Hair removal methods compared (2026): shaving, waxing, epilating or IPL?
There are several ways to remove hair, but not every method gives the same result. Whether you go for a quick shave or long-term hair reduction at home, the choice depends on your skin, your budget and how much time you want to invest.
| Method | Result | Pain | Price | At home? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shaving | 1–3 days | None | € low | Yes |
| Waxing | 3–6 weeks | Moderate | €/€€ | Yes / salon |
| Epilating | 3–6 weeks | High | € one-off | Yes |
| Laser (salon) | Long-lasting | Moderate | €€€€ | No |
| IPL at home | Long-lasting | Light | €€ one-off | Yes |
What are the differences?
Shaving
Fast, cheap, stubble back within 1–3 days
- Fast method
- Low cost
- Short-lived results (1-3 days)
Waxing
3–6 weeks of smoothness, painful, risk of ingrown hairs
- Long-lasting results (3-6 weeks)
- Painful process
- Risk of ingrown hairs
Epilating
Comparable result to waxing, more painful when epilating wet
- Comparable to waxing
- More painful when used wet
- Suitable for home use
Laser (salon)
Effective but €500–2,000+ per course, not possible at home
- Highly effective
- High cost (€500-2000+)
- Salon only
IPL
Buy once, months of results without a salon appointment
- A one-off investment
- Long-lasting results
- Can be used at home
Which method suits you?
When do you choose IPL?
-
Suitable for light to medium skin types (I–IV). Skin type V suitable to a limited extent, VI not suitable.
-
A one-off investment, no recurring salon costs
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Requires 8–12 weeks of treatment for visible results
-
Ideal for anyone wanting lasting results without shaving daily
Frequently asked questions about IPL
Is IPL more painful than waxing?
No, most people find IPL less painful than waxing. With waxing the hair is physically pulled out of the skin, which gives an immediate jolt of pain. IPL works with light flashes that heat the hair follicle, which most people experience as a light tingling.
The Nova One IPL also has a built-in cooling function, which makes the session extra comfortable compared with other devices. See the full comparison: IPL vs waxing, which is better?
Which skin types does IPL work on?
Not for every skin and every hair. IPL works best on light skin with dark hair; the contrast between skin and hair is what counts. On very dark skin tones (V–VI) the skin itself absorbs too much light, which makes the treatment less effective and increases the risk of irritation. And very light, grey or red hair contains too little pigment to respond well. Want to know exactly how IPL works and which skin types it suits? Read what IPL hair removal is and how it works. Or take a skin type test yourself.
How quickly do you see results with IPL at home?
After the first 2–3 sessions, hairs often fall out within 1–2 weeks. After 4–6 weeks hair growth becomes visibly less dense. The difference from waxing or epilating is that IPL addresses the hair follicle, not just the hair itself. That is why growth reduces further with each session. Important: treating consistently means seeing results sooner. Exactly how long hair stays away is covered in how long hair stays away with IPL, and why consistency matters so much is covered in why consistency matters with 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 uses a focused beam at one specific wavelength, more precise per flash, but only possible in a salon and with a price tag of €500 to €2,000+ per course. IPL uses a broader light spectrum and is developed for safe, affordable use at home. If you are torn between a salon treatment and IPL at home, salon or at-home IPL sets out the trade-off clearly.
Which IPL device is best?
That depends on what matters to you. For anyone who puts comfort and value for money first, the Nova One IPL stands out with a built-in cooling function and replaceable attachments — for considerably less than well-known brands such as Philips Lumea or Braun Silk-expert. Want to see the differences between the most popular IPL devices side by side? See the full IPL device overview.