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 thank 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.
Depilatory Lotions and Creams are a speedy solution to getting rid of unwanted hair
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
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.