3. Depilatory Creams
If you don’t have the time or the funds to go to medical spas, depilatory creams are great options too. It removes unwanted hair by breaking down proteins in each hair strand until it is dissolved. The dissolved hair can then be wiped off painlessly.
When used correctly, these hair removal creams are generally safe. But it still contains various harmful chemicals. And if you’re not careful, you can end up with rashes, blisters or even chemical burns.
4. Chemical Hair Removers
Aside from topical creams that are specifically formulated for hair removal, there are chemicals present in the things we use every day that can damage the hair follicles. Using these in areas with unwanted hair might be beneficial. But if you care about your crowning glory, keep these away from your scalp.
- Sodium Hydroxide and Calcium Hydroxide (Lime and Lye). This combination increases the hair’s PH level until the acidity destroys the follicles.
- Sodium Chloride (Table salt). While table salt isn’t toxic, it can dry out your scalp resulting in hair loss.
- Potassium Thioglycolate. An active ingredient in hair removal creams, it breaks down hair proteins and dissolves follicles.
- Thioglycolic Acid. This does not directly damage hair follicles. But it destroys the protein structure in the hair and skin making it difficult for the follicle to grow more hair.
- Diethanolamine (DEA). This synthetic ingredient makes your hair dull, brittle and lifeless – effectively killing it.
- Propylene Glycol. It damages cell membranes cutting off nutrient supply in the follicles. This prevents it from growing more hair.
- Potassium Hydroxide. This extremely corrosive chemical also damages cells responsible for hair growth.
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. A common ingredient in shampoos, it strips the hair of essential proteins and oil. This results in slower hair growth, breakage or hair loss.
5. Natural Methods
If chemicals and mechanical methods don’t sit well with you, here are natural ways to get rid of excess hair:
Sugar wax
As the name suggests, this hair removal wax is made of sugar, water, and lemon juice. It works just like a regular store-bought wax except that it does not contain harmful chemicals. Continuous use of sugar wax can weaken the hair follicle which eventually destroys it.
Papaya Paste
Papain, a special enzyme produced by the papaya fruit weakens the hair follicles. Long-term use of papaya paste can prevent hair regrowth.
Turmeric
This yellow, fragrant spice has been used as a natural beauty remedy since ancient times. Like papaya, it weakens the hair follicles. But it’s mostly used to get rid of facial hair.
Egg Mask
Have you ever noticed that when an egg dries, it creates a transparent film on the surface? You can actually use this film to get rid of unwanted hair. Just mix egg whites with sugar and cornflour to create an egg mask. Let the mixture set on your face for 15-20 minutes until it forms a film. Lifting this film will also remove excess facial hair.
