The hair that grows on top of the head is generally welcomed with open arms and it is styled, teased, spiked, colored and crimped. However, hair that grows in various locations on the body is not so popular with both women and men alike. Depilation is a form of removal that is often utilized to rid the body of unwanted hair.
Features
Depilation is a less potent form of "epilation." It is a process where the hair gets removed right at the surface of the skin and the hair bulb in the shaft does not get killed or removed.
Types
Shaving is a type of depilation that uses razor blades and shaving cream. Waxing utilizes hot wax and an applicator. Plucking is done with a pair of tweezers. Sugar pasting is done with a stick that has a warm thick past that contains sugar. Chemical depilatories, also known as "agents," are in the form of lotions, creams, aerosols and gels.
Function
With shaving, the skin is moistened with warm water. Shaving cream is then lathered over the area where hair is being removed. A razor is then run over the hair against the grain in long, continuous strokes to remove it at the surface of the skin.
Waxing is a procedure where hot wax is applied to the skin. After it has set up, a piece of strong cloth is placed over top of it. It is then pulled off in a fast ripping motion. The hair and wax are both removed.
Plucking is done with a pair of tweezers. The hair is grasped as close to the skin as possible and it is pulled straight out in a continuous motion. It is not yanked out as this can be painful and also cause the hair to break off at a higher point than desired.
Sugar paste depilation involves the application of a thick, warm sugar-containing paste to hair. After the paste freezes, it is then removed along with the hair. With this procedure, the skin does not get touched.
Depilatories have an active ingredient called "thioglycolic acid" which breaks down the protein portion of the hair called "keratin." After the skin has been moistened, the chemical agent is placed across the areas of desired hair removal. The hair and agent is then wiped off with a wet wash cloth.
Time Frame
The time it takes to do depilation varies depending on how much hair you are removing and how coarse it is. Plucking can take an hour or more being that you are pulling out one hair at a time. The average time for the other procedures is five to 20 minutes. With shaving, your hair-free period can be one to three days. Chemical depilatories can last several days to a few weeks, and the other procedures can last anywhere from three to eight weeks.
Considerations
When you shave, you should always use new razor blades. If you have sensitive skin, consider using a sensitive skin shaving cream. Taking a shower and moisturizing your skin after using a depilation method can help keep your skin softer. Before using a chemical depilatory on a large part of your body, you should experiment with it on a small patch of hair on the arm to see how your skin reacts.
Warning
Razor blades should never be borrowed or loaned out when you shave your body hair. This can cause irritation. Chemical depilatories should be used as directed. They should not be left on the skin any longer than the manufacturer recommends. No form of depilation should be done on skin that has eczema, herpes, warts, tumors or any other chronic skin condition.
Expert Insight
Depilation is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to remove body hair, but this is not a permanent fix. Be aware that you will have to constantly repeat the process no matter what type you use. Waxing and sugar pasting can be painful when the hair is being removed. Also be advised that chemical depilatories have an unpleasant odor to them.
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