Simply apply the lotion or cream for the instructed amount of time and remove as directed. It's that easy.
Depilatories are safe and painless when used as directed. Sensitive formulas are designed to be even more gentle than the original formulas but just as effective. Because body chemistry changes constantly, it's important to conduct a patch test before each use, even if you've used them successfully before.In comparing hair removal creams vs. waxing, hair removal creams remove hair without pain while waxing can cause some discomfort. But when it comes to long-lasting results, waxing takes the lead.
While razors cut hair off at the surface, waxing removes hair at the root level, with results that can last up to 4 weeks.* At-home waxing is an effective way to get professional results at just a fraction of the salon price. Is waxing better than shaving? If you're looking for longer lasting results, then yes.
Waxes are versatile and can be used on the face, legs, underarms and bikini line. Some can even remove very short hairs. Waxes can be divided into sugar and resin waxes. And resin wax can be further classified as hot or cold.
The main differences between sugar wax and regular wax are the ingredients, method of application and ease with which residue can be removed from the skin.
Sugar wax is made from ingredients like sugar and water, which may be gentler for those with very sensitive skin. There are even internet videos demonstrating how you can DIY sugar wax by cooking up a batch on the stove - if you're so inclined. Regular wax is made from beeswax, resins and oils among other ingredients.Many waxers recommend applying sugar wax in the opposite direction of hair growth (from hair tip to root) and then pulling it off from root to tip. This differs from regular wax which is applied in the direction of the hair's growth (which is root to tip) and then removed from tip to root. UNLESS you're using Nair™ Spa Sugar™ Wax - our formula is designed to be applied the same way as regular wax (see our how-to guide for details). Yeah, that's a lot of information. Just remember this - whichever direction you use to put the wax on, be sure to pull it off in the opposite direction.
Cold waxes like Nair™ Wax Ready-Strips for Legs & Body don't need to be warmed before they're applied to the skin. But hot waxes must be heated before application so they can become soft and spreadable. Both cold and hot waxes are applied in the direction of hair growth (root to tip) and then removed in the opposite direction. For tips to ensure successful waxing, see our waxing guide for beginners.
Sugar wax is a water-soluble form of wax and the residue can easily be rinsed away. With resin wax, baby oil or special wipes will be more successful in removing the residue.
When considering waxing vs. shaving, waxing provides longer lasting results while shaving can require daily maintenance.
Shaving involves the use of a razor to remove unwanted hair. Unlike depilatories and waxes, which remove hair at a deeper level, single blade razors only remove hair growth on the surface of the skin.
There are a variety of razors to choose from including straight edge, safety and electric. Because shaving literally slices off the ends of your hair, it can leave a sharp edge behind, making initial hair regrowth feel coarse. Razors also have the potential to create nicks, cuts and irritation to the skin, called razor burn.
If you look at hair removal creams vs. shaving, removal cream prevents razor burn and ingrown hairs and the results last days longer than shaving. Nair™ Bladeless Shave hair removers give you smooth skin that lasts and lasts, without the razor.
When tweezing, metal tweezers are used to pluck hair from its root, one hair at a time. Tweezing is best used for small areas, such as eyebrows, where only a few hairs need to be removed.
Tweezing may be done at home or by a salon professional. Because tweezing is done one hair at a time, it's a slow process. It should also be done with care to avoid ingrown hairs, infections or even scarring. Be sure to always keep your tweezers clean.
Because of its precise nature (and the fact that it can be time consuming) tweezing is best combined with other modes of hair removal to clean up any stray hairs the other methods may leave behind.
Epilating is a term for mechanically pulling hair out from the root, which includes tweezing and other mechanical removal methods like waxing and even threading where threads are doubled and twisted to pull hair from the follicle. Electronic epilators work similarly to tweezers, but they're much faster and can be more painful as a result. In the faceoff of epilating vs. shaving, epilating creates longer lasting results because hair is removed from the root.
Electrolysis is a permanent way to remove hair. A fine needle is inserted into the hair follicle and an electronic charge passes through the needle to the root of the hair, killing it (RIP follicle).
Because the process is most often done by a trained technician, it can be expensive and time consuming. Several visits may be necessary for the effects to become permanent. For some individuals, the process is also painful.
In laser hair removal a laser, or concentrated beam of light, is focused on the hair follicle to stop or impede hair growth. Laser treatments can be costly and multiple treatments are often needed. The treatments work best when there is high contrast between the color of the skin and the color of the hair.
When it comes to hair removal, you have options. Conquer your world the way you see fit - you've gotta do what's right for you. And that can mean using a combination of different hair removal methods. Your hair removal routine can be as creative as you are. Whether you choose to remove hair or not, there's nothing we love more than a good hair-grooming success story. We'll be cheering for you!
*Individual results may vary.
In this article, we break down the most common hair removal techniques, along with the benefits, side effects, and effectiveness of each one.
Contrary to many marketing claims, no hair removal treatment can get rid of hair permanently. However, there are a variety of ways to get rid of hair for weeks, months, or longer periods of time.
Everyone has body hair, but depending on the time of year or your personal preferences, you may want to remove some of it.
Some hair removal treatments can deliver long-term results, though they are unlikely to remove hair permanently. This can include laser hair removal and electrolysis, along with other options.
Hair growth is a complex process that starts deep in the hair follicle. Hair is dependent on blood to feed it as it makes its way to the skin’s surface. The sebaceous (oil) glands also play a role by keeping the hair lubricated and healthy.
Certain factors can affect the rate of hair growth, including nutrition, medications, and genetics. The rate of growth may slow down as you get older.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology , body hair, on average, grows to its full length in about a month. Male hair also tends to grow faster than female hair. The hair on your head can grow about six inches in a year.
Shaving simply gets rid of hair at the surface, which is why it grows back so quickly. Tweezing removes the hair as well as its root, which helps slow down regrowth. But even with tweezing, the hair will likely grow back in a couple of weeks.
If you’re looking for longer-term hair removal solutions, it may be time to consider other hair removal techniques. The following methods are ranked by their ability to remove hair for the longest amount of time.
Electrolysis involves the use of shortwave radio frequencies distributed through fine needles placed directly into your hair follicles. The intention is to destroy the hair follicle so that it doesn’t stimulate new hair growth. This procedure needs to be done by a dermatologist or a certified electrologist.
Unlike other hair removal options, electrolysis is considered a permanent solution by the Food and Drug Administration. However, for best results, you will need multiple follow-up appointments.
Most people need follow-up sessions every week or two. Depending on the length of the session, the cost is typically around $35 to $100 per session.
Electrolysis can be done anywhere on the body, and works for most skin types. The most common side effect is pain and redness from skin irritation. Rare but serious side effects include scarring and infection from the needles, as well as keloids (an overgrowth of scar tissue).
Laser hair removal is another longer-term hair removal option. Like electrolysis, this treatment targets the hair follicle. It works by damaging the follicle with high-heat lasers to stop new hair from growing.
According to the Mayo Clinic, laser hair removal can be done anywhere on the body, with the exception of the eye area. The treatment tends to work best in people with light skin tones who have dark hair.
Like electrolysis, laser hair removal requires multiple sessions for best results. Depending on the area of hair removal, you may need about four to six treatments spaced four to eight weeks apart. It can cost up to $250 a session.
In most cases, hair removal lasts several months, and in some cases it might last for years. When hair grows back, it’s often finer and lighter in color. However, laser hair removal doesn’t guarantee permanent hair removal.
The most common side effect is skin irritation and redness, but this usually goes away after a few hours. This treatment can also cause temporary pigment changes, especially with darker skin tones. More serious side effects include blistering and scarring, but this is rare.
If you don’t like the idea or the cost of electrolysis or laser hair removal, you may want to talk to your dermatologist about prescription creams.
One type in particular is called eflornithine (Vaniqa), which you apply twice a day for one month. It works by inhibiting the production of enzymes that stimulate hair growth.
According to a study on this treatment, the results can last up to eight weeks, after which you can start the process over again. A month’s treatment costs about $50.
Eflornithine works only for facial hair, and is better suited to women. Some side effects may include burning, rashes, and acne breakouts from follicle disruption.
An option for smaller areas of your body is professional tweezing and waxing done by a certified aesthetician. When hair is removed this way, it’s pulled directly out of the root. Depending on how fast your hair grows, results may last from two to eight weeks.
This is a less expensive option than laser hair removal or electrolysis, but you may need to repeat the treatment more often.
While tweezing can be done on any area of the body, waxing shouldn’t be done around the genitals, nipples, ears, or eyelashes. You should also avoid applying wax over varicose veins, moles, or warts, or on skin that’s chapped or sunburned.
The most common side effects of both professional tweezing and waxing include mild rashes and irritation, but this is usually temporary.
This treatment consists of an over-the-counter gel or cream that you put on your skin. It works by weakening a protein in your hair called keratin. This causes the hair to fall out and be easily wiped away.
Depilation doesn’t target the hair follicle, so the results may only last for about two weeks. However, it’s an inexpensive option that you can do at home.
Make sure you use the right type of cream for the area where you want to remove hair. Some creams are formulated for the face, and others for the body or pubic area.
It’s a good idea to do a patch test on a small part of your skin before using chemical depilation on a larger area of your body. Side effects of this treatment can include chemical burns, rashes, and blisters.