a year
- What’s worth noting: Very sharp, be gentle when using
A manual, single-blade dermaplaning option like Schick’s Hydro Silk Dermaplaning Wand Professional Style allows for more precision and a closer shave without irritating sensitive skin types. This disposable dermaplaning razor is a favorite among dermatologists like Marisa Garshick, MD, for first-time users and the more seasoned alike. “This wand glides easily while the silicone grip makes it easy to control and maneuver,” she says.
It comes with six blade refills, each fitted with tiny safety guards that allow for comfortably close contact as it rids skin of dulling dead cells and unwanted facial hair.
Specs
- Best For: All skin types, including sensitive
- Type: Dermaplaning razor
- Wet/Dry Use: Dry
Tester notes from Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley
Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley says she liked the feel of the weighted metal handle, which is not nearly as flimsy as similar options, and its contoured design that makes it easier to control. “My face is perfectly fuzz-free and my skin feels soft after weekly sessions,” she says.
Best Electric Face Shaver: Dermaflash Luxe+ Advanced Sonic Dermaplaning
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- Why we like it: Gives a super-close shave; easy to use; effective exfoliant; cute packaging
- What’s worth noting: Expensive; blades not recommended for multiple uses
Abeyta called this tool “a foolproof way to remove excess hair without fear of nicking the skin.” The Dermaflash Luxe+ comes with a charging cord, a light exfoliating gel for skin prep, and four blades. It has two levels of intensity that you can switch between with the press of a button. Used with the included prep gel or another light moisturizer, the blade glides, not drags, across my face for fuzz-free results every time. There’s just one issue—the brand recommends swapping the blade each time you shave. The refill kit is $29 for a four-week supply or $87 for 12 weeks.
Specs
- Best For: Everyone
- Type: Electric dermaplaning razor
- Wet/Dry Use: Dry
Tester notes from Glamour contributor Ariel Wodarcyk
“I’ve had my eye on this electric dermaplaner for a while now. After several weeks of testing, it’s a new staple in my routine,” says Glamour’s Wodarcyk. “I have sensitive skin, so I stuck to the most gentle mode. Each time I used it, I was amazed by how soft, smooth, and most importantly, hair-free my skin was. I realized I preferred using an electric trimmer over a manual tool because there’s less risk of nicking myself. My complexion is glowing, my makeup isn’t cakey, and most importantly, I don’t have to worry about the hair on my cheeks, chin, or upper lip. To avoid repurchasing a refill kit, I’ve been going against the brand’s instructions by carefully cleansing used blades with an alcohol wipe—so far, they’ve still worked well and I haven’t had any irritation.”
Best for Coarse Hair: Billie Dermaplane Starter Kit
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- Why we like it: Affordable; compact; can handle thicker hair without cutting skin
- What’s worth noting: Need to replace blade after two shaves
For those with thicker facial hair, Jeannette Graf, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, recommends this dermplaning razor, which is developed to easily shave thick chin, brow, and upper lip hairs without cutting your skin. “This product is easy to use at home to gently remove facial hair, and is said to be suitable for all skin types,” she says. When shaving coarser hair, Dr. Graf suggests cleaning it with alcohol before use and using it on damp skin for a smoother glide.
Specs
- Best For: Everyone
- TYPE: Dermaplaning razor
- Wet/Dry Use: Dry/damp
Tester notes from Glamour’s Kilkeary
“Dermplaning excess gunk and hair off my face has done great things for my acne-prone skin, and this razor is one of my favorites. It’s lightweight, easy to use and flexible enough to use on hard to reach areas like under the nose and on the side of the chin. The blade is gentle as well, and doesn’t leave my skin red or sensitive. After incorporating this into my routine at least twice a month, my skin is smoother and I’ve noticed less breakouts, too,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary.
Best At-Home Wax: Wakse Ultimate Face & Body Waxing Kit
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- Why we like it: Removes hair at the root; long-lasting results
- What’s worth noting: Can be painful
This kit contains everything you need to wax at home: hard wax beads, a microwaveable cup, and a reusable applicator. Unlike soft wax, which requires cloth strips to rip the hairs out, this wax is applied directly to the skin and hardens into a strip of its own. Hadley King, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Hadley King Dermatology, prefers hard wax because it “adheres to the hairs, rather than to the skin,” so you can wax regularly with less risk of irritation. “It’s gentler, less painful, and less messy, because it’s easier to remove and there won’t be a residue left behind,” she says. Bonus: Wakse’s kit can be used for your face and body, so you can get head-to-toe smoothness in one waxing session.
Specs
- Best For: Most skin types but there's a learning curve
- Format: Hard wax kit
- Wet/Dry Use: Dry
Frequently asked questions
Which method is best for facial hair removal for women?
The best hair removal method will vary based on your skin type and where you’re looking to remove hair. Here are a few of the most popular options.
Dermaplaning
“Dermaplaning is the use of a single-blade razor on dry skin. It is a way to exfoliate, getting rid of the top layer of dead skin cells and those pesky, fine vellus hairs,” says Jodi LoGerfo, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, a doctor of nursing practice and family nurse practitioner at Orentreich Medical Group. She recommends dermaplaning as a gentle option to remove hair on all skin types.
“I absolutely recommend dermaplaning,” says makeup artist Shreni Patel. “Because it gently takes off excess hair and dead skin cells, it creates a better canvas for not only makeup but better skin care absorption. Makeup goes on so much smoother and doesn’t cling to any peach fuzz or skin patches. My favorite part is that you can do it at home—and it’s painless.”
Oil-planing
Your favorite face oil can also act as a shaving oil of sorts for your dermaplaning routine, according to Dr. LoGerfo. “Oil-planing is dermaplaning after the application of an oil. It is considered a gentler way to dermaplane,” says Dr. LoGerfo. “Some benefits of oil-planing is that the razor glides more easily after the oil is applied (as opposed to using a dermaplaning razor on dry, rough skin). It more gently removes dead skin cells and facial hair and is a great way to dermaplane on older skin or skin that is more sensitive.”
Tweezing
Tweezers are intended to precisely pluck individual stray hairs. They’re great for removing stray hairs on the chin or upper lip, as well as the brows. They are not recommended for removing peach fuzz or for use on large areas.
Waxing
“Waxing eliminates both vellus and terminal hairs (the dark, thick hair that covers our body). It is longer-lasting than shaving or chemical depilatories because the hairs are removed from the bulb,” says Dr. LoGerfo. “Some advantages to waxing include that it can slow the rate of regrowth compared to shaving or depilatories and it is advantageous to wax larger areas.”
When waxing your face at home, Dr. LoGerfo recommends exercising caution. “Some issues that can occur after waxing include folliculitis (inflammation of the hair follicle), burns, irritation to the skin, and allergies,” she says. If you are on Accutane, she recommends avoiding waxing altogether. If you use retinol, it’s recommended to discontinue use several days before and after you wax.
Epilating
Epilators use hundreds of tiny tweezers to pull multiple hairs from the root at once. The higher the tweezer head count, the faster the epilator will be able to remove the hairs. Epilators are typically preferred for removing body hair rather than facial hair, since they’re bigger than most facial trimmers. There are also cream-based epilators, also known as depilatory creams, which dissolve hair at the root.
How do you prepare for facial hair removal?
Proper prep is essential for avoiding irritation and ingrown hairs, whether you choose to shave, wax, or pluck. “You should always cleanse the area you are going to remove the hair from thoroughly with a gentle cleanser,” says Dr. LoGerfo. “Lightly exfoliating is also helpful. You can do this the day before hair removal.” If you plan to shave or dermaplane, you can apply an oil or a light moisturizer before doing so.
As for waxing, you should only apply wax to clean, dry skin in order for the wax to adhere properly. “Before waxing, make sure your hair is about one-fourth to three-fourths of an inch long,” says Dr. King. “Trim it if it’s longer to make the process less messy and painful.” Heat up the wax according to the package instructions, then test a small amount on your wrist before applying to your face. “It should feel warm but should not hurt or burn,” she says.
What do dermatologists recommend for facial hair removal?
Dr. Waller says shaving and depilatory creams are easy at-home options, while waxing, epilating, dermaplaning, and threading take a bit more skill but can deliver excellent results. With all of the options available, Dr. Graf suggests choosing a method based on your skin sensitivity and skin type. “For those with sensitive skin, opt for methods such as dermaplaning,” she says.
Another option both Dr. Graf and Dr. Waller recommend for more long-term results is in-office laser hair removal. “For lasting hair reduction, laser hair removal or electrolysis are worth considering,” says Dr. Waller. If you want to go this in-office route, both suggest consulting a dermatologist to confirm you’re a suitable candidate and to discuss the safest option for your skin type.
Should you pluck chin hair?
Contrary to popular belief, Dr. Waller says plucking your chin hairs is totally OK and won’t lead to more hair growth in the long run. “Plucking chin hair is completely fine and it won’t make hair grow back thicker, darker, or faster,” she says. “It’s a quick, effective way to tidy areas like chin or brows when needed.”
With that being said, Dr. Graf suggests plucking occasionally, as frequent plucking in the long run can cause ingrown hairs and hyperpigmentation. “For recurring chin hairs, you should opt for a more long-term solution like laser hair removal,” she adds.
Can peach fuzz grow back stubbly after dermaplaning?
While it’s a great way to gently remove peach fuzz and dead skin cells, dermaplaning can lead to a stubbly texture when the hair begins to grow out. “Because hair is cut at the surface, regrowth may feel slightly stubbly for the first few days, but it’s completely normal and temporary,” says Dr. Waller.
Meet the experts
- Brittany Waller, MD, a board-certified dermatologist
- Jeannette Graf, MD, a board-certified dermatologist
- Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist
- Melanie Abeyta, an aesthetic nurse practitioner, licensed master injector, longevity coach, and owner of Harmony Aesthetics Center
- Jodi LoGerfo, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, a doctor of nursing practice and family nurse practitioner at Orentreich Medical Group
- Shreni Patel, a makeup artist
- Hadley King, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Hadley King Dermatology