Back to School: 7 Essential Hair Removal Tips for Students (UK Edition)

Back to School: New term, new routines, and that includes your grooming game. As you juggle lectures, library marathons, and maybe the occasional night out, hair removal might not be top of mind. But let’s face it: smooth skin isn’t just about looking good (though that’s a nice perk). It’s about feeling confident and put-together, even when your schedule is anything but.

From quick fixes like shaving to long-term solutions like IPL, there’s a hair removal method for every student lifestyle. Shaving’s your go-to for emergencies, creams offer a lazy-day alternative, and waxing? Well, it’s a love-hate relationship. However, if you’re looking for something budget-friendly and low-maintenance, at-home IPL devices are worth the hype. Think smooth skin without the salon price tag or awkward small talk.

No rules here. Just what works for you. So, let’s find your perfect match for stress-free skin this school year.

Choose your method based on texture and visibility. No need to wax your peach fuzz if it doesn’t bother you. Save the effort for the hair that does.

When your lecture starts in 20 minutes and your legs look like they belong to a yeti, shaving is your trusty saviour. It’s the ultimate student hack. Fast, affordable, and perfect for those "oh-crap" moments. But let’s keep it real: while shaving is a quick fix, it comes with a few downsides (looking at you, ingrown hairs and razor nicks). Here’s how to shave like a pro without the drama.

Picture this: It’s 7 PM, your mates are already at Spoons, and your legs are not date-night ready. A 5-minute shave saves the day. No fuss, no salon prices, just smooth skin and a pint waiting.

Keep a spare razor in your gym bag or lecture backpack for emergencies. Because student life is chaotic, but your skin doesn’t have to be.

If shaving feels like too much effort and waxing sounds like a horror movie, depilatory creams are your golden ticket to smooth skin. No blades, no pain, just slather and go. These magic potions dissolve hair below the skin’s surface, leaving you silky for days. Perfect for those "I-can’t-even" moments when you’re deep in deadlines or binge-watching Love Island.

Multi-task like a pro: Apply cream, press play on Love Island, and wipe away hair during the ad breaks. Efficiency level: expert.

Use an old loyalty card to scrape off cream—saves your towels and your sanity.

If you’re after smooth skin that lasts longer than your motivation during exam season, plucking and waxing are your go-tos. But let’s be honest, they come with a side of pain. Whether you’re perfecting your brows or tackling a full leg wax, here’s how to survive (and even master) these hair removal warriors.

Plucking is your go-to for precision work: perfect for shaping eyebrows, tackling chin strays, and dealing with those random rogue hairs that seem to appear overnight. The key to less painful tweezing is timing it right after a shower when your pores are open and hair comes out easier. Always tweeze in the direction of natural hair growth to avoid breakage and irritation.

At-home waxing kits like Nads or Veet are budget-friendly at £3-8 per box but can be chaotic. Expect a learning curve before you master the technique. 

Salon waxing offers professional precision with less risk of DIY disasters, though at £25-45 for full legs or £40-70 for a full session, it'll cost you more than your weekly meal deal (and then some). 

The choice comes down to whether you prioritize saving money. At-home kits cost around £60-180 per year versus £240-420 annually for salon visits, or avoiding the potential mess of learning to wax yourself.

Wax on a Wednesday, and you’re set for that spontaneous weekend trip. No razors or last-minute panic required.

Freeze a spoon beforehand to press on just-waxed skin. Instant pain relief.

Tired of last-minute shaving dramas or painful waxing sessions? Meet IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) hair removal. Your ticket to long-term smoothness without the salon hassle. Perfect for busy students, IPL devices like the Ulike Air 10 use gentle light pulses to target hair follicles, slowing growth over time. Think of it as a high-tech, at-home solution that fits around your chaotic schedule.

Choosing the right at-home IPL device can be a game-changer for students juggling busy schedules and tight budgets. Whether you’re prepping for summer or just want to skip expensive salon appointments, finding a reliable, affordable option matters. This IPL device comparison UK guide helps you break down the essentials—cost, performance, features, and where to buy—so you can make an informed decision. We’ll highlight popular options like Ulike vs Braun, two of the best-rated brands for effective, pain-free hair removal at home.

Look out for student-friendly perks like 90-day trials or student discount codes, often available through UK stockists such as Boots, Amazon, or brand websites. 

Explore the table below to see which IPL device suits your needs best:

Whether you're after salon-level smoothness or just want to reduce shaving time, there's a perfect IPL device out there for you. Don't forget to check for student-exclusive deals before you buy. It could be the difference between splurge and steal. Smooth skin, smart savings.

If you’re dreaming of never shaving again, permanent hair removal might be on your radar. But before you commit, let’s break down the two main options (laser and electrolysis) so you can decide what’s worth your student budget.

After using an IPL device, taking care of your skin is just as important as the treatment itself. For the first 24 to 48 hours post-session, it’s best to avoid direct sun exposure, heavy sweating, or intense workouts, as your skin may be more sensitive than usual. Stick to loose, breathable clothing and stay in the shade if you're heading outdoors. 

To help soothe and hydrate the treated areas, gently apply a fragrance-free moisturiser or pure aloe vera gel. These will calm any redness and support your skin’s natural recovery process. Avoid using harsh products, exfoliants, or anything with active ingredients until your skin has fully settled.

If you're serious about saying goodbye to regular hair removal for good, there are a couple of longer-term options worth considering. Laser hair removal is ideal if you have dark hair, as it targets the pigment in the follicles for lasting results. 

While the upfront cost can be steep, many clinics offer student discounts or promotions, so it’s worth doing a bit of research. Some even provide pay-as-you-go packages, which are perfect for students trying to budget without committing to a full course all at once.

For those especially stubborn or hormonal areas (like chin hairs), electrolysis might be the answer. It’s the only FDA-approved method for permanent hair removal, but it’s time-consuming and better suited for small areas. 

Consider saving this option for post-uni life, when your schedule, and bank balance are a bit more stable. In the meantime, explore IPL or laser options that fit your needs and finances.

If you're serious about saying goodbye to regular hair removal for good, there are a couple of longer-term options worth considering. Laser hair removal is ideal if you have dark hair, as it targets the pigment in the follicles for lasting results. 

While the upfront cost can be steep, many clinics offer student discounts or promotions, so it’s worth doing a bit of research. Some even provide pay-as-you-go packages, which are perfect for students trying to budget without committing to a full course all at once.

For those especially stubborn or hormonal areas (like chin hairs), electrolysis might be the answer. It’s the only FDA-approved method for permanent hair removal, but it’s time-consuming and better suited for small areas. 

Consider saving this option for post-uni life, when your schedule, and bank balance are a bit more stable. In the meantime, explore IPL or laser options that fit your needs and finances.

Vaniqa® is a topical cream that slows facial hair regrowth by blocking an enzyme in hair follicles. It’s best for areas like the chin and upper lip, offering a non-invasive option with gradual results. The catch? It must be applied twice daily, and hair growth resumes if you stop.

Available via private prescription (£30–£50 per tube), it’s sometimes prescribed off-label on the NHS. While not a permanent fix, it’s a useful add-on for managing facial hair discreetly.

Antiandrogens like spironolactone are used to treat hormonal hair growth, particularly when linked to conditions like PCOS. They work by reducing androgen levels, which can gradually thin excess hair over several months.

These medications require GP involvement, including blood tests and ongoing monitoring, to ensure safety and effectiveness. While not a quick fix, they can be a valuable option for long-term management of hormone-driven hair growth.

Lately, it feels like everywhere you scroll, someone’s talking about the “clean girl” look, glowy skin, slick buns, and totally hairless legs. It can make you feel like smooth, hair-free skin is the standard. But at the same time, there’s also a growing wave of people embracing body hair and pushing back against the pressure to remove it.

Depending on your background, your family or culture might see hair removal as a must, or not care about it at all. Balancing those expectations with how you actually feel can be tricky, especially at uni when you’re figuring out your identity. Just remember: body hair is natural, and how you deal with it is entirely up to you.

Self-care isn't about fitting into trends. It’s about feeling good in your own skin. Whether you shave everything, nothing, or something in between, confidence comes from doing what feels right for you.

Someone once told me, “Choosing to grow out my body hair at uni was so freeing. It helped me realise I don’t need to fit into anyone else’s idea of beauty.”

At the end of the day, it’s simple: your body, your rules.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to the best back-to-school hair removal for students in the UK. Each method offers different benefits depending on your goals, budget, and schedule. From quick-shave hacks and depilatory creams to long-lasting IPL devices like the Ulike Air 10, you can find solutions that fit your lifestyle and boost your confidence.

The Ulike Air 10 stands out as a smart investment for students, combining ease of use, safety, and affordability while providing noticeable results over time. Remember, choose hair removal methods that suit your skin type, lifestyle, and confidence level. Whether you prefer quick fixes or longer-term solutions, your skin’s health and your comfort should always come first.

So, why not test, explore, and find what works best for you? Your ideal skincare routine is just a few trials away. Step into the new school year feeling empowered and smooth, your way!

Test, explore, and smooth your way into the school year your way.