Hair Removal Options: Depilatories

I’m wrapping up our series on hair removal for women with my thoughts on depilatories (hair removal creams). We’ve already discussed laser hair removal, brazilian wax, bikini wax, and shaving the bikini line.

I want to discuss the most popular over the counter drug store brand depilatory creams: Nair, Veet, Salley Hansen and Bikini Zone.

Generally speaking, I don’t particularly care for hair removal creams. Even if they work as claimed, the process is entirely too messy for me.  The process of applying the cream, waiting X number of minutes, running around naked (or semi-naked) – smearing the cream all over the place…bleh! I dunno, perhaps that only happens to me – but I hate it!

Veet:The Veet brand has both cream, lotion and wax products available over the counter.  They have a gel, In-shower removal cream, blade-less kit, spray on removal cream and products for people with sensitive skin.

Nair: Nair also has an extensive line of products that include a no-strip wax system. They’ve added a wax strip line called Pretty as well. The Nair Pretty system is a line of body and face wax that comes in soothing scents and has glitter in it. Honestly – unless you’re between the ages of 14-17 tops, I can’t imagine why you’d want glitter on your face or body.

Sally Hansen:Sally Hansen is probably one of the most recognizable and well trusted names in drug store products. From nail polish to bleaching creams – Sally Hansen has it! The Sally Hansen hair removal product line is probably the most extensive of the bunch. She has the standard lotions, cremes, gels and waxes – but she also has bleaches and post-hair removal moisturizing products.

Bikini Zone Hair Removal:  The pickings are disappointingly slim with the Bikini Zone product line. They have a grand total of 3 products for womens hair removal – wax strips, microwave wax and a creme hair remover. Though they do have a pretty good after-shave product that prevents/gets rid of bumps.

For the most part, depilatories all work the same. It’s hard to really pick one over the other in that regard. It will come down to a personal preference and skin sensitivities. Some of the products may contain ingredients that don’t really mesh well with your skin type. Although I generally speaking, DO NOT use depilatories – on the occasions that I do, I always go for the Veet brands. They smell better and leave my skin smoother!

Hair Removal Options: Bikini Wax

In preparation for the summer season, I’ve started researching the best and most long lasting hair removal options. We’ve discussed laser hair removal and the Brazilian bikini wax – next up is the standard bikini wax.

There are actually two types of “standard” bikini waxes, the American bikini wax and the French bikini wax. The American bikini wax  removes the hair at the “V” of the thigh and the top of the the pelvis. Then there is the French bikini wax, this method leaves a “landing strip” of hair right at the center of your pelvis.

Similar to the Brazilian method, hot waxes are used – so while it may be slightly uncomfortable – it isn’t nearly as painful as the Brazilian wax. Standard bikini waxes are also cheaper.

Here are some of the most popular questions (and their answers) when it comes to getting a bikini wax:

Q. What length does the hair on my body have to be to get a successful wax?

You should let your hair grow out a little so the wax has something to grab on to. If you have at least a 1/4″ growth of hair, you should get good results. That would be about a 2 to 3 week growth of hair, more or less depending on how your own hair grows. Some say this is the most uncomfortable part of the process; letting your hair grow and not shaving.

Q. Is there anything I need to know to prepare my skin for waxing?

You must have no sun exposure for the 48 hours prior to waxing. About 2 or 3 days before you come in for the waxing, lightly exfoliate the area to be waxed, using any exfoliator that you would typically use on your body. Don’t over-scrub, just as you would gently exfoliate your face. On the day of your waxing, be sure you thoroughly cleanse the area being waxed, but do not exfoliate, and do not apply any oils, lotions, powders, perfumes, etc.

Q. Does waxing hurt?

Well, we have to be honest here. Everyone has a different tolerance for pain, but the first time will hurt more than any other time. As you wax more regularly, you are removing less hair each time, and less hair means less discomfort. If pain or discomfort is a real concern for you, be sure to have a conversation with your esthetician before your waxing begins so that you can bring your concerns out in the open and receive some support. Please keep in mind that women should avoid waxing during their periods – the skin is most sensitive during this time. Avoid waxing any time your skin is under stress of any kind.

Q. Will I have to take my panties off when I get a bikini wax?

Your esthetician will have a disposable panty for you if you choose to be covered during your bikini line wax. Of course, estheticians are professionals and will treat you with respect. Before you begin the bikini waxing, discuss any confusion or discomfort you may be experiencing about the actual waxing procedure with your esthetician. You should agree beforehand on the bikini line you wish to wax so there are no mistakes made during the waxing to cause you and your esthetician discomfort. However, if at any time during the waxing you should become uncomfortable, you will want to stop the waxing and discuss your feelings with your esthetician. Don’t be afraid to seek out a different esthetician if you feel that you are not receiving professional treatment at all times.

Q. What about post-waxing skin care?

After each waxing appointment, give your skin a break. Stay out of the sun for at least 24 hours and do not climb into a tanning bed for at least 48 hours or more. Your skin is a bit stressed and will not like any alcohol based products, perfumes, lotions, powders, or oils. As a matter of fact, your skin will let you know in no uncertain terms that it wishes to be babied a little. Most any product you normally put on your skin will burn if you try to use it on your freshly waxed skin, so avoid these products for about a day or two.

Q. How long will I be able to go between waxings before I see hair growing in again?

It all depends on how fast your hair grows and if you are just starting your waxing routine. Some people may not be able to go longer than 2 weeks, while others can go as long as 6 weeks. However, the longer you have been on a regular waxing schedule, the longer each waxing will last. Hair grows in cycles which means it’s appearing at different intervals. Each time you wax, you are only removing the hair that’s made an appearance thus far; there are more hairs waiting underneath that will show up in the next few days. Because of that, it may take up to 3 waxing sessions to have all your hair growing in different intervals finally removed. So, your legs will probably not be smooth for about 3 waxing appointments. After that, you’ll notice that you will be able to go longer between waxings without seeing hair.

If you haven’t decided yet whether you should try waxing, you may want to ask yourself a few questions. When’s the last time you threw on a skirt or pair of shorts without worrying about the last time you shaved? Are you constantly sneaking a peek at your bikini bottoms trying to see if there’s anything peeking back at you? You may consider waxing as a way to finally relax and quit worrying and wondering whether or not anyone will notice you haven’t shaved. Getting rid of that razor, and razor burns, and cuts, is reason enough to call your esthetician and discuss the possibilities of waxing