Depilatory cream is a popular way of removing unwanted hair. It is cheap, effective and convenient to use yourself at home and is a way of removing hair painlessly (unlike many other methods!)

Removing hair for aesthetic reasons has been a custom it seems almost since time began and depilatory creams and potions have been around in various forms since ancient times although luckily the format has changed from the often hazardous ingredients used by the Ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans (arsenic and lime are no long present than goodness).

Hair removal creams act on the keratin in the hair structure and dissolve it so that the hair falls away. Despite containing quite harsh chemicals (even these days) the creams are reasonably gentle of the skin and you will find various formulations to cope with sensitive skin and all areas of the body too. For example, you should be able to find specialist facial hair removal cream as well as cream for removing hair from the bikini line.

Creams do not penetrate the surface of the skin in removing hair so this means that the roots of the hair remain and hair regrowth occurs fairly rapidly – within a few days or a weeks or so. You will find that regrowth is slower and softer however than if you shave your unwanted hair – you will not get such a stubbly feel – and you will also find depilatories easier to use than in areas where it is difficult to get a close shave due to the contours of the skin.

Due to the strong alkali chemical used in depilatory hair removal many manufacturers state that you should not use soap or deodorant on the same areas for some hours to avoid skin irritation. You’ll probably find it easiest to use depilatory creams in the evening, rinse off with warm water and then you can take your usual shower in the morning. Having said that there are now some creams and gels designed to be used in the shower.

Always follow the instructions on the packaging carefully in particular about

• doing a patch test (trying out the cream for a short time on a small area of your skin to check for adverse reactions)
• where you should and should not us the cream (particularly avoid using nera the eyes or on broken and already irritated skin)
• the application of the hair cream and the amount of time to leave it on your skin
  removal of the cream

Use any tools which are supplied with the product to apply and remove the cream. You will often find a spatula in the packaging which is the best tool for the job.

Hair removal creams may not work well if the skin is not clean and dry as oils and sweat on the skin and hair may prevent the chemicals in the depilatory reaching and acting on the hair so make sure you use a face cloth and warm water to wash the skin and then dry carefully before applying the depilatory lotion or cream.

The worst of depilatory creams (and the main thing which puts me off them) is the pungent smell. This can’t be avoided completely (although many manufacturers such as Veet and Nair make a valiant attempt to mask it with wonderful sounding fragrances). The reality is that you will still be able to smell the strong alkali chemical mixture during the few minutes you have applied the cream and in your bathroom for a while afterwards.

The best hair removal cream is one which is designed for the area where you want to remove unwanted hair, which reacts favorably with your skin yet is strong enough to get the job done. Also look for one which has a fragrance which appeals more than others (even if it can’t remove the chemcal smell entirely).

These creams are reasonably cheap so it is worth experimenting with Nair and Veet cream and lotion (which are the most well-known and respected brands – add Immac to this in the UK) as well as generic brands sold in drugstore chains. We are all different and have different reactions to products so there is no one best depilatory cream for all.

The best for me might very well be the worst for you – the one that does not remove your hair well or causes a reaction where others don’t. Therefore try out the different formulas of the creams, ways of applying and removing. To get an idea of the vast selection available these days take a look at the many available right now at Amazon – there are good discounts there too.

In addition to the usual brands of depilatory cream you many also find more expensive creams (Surgi cream and Revitol spring to mind) which promise to reduce hair growth. I did not notice any difference when I tried them but your mileage may vary as they say.

Getting the best laser hair removal treatment starts before you visit the clinic for the first time. Look around online at all the places offering laser hair removal in your area. Send for their information and compare notes. Visit those places which appeal – not just those offering the best brochures but a good range of laser centers and clinics to find the best one for your treatment.

You see some laser treatment centers will have very capable sales and marketing people but you want the centers with the best laser hair removal equipment and the most trained technicians not just the most persuasive sales people. You have to read between the ads to get the best results and customer service for your money.

What should you be looking for in quality laser hair removal treatment?

1. State of the Art Laser Hair Removal Equipment

Laser hair removal equipment improves all the time but as those machines cost several thousand dollars each clinics don’t always stay up to date. Research the equipment that the center uses. And if you have anything other than light skin and dark hair (the easiest combination to treat) check that they have specialist machines which cater for you.

2. Well Trained Operators

Of course, all operators will all be fully trained an have certificates to prove it (this will be required by law in most cases) but what results do they achieve at this particular laser treatment center? Do they have before and after pictures of numerous clients as they go through their treatment showing improvement and real reduction in hair? Do they have believable testimonials?

3. Realistic Promises

Try and get round the sales hype and find out from the clinic what may actually be achievable by you with your skin and hair type. Don’t trust a clinic which glosses over the fact that you probably won’t achieve complete, permanent hair removal. Ask about how painful the treatment is and don’t trust any clinic which talks about pain free. As a minimum you will feel some discomfort – like being pinged by tiny rubber bands. Trust a clinic which tells it exactly as it is, not the one which hypes things up.

4. Guarantees

If a laser treatment center is offering to treat hair until it is gone for good with free of charge follow up appointments then that is great because every type of skin and hair reacts differently but it is more likely that you will a get certain number of follow up sessions included in your package if hair is not fully removed. Just weigh up the likely cost of follow up laser treatment at each clinic if it is not including when you are considering different packages.

5. General Environment

Do you feel comfortable with the clinic? Is it clean? Does it seem that it is efficiently run? Do you get the feeling that they are just after your money or truly care that you solve your unwanted hair problems? (Not always easy to tell but if they are putting you under pressure to sign up before you have had a chance to make up your mind you have your answer) Even small things like appointments being available when you need them may sway your decision between one clinic and another.

6. Plenty of Information

Do they tell you exactly what to expect before, during and after each session? Do they have information you can take away and read? For information about what they should be telling you see the articles on the main part of the Simply Hair Removal site about what to expect at each stage of treatment: See the Laser Hair Removal section

7. Costs

Finally the cost of the treatment. Look at the overall cost given the number of sessions you are likely to need (including top up treatments) and compare it to the average laser hair removal price as well as the cost of other clinics in your local area. (Prices do vary quite a lot between different regions from $350 on average per session to $500). Check out any payment plans on offer which may help you to afford laser hair removal treatment too (but don’t forget to add on the cost of any finance charges to the overall price).