Hair Removal

How to choose a hair removal product

Hair removal products fall into two basic categories: depilatories and epilatories. Depilatories remove hair at the skin's surface, while epilatories are waxes that pluck hair from below the skin line. To hide hair instead of removing it, bleaching is a popular option. Each method has pros and cons. It's best to choose the one that's least irritating to your skin and most convenient for your lifestyle.

Depilatories

Applied as lotions, creams, or powders, depilatories contain chemicals (usually calcium thioglycolate or calcium hydroxide) that dissolve the protein structure of your hair, causing it to separate easily from the skin surface. After the hair has dissolved, you literally wipe it away with water and a washcloth.

Some depilatories are only for use on the legs, while others are safe for more sensitive areas, such as the bikini line, face, and underarms. Read product labels carefully, choosing the appropriate depilatory for a specific use.

To moisturize your skin and minimize irritation, consider depilatories that contain added ingredients like baby oil, lanolin, cocoa butter, or vitamin E. To target small areas of unwanted hair, a roll-on depilatory may work best.

Epilatories

Epilatory waxes are applied to the skin and then lifted off, removing hair at the root. As you might imagine, this can be painful. But because waxing plucks hair from beneath the skin line, the results last longer than with a depilatory.

Most waxes are made of a combination of beeswax and paraffin, oils, and a resin that makes the wax stick to the skin. You can choose between "hot" and "cold" waxing:

• Hot waxing requires an application of heated wax to the skin in the direction of the hair growth. The hair is embedded in the wax as it cools, and then lifted off (using muslin strips or other material) in the opposite direction of the hair growth.
• Cold waxing works the same way using cloth strips precoated with wax. Strips come in different sizes for use on different parts of the body.

Cream bleaches

More of a cover-up than a hair removal method, cream bleaching is a good choice for hiding fine, downy hair found on the upper lip, forearms, or sides of your face. Repeated bleaching may make hair brittle and actually break off some hairs. Hydrogen peroxide is the active ingredient in most cream bleaches.

How to use hair removal products

The chemicals in hair removal products are generally safe, but can be irritating to sensitive skin. When possible, test a product on a small patch of skin a day before use. If the product doesn't irritate your skin, it's probably okay to proceed. More tips:

Depilatories

Smooth thickly over skin in the direction of the hair growth, but don't rub in. After five to seven minutes, test a small area. If hair does not wipe off easily, leave on a few minutes longer. Don't leave on for more than 15 minutes.

Epilatories

• Hot wax: Heat the wax in a microwave oven for 15 seconds at most, then apply to the skin and remove with the provided cloth strips in a rapid motion. Any leftover wax residue washes away with water.
• Cold wax: Use the pre-treatment towelettes gently to remove surface oils from your skin; then apply the cold wax strips to remove hair quickly and effectively.

Cream bleaches

Apply where needed and wait five to 15 minutes before washing off.

Be sure to follow these safety tips when using hair removal products:

• Even if you've used these products before, they may irritate your skin or provoke an allergic reaction.
• Don't use on irritated, inflamed, or broken skin. Keep away from eyes. If product should touch your eyes, wash thoroughly with lukewarm water. If irritation occurs, consult your physician.
• Don't use depilatories around eyes, eyelashes, nose, or ears, or on breast nipples, anal, vaginal, or genital areas. Don't leave depilatories on skin longer than directed.
• Don't use waxes if you have diabetes, varicose veins, moles, warts, or circulatory problems. Waxes also aren't suitable for people with extra-sensitive or problem skin or those using Retin-A products. Not recommended for the elderly.
• Be cautious when warming the wax to avoid overheating. Read the instructions carefully. Failure to follow heating guidelines may result in severe skin irritation, skin removal, burns, or other injury.