How to remove finger and toe hair effectively, according to the experts—and the best at-home products to use

To begin with, it’s important to know that pretty much everyone has hair on their fingers and toes. "It is perfectly normal," insists Anderson. "Hair follicles are present all over the body, though the distribution of that hair including color, thickness, and length, varies from person to person. While the hair on fingers and toes is usually fine and less noticeable compared to other body areas, it is a natural part of human body hair."

However, the hair that appears on your fingers and toes is generally less obvious than the kind that sprouts from underarms, bikini line, and legs. "The finer hair that is found all over your body and is mostly unnoticeable is called vellus hair, which is the same type you find commonly on your fingers and toes," explains Hepburn. "This differs from the terminal hair, which is the hair you see more visibly on your head and underarms."

This is personal. "It's a genetic trait to have hair on your fingers and toes," says Hepburn. Interestingly, she adds that it's particularly common to have more hair on your fourth finger, and less-to-no hair on your thumbs. 

In contrast, it’s unlikely to be down to hormones. "The presence of hair on fingers and toes is primarily determined by genetics rather than hormones," notes Anderson. "Hormonal fluctuations and changes for example during puberty, pregnancy, perimenopause and the menopause, or conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can affect hair in certain areas, such as the scalp, face, underarms, and pubic region—but they are not significant factors in finger and toe hair growth."

Firstly, you shouldn’t feel pressure to get rid of it. "There is nothing wrong with having hair on your fingers and toes and most people are not concerned about having it in their day-to-day life," insists Hepburn. "However, if you do want to remove the hair, it is fine to do so, just ensure to take care to avoid any cuts, burns, ingrown hairs or inflammation."

Your method of hair removal will likely be determined by cost. "If budget isn't a concern, there are in-clinic laser hair removal treatment offerings for these areas," says Hepburn. This can provide long-term or permanent hair reduction by targeting the hair follicles with light or electric currents. You can also now buy at-home IPL devices—but they can still be a relatively costly initial purchase and aren’t suitable for every skin type.

"However, if you want to keep the hair removal costs low and to be done in the comfort of your own home, it is best using a waxing, shaving, or lasering method," she adds. Hepburn also stresses that you should be sure to use a soothing cream afterward to lock in moisture and protect the skin barrier post-hair removal. 

Semi-permanent laser hair removal aside, it may also be influenced by how long-lasting each method is. "If you're someone who can't keep on top of their hair removal and prefers to remove the hair quickly and often, then shaving is probably your best option," adds Hepburn. "However, if you're someone who can set aside the five minutes every four to six weeks to remove the hair and not have to worry about it again for four weeks, then waxing is your best bet with longer-lasting results."

"Like any other hair removal method, plucking finger and toe hair is generally considered safe," explains Anderson. "It’s important however to exercise caution and use clean, sterilized tweezers to avoid any potential infection." She adds that plucking can be slightly uncomfortable, especially in sensitive areas, and may cause slight skin irritation: "If you choose to pluck hair from your fingers or toes, ensure that you do it gently and without excessive force to minimize any potential discomfort or damage to the skin."

A similar, but better, approach to this would be to wax. "It is easier than plucking and provides longer-lasting results compared to shaving, since it removes hair from the root," says Anderson. "However, it can be a little fiddly on your non-dominant hand, and as hair is pulled out at the root, you’re also more likely to experience in-grown hairs - so remember to exfoliate regularly using either a small facial loofah pad or an exfoliating scrub."

Similarly, there’s epilation. "Like waxing, using an epilator to remove unwanted hand hair is a great method as it plucks multiple hairs simultaneously from the root," explains Anderson. "It provides longer-lasting results compared to shaving and may also lead to finer regrowth over time. But, like waxing, you’re more likely to experience ingrown hair, so remember to exfoliate regularly. If you’ve got a low pain threshold it might be worth considering a different hair removal method as epilators pull each hair out individually, which some people can find uncomfortable."

"Like any other body part, shaving is a common method, and a safe and quick way to remove finger and toe hair—but remember to use a clean and sharp blade to minimize the risk of cuts or irritation," says Anderson. "Do also bear in mind that shaving only removes hair at the surface level, so it will regrow relatively quickly in one to two days, and regular maintenance will be required to keep the area hair-free. Shaving also leaves blunt, squared-off hair at the surface of the skin, and while the regrowth doesn’t grow back thicker, the blunt edge can make it feel like it is [doing so]."

Another highly convenient method if you’re rushing out the door is hair removal cream or gel. "It is a great, cost-effective, DIY way to remove hair as it essentially dissolves hair from their follicles, allowing it to be easily wiped or washed off," explains Anderson. "This means that it also leaves a softer, tapered end which feels nicer to the touch and is less likely to leave razor bumps or lead to in-grown hairs. It also lasts longer than shaving—anything up to four days." However, she adds that the skin on hands can be sensitive, so you should avoid using chemical-heavy products and always remember to patch test 24 hours before use.

While safe to use or hands and toes, Hepburn advises against plucking and hair removal cream. ‘Avoid using tweezers on these sensitive areas, as they are most likely going to cause the most pain and skin trauma,’ she explains. ‘If you're not used to using a depilation cream, it might be best to avoid this method, as these creams involve chemicals which may be harsh on sensitive skin and could cause an adverse reaction.’ She adds that threading as a method might also cause scars or pigmentation, particularly for light-to-medium brown skin tones.  

Anderson agrees that you need to be really careful about the products you use. ‘It is advisable to avoid harsh chemicals, strong exfoliants or methods that may cause skin irritation or damage especially if you have more sensitive skin,’ she explains. ‘This includes products like hair removal creams or gels that contain strong chemicals or abrasive ingredients, so always check the packaging to ensure the product is safe to use before application.’