Because hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) appears to involve inflammation of the hair follicles, some people with this skin condition wonder if it’s OK to remove body hair or if doing so could cause further irritation. If you’re wondering about the safest hair removal method for HS, you’re not alone.

Read on to check out myHSteam members’ experiences with different methods of body hair removal, including shaving and waxing.

Shaving and HS

While shaving is a relatively quick, easy hair removal method, many people with HS find that it isn’t the best solution for them. As one member wrote, “I, myself, haven’t shaved in years and don’t plan to. It’s too scary — makes my flare-ups worse.” Another member simply advised, “DO NOT SHAVE! ONLY TRIM!”

Some people may find that their HS symptoms aren’t aggravated by shaving their body hair. Still, many choose to avoid shaving because their dermatologist (skin doctor) has advised against it or because they’d rather avoid potential risks entirely. As one member explained, “I haven’t ever shaved. I’m too afraid I’ll cut something and that would not be good. Plus, my doctor said not to do it.” Another wrote, “I have also stopped shaving, but I have read that it doesn’t necessarily help. I am honestly not sure if it helps, but I don’t shave anyway.”

Other people with HS choose not to shave because it may aggravate or cause infection in existing nodules or open sores. In these cases, the HS itself can make shaving too risky or nearly impossible. “Shaving is hard for me too,” shared one member. “I am broken out almost all the time.”

Some members decide to shave because they find that doing so is actually more beneficial than allowing their body hair to grow: “I shaved because the hairs seem to bother me more,” explained one member. “When I first do it, it’s a little irritated.”

Another member said, “I do have to shave often because if the hair gets too long anywhere, it starts pulling and causing boils. I try a sensitive shaving cream or soap and place my finger over the boils in order not to accidentally shave over them while in the shower.”

Not everyone responds the same way to shaving. Whether you decide to shave will likely depend on several factors, including the severity of your HS, your dermatologist’s advice, and your personal preference.

How To Pick a Razor

If you do want to try shaving, you may be wondering if there’s one particular razor that’s best for HS. Though there isn’t one specific razor that’s recommended, there are helpful tips available for how to shave with HS.

Dermatologists have shared the following tips for choosing a razor with HS.

• Use a sharp-bladed razor.
• Use a disposable razor, but make sure to replace blades after five to seven uses to reduce irritation.
• If you have acne and want to shave your face, try out both disposable and electric razors to see which works best for your condition.

One member shared how they’re able to shave their armpits. “I found using an electric razor worked best for me.”

Waxing and HS

Some people with HS who want to remove their body hair choose to wax their hair off instead of shaving. One member shared, “Waxing has not bothered me and is the most affordable option for me,” while another asked a friend, “Have you ever tried waxing? It has helped me so much!” One member even stated, “Waxing seems to be my only salvation.”

Those who are nervous about waxing with HS may be able to find professionals who can help them wax their hair without causing problems. As a member advised, “If you find a good wax company and do a consultation with them and explain your condition, they will avoid those areas. The waxing has helped my inflammation stay dormant longer, and some lesions seem to go away.” Booking a consultation before a waxing appointment may also help ease anxieties for those who are nervous about showing their HS to others. This anxiety is a normal feeling: As one member explained, “I’m also scared of the person doing the waxing. I’m afraid of being judged.”

Some members find that waxing serves as part of a long-term solution for managing their HS without entirely disrupting their personal grooming routines. “I started using natural deodorant, as well as waxing instead of shaving,” wrote one member. “No sores since I started this about four months ago.”

As with shaving, however, waxing may not work for everyone diagnosed with HS — especially those with scar tissue. As one member shared, “The skin on my scars is so thin that waxing just tears the skin.” Another member agreed, “Yes, shaving or waxing makes it much worse,” and another wrote, “Certain — 100 percent — HS came from ingrown hairs after waxing.”

Waxing may be a viable hair-removal method for some people diagnosed with HS, but it’s not a solution for everyone. It’s a particularly aggressive option that may prove more irritating than shaving for some. Also, hot wax may cause skin irritation and lead to a flare-up.

Ultimately, it’s best for people with HS to consult a dermatologist before trying waxing for hair removal.

Laser Hair Removal and HS

According to some members, laser hair removal has proved helpful. As one member shared, “I am getting laser hair removal treatments under my arm and groin area. It has helped a lot.” Another wrote, “Anyone who is able to should definitely get laser hair removal done. Best decision I ever made.”

One of the biggest concerns with laser hair removal is its cost. It may take as many as eight sessions to remove almost all the hair in a targeted area, with an average cost of $697 per session. One member noted that laser hair removal is covered by their insurance due to their HS, but that may not be the case for everyone.

As with waxing, it’s best to consult with a hair removal specialist before your appointment so you can let them know about your condition and any areas of concern. It could also be beneficial to find a healthcare professional who is familiar with HS, though this search may be difficult. “I have been trying to find a laser hair removal clinic that has some knowledge of HS,” shared one member, “but so far, the places I have looked at seem fairly clueless. My dermatologist wasn’t even aware that this was an option for HS.”

Clipping and Trimming Body Hair With HS

If complete hair removal isn’t an option for you, you may want to try other grooming approaches. One member encouraged another. “Maybe try just a simple trim with scissors,” they wrote. This approach may be particularly useful for people with large bumps or painful sores in intimate areas who would like to keep their body hair short.

Using clippers or trimmers is often the best solution for grooming body hair with HS. While it doesn’t remove the hair as closely as other methods do, some people find themselves more comfortable when their body hair is trimmed as short as possible. One member shared their technique: “I use a trimmer with a low guard on it. It gets it short enough to not be noticeable. I’ve done that for about six years.” Another member wrote that they use a pair of clippers on grade level one. This allows them to get a short trim without snagging and pulling their hair, something that might cause HS breakouts.

Letting It Grow

While letting body hair grow out may be helpful in avoiding irritation for some, for others, growing the hair may actually trigger HS flare-ups. As one member wrote, “It seems that the less hair I have, the less I have breakouts of HS.” Another explained, “Hairlessness seems to make me feel better.”

Find What Works

Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide how to approach hair removal or grooming with HS. If you can get insurance to cover laser hair removal, that may be your best option. However, many people can’t afford that option and still find satisfactory ways to remove their hair regularly. You may also want to forego removing your body hair. Talk to your dermatologist to see what option may be best for you and your HS.

Find Your Team

On myHSteam, the social network for people with HS and their loved ones, more than 46,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their experiences with others who understand life with HS.

How do you remove hair? Is there a hair removal method that works for you? Share your experience and tips in the comments below or by posting on myHSteam.