Comparing Hair Removal Methods (2026): shaving, waxing, epilating, or IPL?
Hair removal can be done in several ways, but not every method gives the same result. Whether you choose quick shaving or permanent hair removal at home: the choice depends on your skin, budget, and how much time you want to invest.
| Method | Result | Pain | Price | At home? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shave | 1-3 days | None | € low | Yes |
| Waxing | 3–6 weeks | Moderate | €/€€ | Yes / hair salon |
| Epilation | 3–6 weeks | High | € one-time | Yes |
| Laser Treatment (salon) | Long-term | Moderate | €€€€ | No |
| IPL at home | Long-term | Light | €€ one-off | Yes |
What are the differences?
Shave
Quick, cheap, stubble back after only 1–3 days
- Quick method
- Low cost
- Quick result (1-3 days)
To wax
3–6 weeks of smoothness, painful, risk of ingrown hairs
- Long-lasting results (3-6 weeks)
- Painful process
- Risk of ingrown hairs
Epilation
Similar result as waxing, more painful with wet epilation
- Similar to waxing
- More painful when wet
- Applicable at home
Laser Hair Removal (salon)
Effective, but €500–2000+ per session, not possible at home
- Very effective
- High costs (€500-2000+)
- Only available in salon
IPL
Buy once, enjoy months of results without a salon appointment
- One-off investment
- Long-lasting result
- For home use
Which method suits you?
When do you choose IPL?
-
Suitable for light to medium skin types (I–IV)
-
One-time investment, no recurring salon costs
-
Requires 8–12 weeks of treatment for visible results
-
Ideal for those who want long-lasting results without daily shaving
Frequently Asked Questions about IPL
Is IPL more painful than waxing?
No, most people find IPL less painful than waxing. Waxing physically pulls the hair from the skin, which causes an immediate pain sensation. IPL works with light flashes that heat the hair follicle, which most people experience as a slight tingling sensation.
The Nova One IPL also has a built-in cooling function, making the treatment extra comfortable compared to other devices. View the full comparison: IPL vs waxing, what's better?
Does IPL work on all skin types?
Not for all skin types. IPL works best on fair skin with dark hair – the contrast between skin and hair is essential. On very dark skin tones, the skin itself absorbs too much light, making the treatment less effective and increasing the risk of irritation. Very light, grey, or red hair contains too little pigment for a good reaction. Do you want to know exactly how IPL works and for which skin types it is suitable? Then read what IPL hair removal is and how it works.
How quickly do you see results with at-home IPL?
After the first 2-3 treatments, hair often falls out within 1-2 weeks. After 4-6 weeks, hair growth becomes visibly less dense. The difference with waxing or epilating is that IPL targets the hair follicle, not just the hair itself. As a result, growth decreases further with each session. Important: those who treat consistently see faster results. How long hair stays away exactly can be read in how long does hair stay away with IPL, and why regularity is so crucial can be found in why consistency is important in IPL hair removal.
What is the difference between IPL and laser?
Both methods use light to damage the hair follicle, but they work differently. Laser hair removal uses a focused beam of light at one specific wavelength, which is more precise per flash, but is only possible in a salon and comes with a price tag of €500 to €2000+ per course. IPL uses a broader spectrum of light and is designed for safe and affordable home use. For those torn between a salon treatment and home IPL, salon or home IPL clearly explains the considerations.
Which IPL device is the best?
This depends on what you value most. For those prioritizing comfort and value for money, the Nova One IPL stands out with its built-in cooling function and replaceable attachments — for significantly less than well-known salon brands like Philips Lumea or Braun Silk-expert. Want to see the differences between the most popular IPL devices side-by-side? View the full IPL device overview.