Unwanted hair growth can be embarrassing and difficult to hide. Fortunately, depilatory creams can remove hair on the legs, armpits, face and bikini area. They come in a variety of forms, including roll-ons, aerosol, gels and creams. Depilatories are highly acidic or alkaline, causing the hair to dissolve into a jellylike consistency on the surface of the skin. Effects last up to two weeks.
Step 1
Test a small patch of skin 24 hours prior to applying a depilatory. KidsHealth explains that some of the chemicals found in these products can cause irritation or an allergic reaction, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Step 2
Wash your skin and gently pat it dry. Sally Beauty recommends drying your skin thoroughly before applying a depilatory cream.
Step 3
Spread the cream over your skin using your fingertips. According to the Palo Alto Medical Foundation, it is important to make sure all the hair to be removed is thickly covered with the cream.
Step 4
Leave the depilatory on your skin for approximately eight minutes---or as long as the package directions specify.
Step 5
Wipe the hair removal cream off with a tissue or damp washcloth.
Step 6
Rinse off your skin with cool running water and pat it dry.
Tips and Warnings
- According to KidsHealth, depilatories can be messy. Consider sitting in the bathtub until you are ready to wash the cream off. Read instructions carefully and do not leave the depilatory cream on your skin for more than the recommended amount of time. This can result in a rash or severe irritation.
- The University of Maryland Medical Center warns that depilatories can be dangerous if accidentally swallowed. Symptoms can include diarrhea, difficulty breathing, pain in the abdomen and vomiting. Immediately drink milk or water unless you are experiencing symptoms that cause swallowing difficulty such as convulsions or vomiting.
Things You'll Need
- Depilatory lotion or cream
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