Hair growth on various parts of the body is a natural process. The hair that grows can be very light and may not show on the skin. On the other hand, dark hair on the skin can be very obvious and also a cause of concern for many. This dark hair may need to be removed often so that the skin appears neat and clean. There are various ways using which hair can be removed from the skin like laser hair removal, shaving, waxing and electrolysis. However, over the years, an easier method for hair removal has been developed. These are hair removal creams. Hair removal creams are an easy method of removing unwanted hair and have become very popular over the past few years because of the ease with which these can be used.

How do hair-removal creams work?

Hair removal creams are basically chemical depilatories. These contain chemicals that act on the hair. The hair removal creams have chemicals that chemically react with the hair and break down its keratin making the hair easy to wipe out. Hair removal creams or depilatories basically contain the following:

1. Thioglycolate salts like calcium thioglycolate and potassium thioglycolate. These salts are converted to acids and thus react with hair to remove it.
2. Sulfides like barium sulfide and strontium sulfide that react with the hair making it loose and easy to remove.
3. Sodium hydroxide or calcium hydroxide balance the pH level of the hair removal creams which is an essential factor for the proper working of these creams.
4. Water as diluents as it is compatible with a large range of raw materials and is inexpensive and non- irritating.
5. Emollients that reduce the harshness of the hair removal creams and improve the feel. The common emollients used are oils, esters and silicones.
6. Thickening agents like polymers and surfactants may be used.
7. Fragrances are used to overcome the bad odor of the hair removal cream.
8. Ingredients like antioxidants, extracts and preservatives may also be used.

When a hair removal cream is applied on the body, the alkaline chemicals like calcium thioglycolate, potassium thioglycolate and strontium sulfide react on the hair to remove it. These chemicals react with the hair proteins called keratins to dissolve it. After some time of the application of the cream, the hair becomes so weak that it falls out of the follicle.

Choosing the right hair removal cream

One cannot use any hair removal cream that is available. It is essential to know the skin type and the area from which hair needs to be removed. Hair removal creams are no longer generic and are formulated keeping in mind the different skin types of which these can be used. People who have a sensitive skin must make use of mild hair removal creams that are available. Hair removal creams must also be chosen keeping in mind the type of hair that needs to be removed; fine or coarse. Hair removal creams must be chosen keeping in mind the area from where the hair needs to be removed as different creams cater to different body areas. Hair removal creams are available for removal of leg hair, arm hair, armpit hair, chest hair, bikini area hair and facial hair. It is also essential to choose the hair removal cream which has ingredients to which a person is not allergic. If one does not keep this fact in mind, the hair removal cream can cause skin problems.

What are the benefits and cons of using hair removal creams?

There are several benefits of using the chemical depilatories.

1. These are easy to use and inexpensive products.
2. Hair removal creams offer a painless hair removal method assuring no nicks and cuts.
3. These are easily available and can be bought without prescription.
4. The hair removal creams also exfoliate and moisturize the skin giving it a glow.

Cons of using hair removal creams

1. The results of hair removal creams are short lived.
2. Most of the creams have a foul odor.
3. The hair removal creams may leave dark patches from where hair is removed.
4. These creams may sometimes cause skin irritation and redness and allergies.

Precautions

Before using the hair removal cream, it must be tested on a small patch of skin to ensure that it does not cause allergies or any adverse skin reaction.