How to Remove Body Hair at Home Using Creams
Using depilatory cream to remove unwanted body hair is very effective because hair under the skin is dissolved. It is less painful than waxing, and the skin stays hair-free longer than with shaving. Depilatory creams are easier to use in places that are hard to shave, like the ankles and behind the knees. Milder facial depilatory creams can be used to remove fine facial hair and avoid razor damage on the face, but facial depilatory creams may be less effective on thick facial hair. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Test the cream on a small patch of forearm hair to make sure it doesn't burn or cause an allergic reaction. Depilatory creams contain mildly caustic ingredients like calcium thioglycolate and sodium that cause hair to break up and dissolve. They also usually contain fragrances and emollients to some people may be allergic to.
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Wash the areas well with warm water and a washcloth before applying the cream. Washing removes oil and dead skin that can prevent the cream from working effectively, and the warm water softens the skin and hair follicles, which makes the cream more effective.
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Apply the cream over the unwanted hair. Smear the cream over the surface of the skin but do not rub it in. Let the cream sit on the skin for the amount of time recommended in the instructions, usually five to 15 minutes. Do not leave the cream any longer than directed or you risk burning your skin. Remove the cream immediately if you feel it burning. People with very sensitive skin may not be able to use depilatory creams.
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Use a warm, damp washcloth to wipe the cream off. If the cream came with a scraper, use that to remove the cream. Wipe or scrape the cream with a downward motion, going the direction the hair grows. Do not rinse it without first wiping or scraping it, or the depilatory cream will not be able to dissolve the hair as effectively.
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Wash well with warm water to remove any excess cream. Washing should get rid of the cream's odor as well. Do not use any soap on the area where you used the cream for several hours, as this could cause irritation.
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Tips & Warnings
For very coarse hair, depilatory creams might not work very well. If you haven't removed all the hair you want with one application, do not attempt applying the cream immediately after, or you may burn or irritate your skin.
Do not use depilatory cream on cuts, scabs or irritated skin. Use only creams intended for facial hair removal on your face. These tend to be milder for sensitive facial skin. Do not get the cream in your eyes, nose or mouth.
