Pakistani women use several hair removal methods depending on body area, pain tolerance, and budget. The main options are epilation, electric shaving, waxing, threading, and depilatory creams. Each method has different pain levels, costs, and result durations. The best method depends on where you are removing hair and how long you want results to last.
Finding the Best Hair Removal Method for Pakistani Women
Hair removal is personal. What works on legs may not work on the face. What your friend swears by might not suit your skin type. Instead of picking one method and hoping for the best, it helps to understand what each option does, where it works, and what it costs.
Here is an honest comparison of every common hair removal method available in Pakistan.
Epilation
An epilator is a handheld device with rotating tweezers that pull hair out from the root. It works like waxing but without the wax.
How it works. Small metal or ceramic discs spin and grip hairs as you glide the device across your skin. Each pass removes dozens of hairs.
Pain level. High for the first 2 to 3 sessions. It gets noticeably easier by session 4 or 5 as the hair grows back thinner and your skin adjusts. Lower legs hurt less than underarms or the bikini area.
Results last. 2 to 4 weeks. Hair is pulled from the root, so regrowth takes time. Over months of regular use, some hair stops growing back entirely.
Where it works. Legs, arms, and underarms. Not recommended for the face due to pain and irritation risk.
Cost. One-time purchase. The Kemei KM-189 Ladies Epilator is ₨ 2,249 and lasts for years. No refills, no salon visits.
Pros: Long-lasting results, cost-effective over time, can be done at home.
Cons: Painful at first, not suitable for facial hair, takes longer than shaving.
Electric Shaving
An electric shaver uses a blade behind a protective mesh or foil to cut hair at skin level. It does not pull hair from the root.
How it works. The blade oscillates behind a guard. You glide it across your skin and the guard prevents the blade from touching your skin directly.
Pain level. Zero. Electric shaving is completely painless.
Results last. 1 to 3 days. Since the hair is cut at the surface, stubble appears quickly. You will need to shave every few days.
Where it works. Everywhere. Face, underarms, arms, legs, bikini area. This is the safest method for facial hair removal.
Cost. One-time purchase. The Kemei KM-3024 4-in-1 Ladies Shaver (₨ 1,899) comes with 4 interchangeable heads for different body areas. The Kemei KM-280R (₨ 1,599) is a simpler option with a protective mesh designed for sensitive skin.
Pros: Painless, fast, safe for all body areas including face, no irritation.
Cons: Short-lasting results, frequent touch-ups needed.
Waxing
Waxing applies warm or cold wax to the skin, then strips it off, pulling hair out from the root.
How it works. Warm wax is spread in the direction of hair growth, then a cloth strip is pressed on and pulled off against the growth direction. Cold wax strips work similarly but come pre-applied.
Pain level. Medium to high. Less painful than epilation for most women because the pull is one quick motion rather than continuous. Warm wax hurts less than cold strips.
Results last. 2 to 4 weeks. Similar to epilation since both pull hair from the root.
Where it works. Legs, arms, underarms, upper lip, bikini area. Facial waxing is common at salons.
Cost. Salon visits range from Rs 500 to Rs 3,000 per session depending on the area and salon. Home waxing kits cost Rs 300 to Rs 1,500 per kit. Monthly salon waxing for full body can add up to Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000 per month.
Pros: Smooth results, widely available at salons, works on face.
Cons: Recurring cost, requires hair to grow out between sessions (5mm minimum), can cause ingrown hairs, burns possible with hot wax.
Threading
Threading uses a twisted cotton thread to pull individual hairs from the root. It is the traditional method for facial hair removal in South Asia.
How it works. The beautician holds a cotton thread in both hands, twists it into a loop, and rolls it across the skin. The twist catches and pulls hairs as it moves.
Pain level. Low to medium. Quick, sharp pulls. Most women find it less painful than waxing on the face.
Results last. 2 to 4 weeks.
Where it works. Face only. Upper lip, eyebrows, chin, forehead, and sideburns. Threading is too slow for large body areas.
Cost. Rs 50 to Rs 500 per salon visit depending on the area and salon. Very affordable compared to other methods.
Pros: Precise, affordable, no chemicals, available at every salon in Pakistan, gentle on facial skin.
Cons: Only practical for the face, requires a skilled beautician, not a DIY method for most women.
Depilatory Creams
Depilatory creams dissolve hair using chemicals (usually calcium thioglycolate or potassium hydroxide).
How it works. Apply the cream, wait 5 to 10 minutes, then wipe or rinse off. The chemicals break down the hair’s protein structure, allowing it to be wiped away.
Pain level. Zero (if your skin tolerates the chemicals). Some women experience burning, redness, or allergic reactions.
Results last. 3 to 7 days. Slightly longer than shaving because the cream dissolves hair just below the skin surface.
Where it works. Legs, arms, underarms. Not recommended for the face unless the product is specifically formulated for facial use. Not recommended for the bikini area.
Cost. Rs 200 to Rs 800 per tube. Each tube lasts 2 to 4 applications depending on body area.
Pros: Painless, easy to use at home, no special tools needed.
Cons: Chemical smell, skin irritation risk (always patch test), recurring cost, hair grows back quickly.
Full Comparison Table
| Factor | Epilator | Electric Shaver | Waxing | Threading | Depilatory Cream |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain | High (first time) | None | Medium-High | Low-Medium | None (if no reaction) |
| Results last | 2-4 weeks | 1-3 days | 2-4 weeks | 2-4 weeks | 3-7 days |
| Best for | Legs, arms | All areas, face | Legs, arms, face | Face only | Legs, arms |
| Upfront cost | Rs 1,599-2,249 | Rs 1,599-1,899 | Rs 300-1,500 (kit) | Rs 50-500 (visit) | Rs 200-800 |
| Monthly cost | Rs 0 | Rs 0 | Rs 1,000-5,000 | Rs 200-2,000 | Rs 400-1,600 |
| DIY at home | Yes | Yes | Possible | Difficult | Yes |
| Safe for face | No | Yes | Yes (salon) | Yes | Caution |
| Ingrown hair risk | Medium | Low | Medium-High | Low | Low |
Which Method for Which Body Area?
Face (upper lip, chin, sideburns): Threading at a salon, or an electric shaver at home. The KM-3024 has a dedicated facial head. Read more in our facial hair removal guide.
Legs: Epilator for long-lasting results (2 to 4 weeks). Electric shaver for a quick, painless option when you are short on time.
Underarms: Electric shaver is the safest choice. Epilation works here but hurts more than on legs. Waxing is common at salons.
Arms: Epilator or waxing for lasting results. Shaver for a quick fix.
Bikini area: Electric shaver with a protective mesh. Avoid epilators and depilatory creams in this sensitive area.
Making Your Choice
If you want one device that handles everything painlessly, an electric shaver like the KM-280R (Rs 1,599) or KM-3024 (Rs 1,899) covers all body areas. You will shave more often, but you will never feel pain.
If you want longer-lasting results on legs and arms and can handle the initial discomfort, the KM-189 epilator (Rs 2,249) pays for itself within 2 months compared to salon waxing.
Most women in Pakistan use a combination: threading for the face, an epilator or waxing for legs and arms, and a shaver for touch-ups and sensitive areas. Cash on delivery is available for all Kemei devices.
For a deeper comparison of epilators and shavers specifically, read our epilator vs shaver guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which hair removal method lasts the longest?
Epilation, waxing, and threading all pull hair from the root, giving 2 to 4 weeks of smooth skin. Electric shaving and depilatory creams last only a few days because they cut or dissolve hair at the surface.
Is epilation safe for Pakistani skin?
Yes. Epilation works on all skin types and tones. The device pulls hair mechanically, so there is no chemical interaction with your skin. Start on your lower legs where it hurts least, and work up to more sensitive areas.
What is the cheapest hair removal method long-term?
An epilator or electric shaver. Both are one-time purchases with no ongoing costs. Waxing, threading, and depilatory creams require repeated spending on salon visits or product refills.
Can I use an epilator on my face?
It is not recommended. Facial skin is thin and sensitive, and epilation can cause redness, irritation, and even small bruises on the face. Use threading or an electric shaver for facial hair instead.
Does shaving make hair grow back thicker?
No. This is a common myth. Shaving cuts hair at the surface, creating a blunt tip that feels coarser as it grows. The hair itself does not change in thickness, color, or growth rate.
*Last reviewed May 2026, Kemei Editorial Team*