The present invention relates to a hair-detection device (100), with a source (80) of electromagnetic radiation and an imaging sensor (74), and with radiation selection means (83, 48). During use of the device, the selection means improve a ratio between the part of the emitted radiation that is coupled into a skin (8), homogenized via multiple scattering without much absorption in the skin, reaches the sensor (74) and thus provides an image of the skin, and the part that reaches the sensor via other ways, such as reflection at the skin surface. The radiation preferably has a wavelength between about 700 nm and 1100 nm. The radiation selection means may e.g. comprise a separate wall (83) around at least one of the source (80) and the sensor (74), crossed polarizers, etc. By means of this selection, the contrast of the image may be improved, and may be made less dependent on skin color and skin artifacts, thus enabling easier detection of e.g. white hairs on a fair skin. A hair-detection device in accordance with the invention is used in a hair-removing device.
