Although advice regarding technique may differ from brand to brand, essentially, all methods of depilatory cream are similar and require a similar level of involvement in order to use effectively. Although these products are readily available over the counter for use at home, it is important to follow the individual instructions on the packet and to ensure that your skin is in the optimum state before applying the product. This may include performing a spot test to ensure no allergic reaction.

How do you use depilatory cream?

The best way to proceed with use is to complete the following steps;

1. Wash the skin and area of the body, to ensure that it is clean and free from dirt, oils and build up from moisturizers or creams.
2. Apply the hair removal product to the area with unwanted hair coverage. The application is usually done with either a spatula, sponge or tool included with the hair removal cream, or manually by hand.
3. After application, ensure hands are cleaned thoroughly so that product is not spread to incorrect areas.
4. Wait the recommended amount of time to ensure effective removal. For the majority of products, this is between 5-15 minutes.
5. Wash off or remove the product by either showering, or wiping off the cream with a damp cloth, or as advised by the product manual.

After completing these steps, the area treated should be hair-free and smooth. Some particularly stubborn hairs may still be present, in which case the quick use of a pair of tweezers can effectively and painlessly remove any outliers that were not washed away.

What precautions should be taken?

Most people experience no negative side effects from using depilatory creams, however, regardless of your previous use, it is important to ensure that you follow a number of precautionary measures to ensure no negative experiences are had.

1. Perform a patch test prior to using the removal cream on a larger area. This test will help ensure you are not allergic, before exposing a larger patch of skin to the cream.
2. Only use the cream in an area that is not affected by existing skin conditions such as acne, cuts, open wounds or stitches. These conditions may be aggravated by the use of depilatory creams.
3. Only use the cream on recommended areas of the body. Some creams are too harsh for use on the face or bikini line, while others are designed for use in these areas. Be sure to check the labeling on the product before application, and if you are unsure, consider contacting the company, or discussing the matter with the sales clerk, or your dermatologist.
4. Ensure that you strictly adhere to the waiting period recommended on the product. This time frame is suggested to ensure both maximum hair removal efficiency, while also ensuring removal from your skin before any damage can occur. Delaying the removal of cream past the recommended waiting time is ill-advised, as the cream may react negatively to your skin, and result in chemical burns, irritation, discoloration, or other negative side effects.

Depilatory creams are a wonderful method of hair removal that is affordable, painless and easily applicable in a home environment. While it will not have any permanent effects on the regrowth of hair, it is a temporary removal option that remains very popular and is set to remain easily available. They are remarkably easy to use, and while there are a few simple precautions to take, they remain one of the most straightforward methods of hair removal.