unwanted hair on body
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unwanted hair on bodyThe abnormal growth of unwanted facial and body hair is always embarrassing, especially for women. It may not be detrimental to your health, but it can damage self-confidence. Hair on the face, feet, hands, chest, and back often results from post-pregnancy hormonal changes and hormonal imbalances caused by irregular menstrual cycles. It’s also a side effect of certain medications.

Using razors and other painful methods often leave the sensitive skin burned and wounded. Therefore, try using gentle and natural ways to remove unwanted hair instead. You’re about to learn how to get rid of unwanted hair without waxing and plucking, and without spending tons of money on laser treatments and electrolysis.

The following at-home DIY hair removal remedies are easy, natural, inexpensive, and free of side effects. And most importantly, they’re effective. Let’s get started!


Method 1: Raw Papaya

Papaya removes hair and exfoliates skin while its natural enzyme, papain, breaks down hair follicles and restricts hair growth. This remedy works for all skin types, including extremely sensitive skin. It works as the best homemade hair removal cream.

Process 1: Papaya & Turmeric

Tools & Ingredients

  • Raw Papaya
  • Turmeric Powder
  • Peeler
  • Grinder

Instructions:

  1. Peel and slice your raw papaya.
  2. Grind a few slices to make a pulp.
  3. Stir ½ teaspoon turmeric powder into 1-2 tablespoons papaya pulp.
  4. Apply the mixture to unwanted hair.
  5. Massage for 15-20 minutes, then wash off with water.
  6. Repeat 1-2 times weekly.

Process 2: Papaya, Turmeric, Mustard Oil & Aloe Vera

Tools & Ingredients

  • ¼ tablespoon papaya powder (or 1 tablespoon papaya paste)
  • ¼ tablespoon turmeric powder
  • ¼ tablespoon gram flour
  • 4 tablespoons Aloe Vera gel
  • 2 tablespoons mustard oil
  • 2 drops any essential oil (lavender, peppermint, etc.)
  • Olive oil or moisturizer
  • Clean, dry cloth

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix papaya powder (or paste), turmeric powder, gram flour, Aloe Vera gel, mustard oil, and your choice of essential oil to make a paste.
  2. Apply the paste to unwanted hair, spreading it in the opposite direction of hair growth.
  3. Leave on 15-20 minutes or until dry.
  4. Remove paste by rubbing with clean, dry towel in the opposite direction of hair growth.
  5. Wash the area with water and pat dry.
  6. Massage the area with olive oil or moisturizer for a few minutes.
  7. Repeat 3-4 times weekly for at least 3 months.

Method 2: Chickpea Flour Mask

Chickpea flour removes unwanted hair and prevents future growth.

Tools & Ingredients

  • ½ cup chickpea flour
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon fresh cream
  • ½ cup milk
  • lukewarm water
  • bowl

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix chickpea flour, turmeric powder, cream, and milk to form a paste.
  2. Apply to affected area in the direction of hair growth.
  3. Leave on 30-40 minutes.
  4. Using your fingers, rub gently in the opposite direction of hair growth. If the mask has dried, wet your fingers first.
  5. Wash with lukewarm water.
  6. Repeat frequently to discourage hair growth.

Method 3: Turmeric

When mixed with water, milk, or yogurt, turmeric removes hair and prevents re-growth. It also has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that keep skin clear and healthy.

Process 1: Turmeric & Rosewater

Tools & Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Add rosewater, plain water, or milk to turmeric powder and stir to make a fine paste.
  2. Apply to unwanted hair and leave on for 15-30 minutes or until dry.
  3. Wash off with warm water and pat dry.
  4. Repeat frequently until you achieve the desired results.
  5. Note: this method works well on areas with less hair. To remove thicker, denser hair, add gram flour, yogurt, rice flour, or ground oats.

Process 2: Turmeric & Sesame Oil

Tools & Ingredients

  • Turmeric Powder
  • Whole wheat flour
  • Sesame oil

Instructions

  1. Mix sesame oil into equal parts turmeric powder and whole wheat flour to make a paste.
  2. Apply to unwanted hair and leave on 30 minutes.
  3. Scrub gently as you wash it off.
  4. Repeat once weekly.

Method 4: Egg Mask for Facial Hair

This method requires some care, as egg white masks are very sticky and pulling one off is slightly painful. But it effectively removes unwanted hair along with other skin impurities.

Tools & Ingredients

  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • ½ tablespoon corn flour
  • bowl

Instructions

  1. Crack your egg into a bowl and remove the yolk.
  2. Add sugar and corn flour and stir to make a paste.
  3. Apply to face and let dry 15-20 minutes.
  4. Peel the mask off slowly and carefully.
  5. Repeat 3-4 times weekly.

Method 5: Sugar-Lemon Mix for Facial Hair

Sugar exfoliates the skin while lemon juice acts as an astringent and natural bleaching agent. This method is perfect for lightening and removing unwanted facial hair, but it can also be used on other body parts.

Tools & Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 10 tablespoons water
  • Bowl

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix sugar, lemon juice, and water, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
  2. Apply to face in the direction of hair growth.
  3. Leave on 15-20 minutes, then wash off with water, rubbing gently.
  4. Repeat 2-3 times weekly for several weeks.

Method 6: White Pepper & Camphor for Leg Hair Removal

White pepper and camphor cause a burning sensation when used on sensitive skin, but don’t worry, this just means it’s working. Some may recommend using kerosene with this method, but don’t do it. Kerosene is highly flammable even in small amounts, and it damages skin instead of repairing it. Here is the easy DIY body hair removal method you should try:

Tools & Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons white pepper
  • 2 tablespoons camphor
  • Almond oil

Instructions

  1. Grind white pepper into a fine powder.
  2. Mix equal parts white pepper powder and camphor.
  3. Add a few drops of almond oil.
  4. Apply to legs and leave on 15-20 minutes.
  5. Watch hair disappear as you carefully wash the mask off.
  6. Repeat any time you want to remove leg hair.

Method 7: Potato & Lentil

If you are wondering how to make hair removal cream that lightens the skin as well, use this remedy. Potato contains natural bleaching agents. Combined with yellow lentil (moong daal), it lightens and effectively removes hair from any area of the body.

Tools & Ingredients

  • 1 potato
  • Yellow Lentils
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 4 tablespoons lemon juice
  • Bowl
  • Sieve or cloth

Instructions

  1. Soak yellow lentils in water overnight.
  2. The following morning, remove water and grind lentils into a paste.
  3. Peel and mash your potato.
  4. Place mashed potato in sieve or cloth and press with hands or spoon to extract juice.
  5. Stir yellow lentil paste, honey, and fresh-squeezed lemon juice into potato juice to make a paste.
  6. Apply to unwanted hair and leave on 15-30 minutes or until dry.
  7. Rub the mask off with your fingers to remove hair.
  8. Repeat regularly.

Method 8: Sugar, Lemon & Honey for Arm & Leg Hair removal

When mixed with honey, sugar and lemon juice make an effective hair removal wax. Just like a salon wax, this process can be slightly painful.

Tools & Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • Water
  • Cornstarch or plain flour
  • Spatula or butter knife
  • Cloth or waxing strip
  • Heat-safe vessel

Instructions

  1. Mix Honey, sugar, and lemon juice.
  2. Heat on the stove or in the microwave for 3 minutes to create a smooth paste.
  3. If the paste is too thick, add water.
  4. Let it cool to slightly warm.
  5. Dust unwanted hair with cornstarch or plain flour.
  6. Using spatula or butter knife, spread warm paste over cornstarch in the direction of hair growth.
  7. Cover with cloth or waxing strip, press to stick, and pull off in the opposite direction of hair growth.
  8. Repeat anytime you want hairless skin.

Method 9: Banana & Oatmeal Scrub

Oatmeal and banana are both excellent natural cleansers. Banana leaves skin soft and supple while oatmeal exfoliates.

Tools & Ingredients

  • 1 Banana
  • 1-2 teaspoons oatmeal
  • Bowl

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mash a ripe banana into a paste, then stir in oatmeal.
  2. To apply, massage into unwanted hair for 15-20 minutes using circular motions.
  3. Wash off with water.
  4. Repeat twice weekly.

Method 10: Alum & Rosewater

Women in India have been using alum for centuries to remove hair from their faces, hands, and legs. It comes in rock or powder form. Rosewater softens the skin, giving it a healthy glow.

Tools & Ingredients

  • ½ teaspoon alum powder
  • 2-4 tablespoons rosewater
  • Sesame or olive oil
  • Dry towel
  • Bowl

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix alum and rosewater to make a paste.
  2. Use a cotton ball to apply the paste to unwanted hair.
  3. Allow it to dry, then apply another layer.
  4. Apply layer after layer for 50-60 minutes (15 minutes for sensitive skin).
  5. Wash off with water and pat dry.
  6. Moisturize with a few drops of sesame or olive oil.
  7. Repeat 2-4 times weekly until hair is gone.

Method 11: Basil & Onion

Basil and onions are both effective hair removal treatments, and when combined, they leave skin healthy and radiant.

Tools & Ingredients

  • 2 onions
  • 10-12 basil leaves

Instructions

  1. Remove the thin, transparent membranes from between the onion’s layers.
  2. In a bowl, crush your basil leaves and onion membranes together to create a paste.
  3. Apply to unwanted hair and leave on 15-25 minutes.
  4. Wash off with water.
  5. Repeat 3-4 times weekly for at least a month to remove hair from root to tip.

Method 12: Sugar-Molasses Wax

If you are looking for home remedies for waxing, here is an effective one for you. The magnesium in molasses helps balance hormones in order to discourage excessive hair growth over time, and when mixed with sugar, it acts as a depilatory wax that removes unwanted hair.

Tools & Ingredients

  • 1 cup sugar
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • Molasses or dark corn syrup
  • Microwave safe container
  • Cloth or waxing strip

Instructions

  1. Place sugar in microwave safe container, drizzle molasses or syrup over it, and let it stand 2-3 minutes.
  2. Heat in microwave for 2-3 minutes or until the sugar completely dissolves.
  3. Stir in fresh-squeezed lemon juice.
  4. If the mixture needs further blending, microwave it longer.
  5. Let the mixture stand until it is warm.
  6. Apply to unwanted hair and cover with cloth or waxing strip.
  7. Pull strip off in opposite direction of hair growth.
  8. Repeat as needed.

Method 13: Safflower & Thanaka

In Myanmar, people turn the bark of the Thanaka tree into a yellowish-white powder and use it for a variety of cosmetic purposes. Safflower (kusuma) oil cleanses and moisturizes skin, leaving it soft and smooth. Together, these two ingredients remove hair by acting as a natural growth inhibitor. This DIY hair removal remedy is a super effective.

Tools & Ingredients

  • Safflower oil
  • Thanaka powder

Instructions

  1. Mix safflower oil with thanaka powder to create a fine paste.
  2. Before bed, apply it to areas with unwanted hair.
  3. Leave on overnight and wash off with water in the morning.
  4. Repeat nightly for 3 months until unwanted hair disappears.

Method 14: Blackstrap Molasses

Loss of hair and growth of unwanted hair are often caused by mineral deficiencies. Blackstrap molasses is rich in iron and other minerals which regulate hair growth, gradually slowing and stopping the growth of unwanted hair over time.

Tools & Ingredients

  • 2 heaping teaspoons blackstrap molasses

Instructions

  1. Consume blackstrap molasses daily to get rid of unwanted hair anywhere on the body.
  2. If you are diabetic, or if you’re taking iron supplements, consult a doctor before using this method.

Method 15: Spearmint Tea

When the body overproduces androgens (male hormones) such as testosterone and Hirsutism, hair follicles are over-stimulated and you end up with unwanted hair. Spearmint tea balances hormones and returns androgens to optimum levels.

Tools & Ingredients

  • 5-6 spearmint leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried spearmint)
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • Teapot
  • Strainer
  • Cup

Instructions

  1. Place spearmint in teapot.
  2. Pour in boiling water and let steep 5-7 minutes.
  3. Strain tea into cup and drink.
  4. Drink 1-2 times daily.

Method 16: Green Gram Flour & Rosewater

When combined, green gram flour and rosewater cleanse the skin and remove hair through exfoliation. This DIY hair removal cream is perfect for sensitive and acne-prone skin.

Tools & Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons green gram flour
  • 1-2 tablespoons rosewater
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Bowl

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix green gram flour, rosewater, and lemon juice to create a paste.
  2. Apply to unwanted hair and leave on 20-30 minutes.
  3. Wash off with water and pat dry.
  4. Repeat 3-4 times weekly until unwanted hair is gone.

Method 17: Turmeric & Indian Nettle

Indian nettle has anthelmintic, expectorant, anti-microbial, emetic, anodyne, and anti-parasitic properties. It is used to treat a variety of medical conditions, including pneumonia, asthma, rheumatism, wounds, and bedsores. When mixed with turmeric, is a very effective method for hair removal.

Tools & Ingredients

  • Neem or Indian Lilac Leaves
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • Water

Instructions

  1. Crush Indian Lilac leaves into a fine powder and combine with turmeric powder.
  2. Add water to create a paste, but make sure it’s not thin and runny.
  3. Apply to unwanted hair, let dry, and leave on for a few minutes.
  4. Peel the mask off.
  5. Repeat regularly for smooth, hairless skin.

Method 18: Lemon Juice & Honey

Lemon juice cleanses and exfoliates skin and bleaches hair. Honey moisturizes skin and softens hair, sticking to it so it pulls out more easily. Lemon and honey also have anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that prevent irritation and breakouts.

Tools & Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 4 tablespoons honey
  • Lukewarm water
  • Washcloth

Instructions

  1. In a cup, combine lemon juice and honey.
  2. Apply to unwanted hair and leave on 15-20 minutes.
  3. Remove with washcloth soaked in lukewarm water.
  4. Repeat twice weekly for a few months or until hair is gone.

Method 19: Lentil Face Pack

Red lentils, or masoor dal, make a facial scrub that’s rough as pumice stone. It creates a friction that cleanses and smooths skin while softening and removing unwanted hair.

Tools & Ingredients

  • ½ cup red lentils
  • Milk
  • Honey
  • Grinder
  • Airtight container

Instructions

  1. Grind red lentils into a powder.
  2. Add 2 tablespoons of the powder to milk or honey to make a paste (store extra paste in airtight container).
  3. Let stand 15-20 minutes.
  4. Apply to face and scrub gently.
  5. Leave on 15-20 minutes.
  6. Wash off with water.
  7. Repeat 2-3 times weekly (only once weekly for dry skin).
  8. Optional: add rosewater, dried orange peel powder, sandalwood powder, or potato juice to improve skin tone.

Method 20: Foods Rich in Phytoestrogens

Unwanted hair appears when a hormone imbalance causes an increase in male hormones like testosterone and a decrease in female hormones like estrogen. Phytoestrogen is a plant hormone similar to the female hormone oestrogen. It balances hormones and stops the growth of unwanted hair.

Flaxseeds, licorice, alfalfa, brahmi herb, gotu kala, fennel, and soy products like soy milk and tofu, are all rich in phytoestrogen, and there are many ways to incorporate them into your daily diet. Drink them as herbal teas, add flaxseed powder to gravies and yogurts, or chew fennel seeds after meals. Consuming soy products regularly gives your body the protein it needs while stopping excessive hair growth.


Tips:

Use the following tips to increase the effectiveness of the above hair removal methods.

  • Be patient.
  • Use a several of these methods daily or at least 3-4 times weekly.
  • Eat fruits and vegetables and drink enough water to stay hydrated.
  • Before using hair removal treatments, steam skin to open pores.
  • A healthy diet and exercise will regulate hormones and prevent unwanted hair growth.
  • After using hair removal treatments, wash the area to remove lose hair.
  • Get plenty of sleep and reduce stress with activities like mediation and yoga.

If excessive hair growth on the face or body is accompanied by increased muscle mass, deepening of the voice, or decreased breast size, consult a healthcare professional to get a proper diagnosis for serious underlying medical conditions.

Remember, at-home remedies may take a little longer, but they remove hair without damaging sensitive skin or causing side effects like the chemical-laden products available in stores. They are easy to prepare, easy to use, and inexpensive.

Have you tried any of these natural hair removal methods? Do you know of other methods we haven’t mentioned. Share your experience with us!

 

89 comments
    1. I’ve been using the sugar and the lemon juice and water and I’ve noticed so much of difference. It doesn’t grow balcony nearly as fast. The hair growth has slowed right down. Thank you so much for sharing these home remedies ?

  1. Thank you for this post 🙂 Tried almost all the methods. My personal favorites are number 13: thanaka and number 16 gren gram and rose water.

  2. There are very dense hair on my leg and some less dense on my hand. I want to remove it permanently. I feel very uncomfortable. Is there any solution. Please tell about any home remedy or any cream made for permanent hair remover available in market.

    Thanks.

    1. Home remedies take time to remove hair and reduce hair growth. This is not possible overnight. But with patience and continuous application you can reduce the hair growth slowly. Try raw papaya, honey-lemon or turmeric methods for effective results.

    1. It is really difficult to tell the exact time as everyone has different skin type and thickness of hair. Keep on trying and apart from that steam the skin before applying the treatment.

  3. Is thanaka powder really works in removing unwanted hair? Any side effects are there with thanaka powder and safflower oil?

    1. Yes, it works. Use only 100% original products to avoid allergies. Do a patch test to find out if you are allergic to the ingredients.

    1. Hair on legs especially for men is very thick so some methods can work and some may not. You can try green papaya, Basil & Onion methods. Let us know your experience after you try them.

    1. The honey and lemon mixture acts like wax used for waxing purposes in the salon. It pulls off the hair right from the roots. With regular application you can surely reduce and decrease the hair growth.

  4. I have shaved facial hair for 20 years now.And they are thick.I am beginning to use the sugar,lemon and water method.How long will it take?Do you think this will help me?

    1. It is difficult to tell the exact time as everyone is different. Continue using it till you get the results.

  5. Me and my friend tried the tumaric powder mix and it turned our legs yellow, we had to scrub out legs so they wouldn’t be yellow and stain even more. Also created a huge mess and stained everything it touched.

    1. If turmeric stain remains on the skin even after rinsing with water. Soak a cotton ball in milk and rub the stains. It will take the yellow tint from the skin.

  6. I am looking for a permanent method to get rid of my chin hair…. what do you think is the most appropriate? I really feel so bad about my facial hair… please help!

    1. Raw papaya, onion – lentil paste and turmeric are some effective methods. Try them and share your experience.

    1. Hi Rosy, it is difficult to tell the exact time as it depends on thickness of the hair and growth rate of the hair. Follow the turmeric process regularly for quick results.

  7. I ve been using chickpea flour , turmeric and milk since from 2 months bt I havent seen any good effects till now. Does d thanaka powder works?In How many dayz it will show its effects?

    1. Yes, thanaka powder works. It is difficult to tell the exact time as stronger hair follicles require more time. So repeat regularly to get the results.

    1. Yes, it works. Sugar sticks to the skin and while rinsing it off, the rubbing action in the opposite direction of hair growth can remove the hair from its roots. The citric acid present in lemons discourage the hair growth and its astringent properties bleach the hair.

      1. Hi,

        Can I mix the sugar+lemon+water to make a semi fluid paste and apply of legs and then wash off when dry? Or do I need to use a wax strip?

    1. On continuous application you can remove the unwanted hair completely. It certainly grows back but with less volume and thickness probably.

  8. I have been using thanaka powder n kusumba oil for 6 months now but no results …whats the recommended method of hair removal whilst this treatment …is shaving fine…i have been threadening for like 5 months whilst treatment didnt give results so shifted tu shaving…i dont understand why iam not gettjng results yet i had fine hair…whats your opinion and i have read in places dat kusmba oil helps in hair growth…and another question you have said to use raw papaya…is ripe papaya fine to use or it has to be raw ? Please reply me…Thankyou

    1. The remedies that work for me may not work for you. So, if one remedy is not working for you then try another one. You have to use raw papaya. Ripe papaya doesn’t have hair removal properties. Waxing can be opted instead of shaving or threading.

    1. No, you have to use corn flour only. All purpose flour doesn’t have the properties of corn flour. It doesn’t stick to the hair like the corn flour does.

    1. If you have very fine hair, then it doesn’t grow back. For normal hair like the ones on hands and legs, it will grow back. Regular scrubbing using above ingredients, will reduce the growth rate of hair gradually.

  9. I really appreciate that you took your time to state this….I used raw paw paw and tumeric on my beard because I have very sensitive skin..I noticed the raw paw paw is not sticky atll…is it that its not unripe enough or that’s how it is…and how Long would it take my beards before it disappears permanently?

    1. The papaya and turmeric mixture doesn’t stick to the skin like a regular wax does. When the raw papaya is applied to the skin, the papain present in it acts on the hair follicles to discourage the hair growth. The turmeric we added helps to loosen the hair from the roots. The massaging helps to pull out the loose hair. The exact time frame to remove the hair permanently take some time. So, try the process regularly with some patience.

    1. As you have thick hairs, it is a little difficult for turmeric to remove the hair completely. But with regular application turmeric helps to lessen the growth rate and thickness of the hair.

  10. Hello, I am trying the rose water and turmeric and I can’t seem to get it into a ‘paste’ texture. I just added the water and the powder is there something that I’m missing?

    1. We never tried this product so we are not sure about the results. However, you can try the product as it is an herbal one. And don’t forget to share your experience as it can help others.

  11. Hello, I have looked all over for turmeric powder, and can’t seem to find it anywhere. is there a specific place I need to go to find it?

  12. I have fine hair on my upper arms and shoulders. Which metod will work fastest and will be effective? Can i remove those hairs Permently or even reduce them?

  13. i have facial hair and i use saving to remove that because of that it become little thicker so which method is good for me

    1. Home remedies for unwanted hair removal can only work on fine hair. It may not remove thick hair. However, it may reduce the hair growth gradually if used regularly.

  14. for turmeric and rawpapaya method.if i dont get turmeric powder.what can i make use of instead of the turmeric powder

    1. We recommend using freshly squeezed lemon juice as it can provide more effective results. However, if you don’t have access to fresh ones then you can use bottled ones as well as last priority.

  15. I m facing facial hair problm…I do only bleaching n hv nt ussd any measure to remove those..I hv hairs in most part of my face what shud I do

  16. Thick chest hair. Want to use natural remedy. Sensitive skin . Can’t use creams or wax or any other things. Can I get free from those hairs?

  17. How long should I wait after shaving before I try one of these methods on facial hair removal.?
    How long should the hair/stubble be for ideal performance ?

  18. I used the turmeric and rosewater method and it did nothing other than turning my skin and nails yellow although i have very fine hair…

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