Depilation to Remove Body Hair
Are Depilatory Creams a Suitable Option for You?
Depilation, by definition means removing hair from above the surface of the skin.
So according to the definition there are two methods that could safely be classified as depilation:
Mechanically: Hair shaving
Chemically: Depilatories or depilatory creams
Methods that remove hair from under the surface of the skin fall under Epilation.
Now what is meant by above the surface is that it has nothing to do with the hair at its root or say at the level of the hair follicle.
Hence depilatory methods are age old practices of hair removal since ancient times. And thus are most suitable for at home hair removal.
On the contrary what is meant by under the surface is that it has everything to do with the hair at its root i.e. at the level of the hair follicle.
Hence epilatory methods could be classified under relatively modern techniques of hair removal. Most of them are performed by trained and qualified professionals and in general are not suitable to be attempted at home.
Hair Shaving
Well, I don't really think that anybody here needs information about shaving or how to shave. But as it comes under the topic of our discussion, it's opportune to write a line or two about it here.
First and foremost thing to note about this method is that still, while I am writing these lines, it remains the most popular and easiest and cheapest method to remove body hair.
Reasons to this fact are also quite obvious.
- They may include the universal availability of shaving instruments (traditional razor blade or electric one).
- The ease and speed of hair removal and it's being cheap.
Nevertheless, one should not forget that shaving is and never was a lasting solution for hair removal!
In terms of duration, it is the shortest acting option to remove unwanted body hair and is the most temporary method among all. Lasting for a day or two, at max!
Please go here to read more comprehensive shaving tips and techniques for women.
Chemical depilatories or depilatory creams or shaving powder
Well, depilatories do the same job as shaving in a chemical way. So I prefer to rather call it the 'Chemical Shaving'.
The depilatory cream or lotion or powder chemically dissolves or breaks down the hair protein to a fluffy mass.
In terms of duration of action, they act a bit longer than that of shaving, say 2-3 days.
The container usually provides you with the instructions on how to use. Usually the cream or lotion is applied over the desired area of the skin and left for the recommended time period and then wiped off.
And if you are lucky, then the unwanted hair will be wiped off either along with the cream or lotion.
I said 'if you are lucky', because depilatories do not work for everybody. Coarse or thick hair may fail to respond to depilation.
Depilation - The Advantages:
- Readily available over the counter on all pharmacies, (even at general and grocery stores at my place!).
- Simple to use, fast to perform and passive (apply and wait) method of hair removal.
- Relatively cheap (Second to shaving)
- As a bonus it smoothes the skin by removing dead skin cells from the area of application. Many depilatory creams contain moisturizers, aloe vera, baby oil, green tea extract, almond oil etc. that soothes the skin.
Depilation - The Disadvantages:
- There is potential of allergic reaction. Caution must be taken, by applying initially a small amount over a small area of skin and check for any redness or itching.
- Only a slightly more effective method to remove hair than shaving.
- The nasty smell!
- The biggie… You may (mistakenly) apply it in lieu of a shampoo. ;-) And I am imagining the situation!
Things to Remember while Using Depilatories
- You must strictly follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer to avoid any undesirable effect. If it can dissolve the hair protein, so it could, the proteins in the skin cells.
- Always remember to perform a test for allergy over a small skin area, as stated above.
- If you do see any itching or redness or swelling over the skin then do not attempt to scrub it away. Your best bet is to rinse with free flowing water and then applying gently a moisturizer or soothing gel like aloe vera, or if you do have an anti-inflammatory steroid ointment at home.
- You must keep a healthy gap between two consequent applications, i.e. your next application of depilatories must be at least 28-30 days apart from your previous one.
- Remember to use a sunscreen when you go out after your session of depilation by a cream or lotion. This is recommended in almost all methods of hair removal no matter what.
If you want further detailed product by product reviews of depilatories from the customers themselves, then there is no better place than Amazon
Need to explore other options to remove unwanted body hair? Well… here's a list of alternatives to depilation for body hair removal.
Wish you all the best in your venture depilation!
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