From Sellotape and scissors, to their own nails, Brits are ‘tweazing’ the ways they’re removing unwanted hair

Royal Philips (NYSE:PHG, AEX:PHIA) research reveals that whilst Brits believe that facial and body trends have relaxed over the past few years (70%), they are still turning to extreme lengths to remove that unwanted facial fuzz. With more than one in 10 women admitting to trying to pull their facial hair out with their nails (12%).

These bonkers forms of hair removal are happening up and down the country, with Londoners most likely of any region to remove their hair with Sellotape, whilst those from the East Midlands are reaching for the scissors to snip those pesky stray facial hairs.

Gen Z are carefree, but not hair free

Generation Z are the most likely to feel that body hair is more accepted on women than it was in the past (63%), showing that these traditional beauty standards are finally starting to shift. In fact, almost half of this younger generation (47%) feel empowered by the hair on their bodies, compared to just 5% of Boomers.

3 in 5 Boomers regularly remove hair from their face (60%), compared to just 3 in 10 of Gen Z (34%). In contrast, almost 30% of Gen Z adults (27%) are more inclined to grow their armpit hair compared to 16% of those aged over 40.

However, of this age group who do want to remove their hair, one of the biggest barriers is not knowing where to start (33%).

Helping women create the look they want, effortlessly

A fifth of women (19%) are bothered by their peach fuzz as it prevents them from having a smooth base for their skincare and makeup.

To help those who chose to remove their facial hair feel their most confident, Philips has introduced its new Facial Hair Removal 5000 to provide smooth skin on the go, without irritation. No fuzz. No fuss. The innovative tool has been designed specifically for women and gently removes even the finest facial hairs, whilst its hypoallergenic head has curved openings to ensure hair catches easily without any mess. Compact and portable, it’s ideal for a quick touch up on the go, while its built-in mirror and full circle LED light means no hair is missed.

Chloé Fallon, Beauty Consumer Marketing Manager at Royal Philips, said: “We know that every individual woman’s grooming routine is as unique as they are, and all women should feel able to express themselves via their body hair in whatever way makes them feel most confident. If or when they choose their facial hair, we want them to feel confident in their method of removal – and not reach for the dangerous, painful or unsuccessful techniques we know people have resorted to in the past!

“At Philips, we want to provide women with a tool designed specifically for them, with their needs in mind and which provides results without the fuss. The new Philips Facial Hair Remover 5000 provides effortless, pain-free fuzz removal on the go to fit around anyone’s lifestyle, resulting in a smooth base that is perfect for flawless makeup application.”

Expert tips for safe and effective facial hair removal

In support of the launch of Philips’ Facial Hair Removal 5000, Junior doctor, Dr Kemi Fabusiwa, who has special interest in skincare, commented: “Women today are much more concerned with finding the best hair removal tool for them, especially when it comes to their face. Rightly so, as incorrect facial hair removal can lead to hyperpigmentation, irritation and in the worst-case scenario, even scarring. My three top tips for removing facial hair are:

1. Always start by gently washing and drying the area of the skin you are working with to clear pores and help prevent irritation.
2. Ensure you have a mirror and good lighting, so you can clearly see where the hairs are and the areas you want to focus on.
3. Finally, use an electronic facial hair remover like the Philips Facial Hair 5000, which also comes with built in mirror and light. This will gently cut the hairs close to the skin without causing friction or skin irritation like you would see from more traditional hair removal methods.”