Using Hair Removal Creams
Hair removal creams are a popular form of ridding the body of unwanted hair. Also known as depilatories, hair removal creams consist of a chemical cosmetic application applied to topical hair. The active chemical ingredient in depilatories weakens the hair so that it can be scraped or brushed off just above the hair follicle at the skin's surface.
To use a hair removal cream, follow these simple steps:
- Test a small area of skin for an allergic or uncomfortable reaction.
- Soften the hair you want to remove before applying the cream. Take a hot shower or use a washcloth soaked with hot water and apply to the hair.
- Apply a thick layer of cream to the hair and allow the cream to process for the time outlined in the manufacturer's instructions – usually 3 to 5 minutes.
- After the allotted time elapses, wipe a small patch to determine if the hair has been removed. Thicker or coarser hair will take longer, but do not leave the product on your skin for more than 10 minutes, as a rash may develop.
- Remove the cream firmly in downward stokes in the direction of hair growth with a washcloth or scraper, but do not scrub the skin.
- Rinse the skin thoroughly.
- Always refer to the manufacturer's directions.
Some advantages for using hair removal creams are:
- You can use them at home.
- They are easily available for purchase in any drugstore or department store.
- They are fast and inexpensive.
- Various strengths are available for different hair types.
There are also a few disadvantages for using hair removal creams:
- They usually have a foul odor and sometimes the odor lingers after use.
- They have been known to cause severe allergic reactions and skin irritations.
- Hair re-growth occurs in 2 to 5 days, so the effect is short.
Read the manufacturer's directions before use to determine if you should use hair removal cream on certain parts of the body. Some products are not intended for use except on legs, arms, and armpits. Other products are geared specifically for the bikini area and face.
Two popular over-the-counter hair removal creams are Nair and Veet. All-natural alternatives are the brand names Hair No More Advanced Hair Removal Cream and Ultra HairStop Hair Removal Cream.
No matter the brand you choose, you should always follow the directions on the package and note that the disadvantages may outweigh the advantages for using a hair removal cream. If so, examine other methods for removing unwanted body hair.
Author Bio
April Reinhardt
An administrator for a mutual fund management firm, April deals with the written word daily. She loves to write and plans to author a memoir in the near future. April attended Morehead State University to pursue a BA degree in Elementary Education. Learn more about April...
Removing Pine Needles from Carpeting
If you love pine trees and trimmings during the holiday, consider investing in a commercial grade vacuum to rid your ...
Discover More
Cleaning Old Photographs
When working with old photographs it is best to try to determine the method by which they were processed before you ...
Discover More
Classic Easter Fashions
As with all fashion, classic cuts and designs never go out of style. The same holds true for classic Easter fashion. ...
Discover More
Getting Rid of Razor Bikini Bumps
Tired of those painful razor bikini bumps? Not only are they painful, they are also ugly, irritating, and just plain ...
Discover More
Underarm Hair Removal
Many of us spend time trying to remove underarm hair. There are some different ways to do this, and some last longer than ...
Discover More
Hair Removal Surgery
Sick of unwanted hair? Throw out the razor, and look into hair removal surgery. Learn of ways to drastically reduce your ...
Discover More
Comments