Facial hair is completely normal. Everyone gets it, and it’s totally at your own discretion if you choose to remove it or not. However, if you do opt to get rid of unwanted hair, you’ll want to make sure you’re using a good, reputable tool. Luckily, these days, the market is full of options to turn to, and according to professionals, the best devices for facial hair removal run the gamut from drugstore disposables to high-tech tools.
First and foremost, before you even pick up your preferred device, cleansing the skin is a must. “Make sure the skin is free from any dirt and grime,” Dr. Harshal, MD, a practicing clinical and aesthetic dermatologist, tells TZR. She also stresses that shaving or trimming hair on dry skin is a big no-no. “Apply a few drops of a light, hydrating moisturizer [before using the device] — this just really smoothes and softens the skin, eliminating any friction,” she explains. “It also prevents irritation and redness from the hair removal device rubbing against dry skin.”
Additionally, Dr. Hope Mitchell, M.D., FAAD, founder and CEO of Mitchell Dermatology, recommends using a gentle exfoliator on the skin prior to hair removal. “Exfoliate the areas you wish to de-fuzz 24 hours before you plan to carry out the treatment,” the dermatologist tells TZR. “This will remove any dead skin cells, [which will] make for a cleaner removal and help to prevent ingrown hairs.”
Aftercare is equally important, too. Once you’re done using your device, Dr. Harshal says to splash your face with water. “Pat it dry and apply a soothing moisturizer containing aloe vera, panthenol, or other such calming ingredients,” she adds. “This helps calm the skin down and prevents any redness and irritation.” And of course, don’t forget to apply sunscreen!
As of late, a popular way of removing facial hair is at-home dermaplaning with a device from brands like Dermaflash and StackedSkincare. “Dermaplaning is a method of physical exfoliation that uses a sterile scalpel to gently shave off the top layer of dead skin of the stratum corneum and fine vellus hair,” Dr. Corey L. Hartman, founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama, tells TZR. “It provides a smooth skin surface that allows for more effective absorption of active ingredients in skin care products and a shiny, healthy glow.” The dermatologist says dermaplaning is ideal for those who have peach fuzz, mild discoloration, or skin that appears dull but not inflamed with active acne or rosacea.
Ahead, find the best facial devised on the market, according to dermatologists. Good news: Some of these product recommendations ring in under $10.
Philips
Precision Perfect Compact Precision Trimmer
Dr. Harshal believes a facial trimmer is the safest option for those with sensitive skin. “Since the device superficially glides across the skin, it trims hair just above the surface, without scraping the superficial skin layers,” she explains. For this, and any devices, she says to stick to a reputable brand, like Philips. This Precision Perfect Compact Precision Trimmer from the brand gently removes hair on the face and around the eyebrows.
Panasonic
Facial Hair Trimmer
Dr. Mitchell loves Panasonic’s Facial Hair Trimmer, and uses it herself. “The Panasonic Facial Hair Trimmer for Women has a head that pivots and grabs all the pesky hairs under the nose and around the mouth,” she explains. “I love the eyebrow attachment for touch-ups!”
StackedSkincare
Dermaplaning Tool
“[I recommend] StackedSkincare’s Dermaplaning Tool because it is ergonomic and reusable offering the best overall design to ensure a smooth skin surface with little risk,” Dr. Hartman says.
Schick
Hydro Silk Touch-Up Multipurpose Exfoliating Facial Razor
Dr. Debra Jaliman, a board-certified dermatologist in New York and Assistant Professor of Dermatology Icahan School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, likes Schick’s Hydro Silk Touch-Up Multipurpose Exfoliating Facial Razor. “They are cost effective and do the job,” she explains. “You can use it to shape your eyebrows which you can’t do with most of the other hair removal tools. This beauty tool also exfoliates your skin while safely removing the fine hairs from your face.”
Tria
Hair Removal Laser 4X
“The Tria Laser targets the pigment in the hair follicle just like professional lasers in doctors’ offices,” Dr. Jaliman explains. “It is one of the most powerful at-home hair removal systems.” Plus, the dermatologist notes that this devise is FDA cleared. “[It] uses diode laser technology which works more efficiently than lasers with different technology,” she adds.
Venus
Radiant Skin Starter Kit
Dr. Michelle Henry, founder of the new Skin & Aesthetics Surgery of Manhattan and clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College, suggests Venus’ new Radiant Skin Starter kit. “It’s made specifically for sensitive skin types,” the dermatologist tells TZR. While it’s intended for the legs, Dr. Henry says because it’s meant for sensitive skin and comes with an Olay moisturizer, if one wants to use it on the face they could.
Tweezerman
Bright Complexion Facial Dermaplaner
Dr. Hartman says Tweezerman’s Bright Complexion Facial Dermaplaner is a great device for those who are unsteady, unsure, or just starting out. “It keeps safety at the forefront with a thick, easy to use handle,” he notes.
Dermaflash
LUXE Dermaplaning Exfoliation & Peach Fuzz Removal Device
Dr. Hartman notes that Dermaflash’s LUXE device is a splurge, however, he thinks it’s worth it. “This devise most closely mimics the results and design of in-office treatments with a lower chance of side effects,” the dermatologist explains.
Shiseido
3 Piece Prepare Facial Razor
Dr. Marisa Garshick, MD, board-certified dermatologist in New York City, suggests trying Shiseido’s Prepare Facial Razor. She says these razors are small enough to help get harder to reach areas and easy to maneuver, but are still effective.
Flawless
Instant and Painless Facial Hair Remover
“For an electric razor option, the Finishing Touch Flawless Hair remover is a good option that helps gently remove hair, but leave the skin feeling smooth after,” Dr. Garshick says.