Removing Hair with Depilatories

Depilatories are hair removal lotions or creams that dissolve unwanted hair, leaving skin smooth days longer than shaving. They're a quick, painless and cost-effective way to reveal beautifully bare skin. While there's a dedicated Men's Nair™ line with bold, cutting-edge fragrances, all Nair™ products are appropriate for and can be used by all genders. Simply apply the lotion or cream for the instructed amount of time and remove as directed. It's that easy. Depilatories are safe and painless when used as directed. Sensitive formulas are designed to be even more gentle than the original formulas but just as effective. Because body chemistry changes constantly, it's important to conduct a patch test before each use, even if you've used them successfully before. In comparing hair removal creams vs. waxing, hair removal creams remove hair without pain while waxing can cause some discomfort. But when it comes to long-lasting results, waxing takes the lead.

Waxing to Get Rid of Hair

While razors cut hair off at the surface, waxing removes hair at the root level, with results that can last up to 4 weeks.* At-home waxing is an effective way to get professional results at just a fraction of the salon price. Is waxing better than shaving? If you're looking for longer lasting results, then yes. Waxes are versatile and can be used on the face, legs, underarms and bikini line. Some can even remove very short hairs. Waxes can be divided into sugar and resin waxes. And resin wax can be further classified as hot or cold.

Sugar Wax vs Regular Wax

The main differences between sugar wax and regular wax are the ingredients, method of application and ease with which residue can be removed from the skin. Sugar wax is made from ingredients like sugar and water, which may be gentler for those with very sensitive skin. There are even internet videos demonstrating how you can DIY sugar wax by cooking up a batch on the stove - if you're so inclined. Regular wax is made from beeswax, resins and oils among other ingredients. Many waxers recommend applying sugar wax in the opposite direction of hair growth (from hair tip to root) and then pulling it off from root to tip. This differs from regular wax which is applied in the direction of the hair's growth (which is root to tip) and then removed from tip to root. UNLESS you're using Nair™ Spa Sugar™ Wax - our formula is designed to be applied the same way as regular wax (see our how-to guide for details). Yeah, that's a lot of information. Just remember this - whichever direction you use to put the wax on, be sure to pull it off in the opposite direction. Cold waxes like Nair™ Wax Ready-Strips for Legs & Body don't need to be warmed before they're applied to the skin. But hot waxes must be heated before application so they can become soft and spreadable. Both cold and hot waxes are applied in the direction of hair growth (root to tip) and then removed in the opposite direction. For tips to ensure successful waxing, see our waxing guide for beginners. Sugar wax is a water-soluble form of wax and the residue can easily be rinsed away. With resin wax, baby oil or special wipes will be more successful in removing the residue. When considering waxing vs. shaving, waxing provides longer lasting results while shaving can require daily maintenance.

Shaving: Traditional Hair Removal

Shaving involves the use of a razor to remove unwanted hair. Unlike depilatories and waxes, which remove hair at a deeper level, single blade razors only remove hair growth on the surface of the skin. There are a variety of razors to choose from including straight edge, safety and electric. Because shaving literally slices off the ends of your hair, it can leave a sharp edge behind, making initial hair regrowth feel coarse. Razors also have the potential to create nicks, cuts and irritation to the skin, called razor burn. If you look at hair removal creams vs. shaving, removal cream prevents razor burn and ingrown hairs and the results last days longer than shaving. Nair™ Bladeless Shave hair removers give you smooth skin that lasts and lasts, without the razor.

Tweezing to Remove Unwanted Hairs

When tweezing, metal tweezers are used to pluck hair from its root, one hair at a time. Tweezing is best used for small areas, such as eyebrows, where only a few hairs need to be removed. Tweezing may be done at home or by a salon professional. Because tweezing is done one hair at a time, it's a slow process. It should also be done with care to avoid ingrown hairs, infections or even scarring. Be sure to always keep your tweezers clean. Because of its precise nature (and the fact that it can be time consuming) tweezing is best combined with other modes of hair removal to clean up any stray hairs the other methods may leave behind.

Epilating Hair Removal

Epilating is a term for mechanically pulling hair out from the root, which includes tweezing and other mechanical removal methods like waxing and even threading where threads are doubled and twisted to pull hair from the follicle. Electronic epilators work similarly to tweezers, but they're much faster and can be more painful as a result. In the faceoff of epilating vs. shaving, epilating creates longer lasting results because hair is removed from the root.

Electrolysis Permanent Hair Removal

Electrolysis is a permanent way to remove hair. A fine needle is inserted into the hair follicle and an electronic charge passes through the needle to the root of the hair, killing it (RIP follicle). Because the process is most often done by a trained technician, it can be expensive and time consuming. Several visits may be necessary for the effects to become permanent. For some individuals, the process is also painful.

Laser Hair Removal

In laser hair removal a laser, or concentrated beam of light, is focused on the hair follicle to stop or impede hair growth. Laser treatments can be costly and multiple treatments are often needed. The treatments work best when there is high contrast between the color of the skin and the color of the hair.

Finding the Right Hair Removal Solution for You

When it comes to hair removal, you have options. Conquer your world the way you see fit - you've gotta do what's right for you. And that can mean using a combination of different hair removal methods. Your hair removal routine can be as creative as you are. Whether you choose to remove hair or not, there's nothing we love more than a good hair-grooming success story. We'll be cheering for you! *Individual results may vary.