Does Hair Removal Cream Make Hair Grow Back Thicker?

One of the major concerns women have about removing body hair is how quickly they regrow. We get questions like:

• Does hair removal cream make hair grow back thicker?
• Will the hair get rougher after using a depilatory cream?
• Do hair removal creams cause ingrown hair growth?

…and the list goes on.

In this guide, we’ll answer these questions and more to help you set realistic expectations of using hair removal creams to get rid of pesky hair on your body.

Does Hair Removal Cream Make Hair Grow Back Thicker?

Hair removal creamspermanent results

The hair will be back again soon no matter which part of your body you apply the cream to.

If you’ve been shaving all your life, you’ll be glad to switch to depilatory creams, as their results last twice as long as shaving.

You can achieve soft, smooth, beautiful skin and be hair-free for longer than using a razor.

Will the Hair Get Thicker and Rougher after Using a Depilatory Cream?

No. Absolutely not.

This is one of the biggest hair removal myths. Please know that hair removal creams don’t make your hair grow back thicker.

So, why do people say chemical depilatories result in thicker, rougher hair?

The thing is, every person’s hair growth is different. It determines how the hair grows back after you remove it using a hair removal cream.

Interestingly, many users report that their hair growth slows down after regular use of these chemical hair removal products.

In short, you don’t have to worry about thicker or rougher hair after using a depilatory cream.

The hair thickness issue is usually seen in cases where women use a hair removal method that cuts the hair strands above the skin surface instead of removing the hair follicle from its root. The resulting blunt cut may make the hair look thicker.

Because of the cutting of the hair, the stubble feels sharper than strands of regular length.

Rest assured that your hair will go back to its normal texture as soon as the stubble grows out.

This is why many women prefer using hair removal creams to get rid of unwanted hair. These creams are designed to remove hair of all textures without affecting the hair growth rate or its character and thickness.

How Do Depilatory Creams Make the Skin Feel Soft?

A good-quality hair removal cream will be infused with ingredients that remove hair just below the skin surface.

As a result, the hair grows back with rounded tips that feel super soft to touch.

On the contrary, razors cut the hair slightly above the skin surface, leaving sharp stubbles that make the skin feel rough.

With repeated use of razors, you may lose the smoothness of hair-free skin.

Do Hair Removal Creams Cause Ingrown Hair Growth?

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Some women complain about ingrown hair growth after using a depilatory cream repeatedly.

These hair strands feel rougher than normal because they have a sharper edge that curls and grows back into the skin. This creates noticeable bumps on the skin.

The good news is that ingrown hair can be prevented. Like any other hair removal method, depilatory creams require proper exfoliation of the target area before each session. This simple trick works wonders in preventing ingrown hair.

Exfoliation is a skincare technique that removes dead skin cells, leaving your skin soft and smooth.

It offers a couple of benefits that make the hair removal process easier and more convenient. These are:

• The removal of dead skin cells allows the hair removal cream to reach closer to the hair follicles. The product gets to sweep a little deeper into the skin, which ultimately leads to more effective results.
• When you apply the cream to smooth skin, you minimize the chances of ingrown hair. Eventually, your hair growth will also be smoother.

What’s the Right Way to Exfoliate Your Skin before Using a Hair Removal Cream?

It’s recommended to exfoliate your skin a couple of days before you intend to apply a hair removal cream.

This is because your skin needs some time to rest after you strip off all dead skin cells from the surface.

After exfoliation, the depilatory cream is likely to reach closer to the hair follicles. Right after you remove the dead skin cells, your skin becomes super sensitive.

If you apply a hair removal cream right away or even after a few hours, your skin might react badly to the chemical ingredients found in the product.

You may experience severe burning, itching, and irritation. In the worst-case scenario, your skin may also develop an infection.

This is why you must wait two days to remove unwanted hair using a depilatory cream after an exfoliation session.

How Long Should You Wait between Hair Removal Cream Applications?

Typically you can enjoy a few days of smooth, hair-free skin after using a hair removal cream.

However, if you want to know how frequently you can use the product for best results, we’d say 72 hours is a good period.

Hair removal creams aren’t formulated to be applied to the same spot one day after the other.

If you notice considerable hair growth after three days, you can reapply the cream to remove the new hair.

Is it Okay to Use a Hair Removal Cream if You Have a Cut or Abrasion on the Skin?

No. To avoid skin irritation and discomfort, it’s advised to apply a hair removal cream on clear skin.

Avoid applying the product directly on a cut or abrasion as it may delay the skin healing process.

Do Depilatory Creams Improve the Results of Self-Tanning Products?

A good quality hair removal creamunwanted hair

This means if you use one before a self-tanning product, you can achieve an even tan. However, keep in mind that a waiting period of 24 hours is recommended between using depilatory cream and a tanning product.

The same goes for toiletries and grooming products, like perfumes, moisturizers, and antiperspirants.

It is recommended to wait 24 hours to use any of these products after removing your hair with a depilatory cream.

Is it Recommended to Use Alcohol-Based Products When Removing Unwanted Body Hair?

No. Please don’t use alcohol-based products on your skin before, during, or after a hair removal session.

Many depilatory creams come with special wipes to help you clean your skin and get rid of any product residue.

Can People with Sensitive Skin Use a Hair Removal Cream?

It’s 100% safe for people with sensitive skin to remove body hair with depilatory creams. These creams are formulated to provide satisfactory results for all skin types.

However, most brands curate separate formulas for delicate skin. If your skin is prone to irritation or infection, you should look for a hair removal cream made for sensitive skin. Also, check if the product is dermatologically tested before purchasing it.

Moreover, it’s recommended to do a patch test before using a depilatory cream on a large body surface.

A patch test will show how the product will perform on your skin. This should be done on a small area, preferably one that’s not easily visible. The inside of the elbow and shoulders are good options.

A patch test on these areas will help you check sensitivity before using the cream on the target area.

You should follow the instructions mentioned on the packaging or leaflet inside the package to do the patch test correctly.

Is it Safe to Use Hair Removal Creams on the Bikini Line?

Yes. Contrary to what many people say, depilatory creams can remove unwanted hair in the bikini region.

Just make sure the cream doesn’t come in contact with the genital areas. Applying it too close to the intimate parts can result in irritation and other adverse reactions.

Also don’t forget to checkout which is better shaving or hair removal cream?

Can Hair Removal Creams Burn Your Skin?

Before we answer this question, let’s quickly recap how depilatory creams work.

So, these creams contain chemicals that dissolve hair follicles (the part that extends out from the skin). They don’t interfere with the root that lies under the skin.

The chemical formula burns the hair to make it weaker so that you can easily remove it with a single (or a few) wipe.

While the formula works, your skin may also burn, particularly if its sensitivity level is high. This means skin burning is possible, even if you follow all the instructions on the package.

This is why all hair removal creams come with a warning. Chemicals like potassium hydroxide and calcium hydroxide are so powerful that they can cause severe burns or irritation to the skin.

How Can You Treat Depilatory Cream Burns?

Lucky for you, you can treat hair removal cream burns at home using some natural remedies and over-the-counter methods.

Home Remedies

• Rinse the affected area with cold water to flush all chemicals away. It’s crucial to remove every bit of the hair removal cream off your skin before starting treatment.

• If your hair removal cream is acidic, consider using an alkaline solution to clean the affected area and neutralize the burn.

• Apply hydrocortisone cream to relieve some pain and inflammation. Hydrocortisone is a topical steroid that helps stop some of the symptoms of chemical burns.

• Use Neosporin to cover the burn. Bandage it or wrap it with gauze to keep it protected from air and other environmental factors.

• If the burning sensation doesn’t go away, try using a cold compress to relieve discomfort.

• You can also take an over-the-counter pain reliever if the stinging pain is too much for you to handle.

• Don’t let the burn dry. Keep it fresh by applying petroleum jelly after every few minutes.

Medical Treatments

Seeking medical treatment is critical if none of the home remedies works. Please consult with a doctor immediately if the burning sensation persists, gets worse, or oozes.

Common medical treatments for depilatory cream burns include:

• Anti-itch medications
• Antibiotics
• Intravenous fluids to promote healing
• Debridement (the process of cleaning the affected area and removing dirt and dead tissues)

Look out for puss oozing out of the burn or the affected area turning yellow. These are the signs of a skin infection. You’ll have to seek emergency medical treatment if this happens.

What Precautions Should You Take to Minimize the Risk of Skin Burn?

Generally, hair removal creams are safe to use on the arms, legs, lower half of the face, and bikini region (as long as you avoid direct contact of the cream with the genital areas).

Before using a hair removal cream on any of these areas, make sure you:

• Do a patch test on a small area of your arm, leg, shoulder, or the inside of your elbow.

• Leave the cream on for less than the time duration mentioned on the package if it’s your first time using it. Two to three minutes should be enough.

• Keep a wet washcloth within arm’s reach to remove the cream off your skin in case you feel a burning sensation.

• Have an alkaline lotion with you for neutralizing any possible burns.

• Keep petroleum jelly and hydrocortisone handy to soothe your skin if you experience any level of irritation.

The Bottom Line

Hair removal creamsdifferent body regions

Considering the many myths regarding this topic, it’s natural for women to be skeptical about switching to depilatory creams.

Thankfully, the answer to the burning question, “Does hair removal cream make your hair grow back thicker and rougher?” is no.

You can expect to enjoy soft, smooth, silky skin for a few days after a hair removal session. Hair removal creams don’t cause cuts either.

The chances of ingrown hair are also minimal, given that you properly exfoliate your skin two days before removing your hair.

In rare cases, women with sensitive skin may experience skin burns, which can be prevented.

Make sure you check the label and do your research before buying a hair removal cream and follow all precautions when using one.