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A good sized 13oz (368g) bottle of depilatory cream in a handy pump dispenser suitable for use on back, chest, arms and legs. Works within 10 minutes. Can be bought online for around $13. Also available in a pack of three for around $10 each.
Hair removal cream for normal skin, in a 200ml (6.8oz) tube. Works in 3 - 6 minutes, recommended for chest and body hair. Available online for around $11 - $12 for a single tube ($28.50 for pack of three).
A 6.8oz (200ml) tube of hair removal cream, extra strong and suitable for coarse body, chest, arms and leg hair. Works in 4 - 10 minutes. Available online for $20 for a pack of two.
Comes in a 60ml (2.1oz) tube of gentle formula depilatory cream plus plastic scraper. Suitable for underarm, chest, back, legs, arms and bikini. Works in 5 - 10 minutes, can be used for all skin types. Available online at $17 for one tube.
This powder is mixed with water to form a creamy mixture - formulated specially for black men for use on facial beards instead of shaving. Takes about 5 - 7 minutes. Gets rid of razor bumps (ingrown hair) and costs just a couple of dollars for a 5oz (142g) tin.
How Do Hair Removal Creams Work?
The protein in your hair, known as keratin, is what gives it its strength and structure.
The ingredients used in hair removal creams, or depilatories as they are widely known, break down the keratin, weakening and eventually dissolving it so that the hair simply falls away.
The graphic shown above illustrates the internal stucture of your hair - it is the cortex that contains the keratin.
Keratin is also found in the top layers of your skin, but the chemicals work quicker on the hair. This is the reason why you should never leave depilatories on for longer than the maximum recommended time to avoid skin problems.
Why Use Hair Removal Creams?
Depilatory creamshome
Another advantage of using cream rather than shaving is that you don't get the ingrown hairs or razor bumps that are a common side effect.
Whilst waxing will give you much longer lasting results, it also risks ingrown hairs, and obviously involves a level of pain.
If you are waxing at home, you also need to master the correct technique and some areas can be more difficult to reach yourself.
Where can Hair Removal Creams be Used?
Depilatory creamschest
Generally, most depilatory creams are not suitable for male facial or head hair, although Magic Shaving Powder is available for male beards.
There is also a Magic Shave Cream for male beard and bald head maintenance.
You should never use depilatories on your eyebrows or anywhere near your eyes, nor for your ear or nasal hair.
Some men advocate using depilatory cream on their genital area and apparently experience no issues. However, I have not been able to find any from a reputable manufacturer that are specifically recommended for this purpose, so if you decide to take their word for it, you do so at your own peril.
What are the Side Effects of Hair Removal Creams?
Assuming that you are not allergic to any of the ingredients and use them correctly as recommended, side effects are generally minimal.
You may experience slight tingling, which should clear once the cream has been removed.
Some skin is sensitive to the chemicals in depilatories and skin irritation is more severe. If you find it stings, remove it straight away with plenty of water.
Severe chemical burns can be the result of leaving the cream too long on your skin - for example if you haven't rinsed it completely, so be sure to rinse the area very thoroughly.
Are Hair Removal Creams Safe?
Depilatory creamsmost people
You do need to have healthy, unbroken skin and if you are being treated for a skin condition, diabetes or circulatory disorder then you must seek proper medical advice before using.
It is important that you carry out a patch test on a small area prior to use and wait for 24 hours to see if any allergic reaction occurs.
Providing you don't experience any irritation, you are good to go.
If you do experience irritation or any discomfort then hair removal creams are not for you, and you need to choose an alternative hair removal method.
Leaving the product on for longer than the maximum recommended time means that the chemicals may start to work on keratin in your skin and can cause serious chemical burns. Whatever you do, don't be tempted - if the cream isn't working within the time limit you may need a stronger one, or a different method altogether.
