Nair has an extensive line of hair removal products marketed for women as well as another line aimed for men’s hair removal needs. Most Nair products are specifically formulated for hair removal on a certain area, such as the legs, face, underarms or bikini area. The products provide an alternative to shaving and typically produce longer-lasting results.
Products
Most Nair products are depilatories, which work by dissolving the hair with chemicals that react with the hair’s protein structure. The Nair line of hair removal products for women includes depilatory lotions and creams made for general use on the legs and body. Bikini and face formulas are available, as are depilatories made for sensitive skin or use in the shower. Nair also carries body and face wax strips.
Ingredients
Calcium hydroxide is the main active ingredient in most Nair depilatories. The chemical works to break down the keratin proteins in individual hairs that keep them strong. Potassium thioglycolate also works to break down keratin. When combined with calcium hydroxide, potassium thioglycolate helps dissolve unwanted hair so you can wipe it away.
Nair Naturally Smooth Wax is a sugar-based wax, making it water soluble. Water soluble waxes make it easier to wash away any residue left after treatment. Nair wax strips use rosin wax, which adheres to short hairs better than sugar wax. Many Nair waxes, creams and gels also contain aloe, mineral oil and lanolin to help protect the skin from the active chemicals in the products and keep your skin moist and smooth.
Use
Most Nair depilatories work in as little as three minutes, according to the Nair website. Spreading a thick layer of the product over areas with unwanted hair and allowing it to sit untouched for 3 to 10 minutes allows users to wipe away most unwanted hair with a damp washcloth.
The Nair Shower Power products are water resistant, allowing women to apply the product in the shower without the water washing it off the skin. Shower Power creams come with a special sponge designed to remove the cream after three to 10 minutes.
Applying Nair wax strips to taut skin and pulling them off quickly in the opposite direction of the hair growth will remove most of the unwanted hair. The strips can be used more than once and have the best results when users soften the wax by kneading the strips between their fingers before using.
Benefits
Depilatory creams and waxes provide longer results than shaving. While shaving typically lasts three to five days, many people find they only need to repeat depilatory applications once a week or every other week, according to TeensHealth. Waxing provides even longer results, with each treatment lasting three to six weeks. Shaving is often more time consuming than the quick results achieved with wiping off depilatory creams or removing wax strips.
Side Effects
While depilatory creams and waxes are safe for most people, some will experience skin irritation and redness following the use of these products. Skin irritation is usually temporary, and it often improves as your skin gets used to the chemicals or wax.
Burning and tingling are common side effects when using depilatory creams and pulling off wax strips is often painful for a brief moment. People with especially sensitive skin should check with a doctor or dermatologist before using Nair products and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for performing a spot test before using them on a large area.
Depilatory creams can cause serious poisoning if swallowed by a child or pet. Depilatory poisoning requires immediate medical attention.
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