The Real Summer Hair Removal Showdown: IPL, Epilators, Shaving + More

What’s smooth, potentially painful, and totally worth it? This list.

When the weather heats up, finding the right summer hair removal methods can make all the difference. Whether you’re poolside, road-tripping, or just vibing in shorts, unwanted body hair can feel like a chore — and the old-school razor just isn’t cutting it anymore (literally).

From high-tech IPL zappers to epilators that lowkey torture your follicles (in the name of beauty), there are options for every pain threshold and budget. We did all the research — and some painful testing — so you don’t have to.

This is your ultimate breakdown of summer hair removal methods:

Spoiler: IPL + Epilator = the 1-2 punch combo for serious results.

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Best IPL Device:
Ulike Air 10

If smooth skin with minimal effort sounds like your kind of dream, meet your new bestie: the Ulike Air 10 IPL device. This little miracle uses Intense Pulsed Light to zap hair at the root — slowing regrowth with every session. It’s FDA-cleared, designed for sensitive areas, and doesn’t overheat like some older models.

The key? Consistency. Stick to the routine and you’ll see legit long-term reduction — especially if you have dark hair and lighter skin.

Pro Tip: IPL works best on darker hair. For leftover fine hairs? That’s where your epilator comes in. More on that next.

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Best Epilator:
Braun Silk-épil 9 Flex

If IPL is the brains of hair removal, the Braun Silk-épil 9 Flex is the muscle. It has a fully flexible head, 40 micro-grip tweezers, and multiple attachments — including a shaver head — making it a total overachiever.

Now let’s talk pain:

• Some people swear it doesn’t hurt at all.
• Others compare it to medieval torture.
• The truth? It depends on your device and your tolerance.

Here’s what makes a difference:

• More tweezers = fewer passes
• Fewer passes = faster sessions + less pain
• High-quality device = better results, fewer ingrowns

Yup, ingrowns are a big reason people switch from shaving. And yes, it’s totally normal to see a little blood from the follicle — especially the first few times.

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Runner-Up IPL Device: Braun Silk-expert Pro 5

Slightly more affordable than the Ulike Air 10 but still a standout, the Braun Silk-expert Pro 5 is a go-to IPL device we’ve had in rotation here at Avenlii since 2020. It automatically adjusts to your skin tone and delivers up to 125 flashes per minute — making full-leg sessions quick and painless(ish).

Fans love it for larger areas like the legs and arms, but it’s also great for underarms and more sensitive spots thanks to its precision mode.

If you’re new to IPL, this device is beginner-friendly, effective, and shows noticeable results in just a few weeks of consistent use.

When it comes to summer hair removal methods, the Braun Pro 5 proves you don’t have to break the bank for long-lasting smoothness. It’s a strong runner-up to the Ulike, and a smart investment for anyone getting serious about IPL.

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Runner-Up Epilator: Philips 8000 Series

If Braun is the gold standard, Philips 8000 is the stylish runner-up that still gets the job done. With 70,000 hair-catching actions per minute, it’s fast, efficient, and surprisingly gentle for an epilator.

Bonus: The textured grip and sleek design make it easy to maneuver on trickier spots (like the bikini line or behind the knees).

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Best Electric Shaver: Panasonic Close Curves

Not quite ready to zap or pluck? No worries. The Panasonic Close Curves 3-Blade Shaver gives you a smooth, pain-free option with the bonus of a pop-up trimmer — perfect for bikini lines, touch-ups, or lazy Sunday maintenance. It’s cordless, wet/dry friendly, and super gentle on sensitive skin.

This mint-colored must-have is ideal for anyone easing into hair removal or looking for a no-fuss option that works fast.

Electric Shavers: Built-In Bonus

Did you know some epilators come with electric shaver attachments? The Braun 9 Flex, for example, includes one so you can shave or epilate depending on your mood (or your pain tolerance that day).

Electric shavers are perfect for:

• Quick touch-ups
• Sensitive skin days
• Areas you’re not ready to epilate yet (no shame)

They’re also pain-free, cordless, and ideal for travel.

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Best Razor for Traditional Shaving: Billie

Not ready to commit to light beams or whirring tweezers? Keep it classic with a Billie razor — a budget-friendly fav that’s earned cult status for a reason.

It’s affordable, effective, and designed to reduce razor burn + ingrown hairs, which is honestly half the battle with traditional shaving. If you’re still using pink plastic razors from the drugstore, this is your sign.

The low profile, wall mounted, magnetic holder — chefs kiss. Gone is the day of cleaning up gunk or razor heads getting stuck to your shower.

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Waxing: For the Brave + Bold

Waxing will always have its place — especially before trips or big events — but let’s be real: it hurts. Like “brace yourself and scream into a towel” levels of hurt. That said, the smoothness lasts weeks, and for some, that’s worth it.

Just know:

• You’ll need some regrowth before you wax again
• DIY kits exist, but proceed with caution
• Redness, bumps, and irritation can happen

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Quick Cream Fix: Veet Professional 2-Minute Cream

If you’re allergic to pain but still want smooth skin fast, meet Veet Professional 2‑Minute Hair Removal Cream.

This thick, shea‑butter-enriched gel works in minutes — literally just 2 to 6 minutes on your skin — dissolving even tough hairs. It comes with a handy spatula that makes cleanup easy and controlled.

Why people love it:

• Leaves skin moisturized and smooth for days
• Compared favorably to old-school Nair for having a less intense chemical smell
• Fast, painless results — no razor burn or ingrown hairs, just swipe and go

Just note:

• Some users report slight irritation or burning if left on too long
• Hair may come back faster than waxing (though slower than shaving) based on thickness

Sensitive skin? Give their Sensitive formula a try.

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So… Which Summer Hair Removal Method Is Right for You?

Final Thoughts

With so many summer hair removal methods to choose from, it’s all about finding the one(s) that fit your lifestyle — and pain tolerance.

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. But if you’re tired of razor bumps, daily upkeep, and stubble that shows up before lunch, it might be time to upgrade to a IPL + epilator combo.

Whatever you choose, prep your skin, exfoliate regularly, and always moisturize after. Summer skin starts with smooth confidence — and a hair removal routine that actually works for you.

Learn more summer skincare tips in our Skincare section.

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