By ULIKEBEAUTY
Updated: September 4, 2024
6 minutes
Hair removal sprays are one of the latest additions to hair removal methods by depilation. In contrast to electric depilators, which offer mechanical hair removal, hair removal sprays use chemicals to remove unwanted hair.
Although you might already be using hair removal creams, you might view using hair removal sprays with caution because of the dispersal of the chemical-containing particles. Well, using hair removal sprays is not rocket science, but it is safe to check out the steps of removing hair with a spray in detail to ensure safety and the best results.
So, here we have the ultimate guide to hair removal using hair removal sprays.
What is a Hair Removal Spray?
Hair removal sprays are a means of chemical depilation. They are formulated with chemicals to dissolve unwanted hair, such as lactic acid, thioglycolic acid, potassium and sodium hydroxide, and propane or butane gas, to turn the cream form of a chemical depilator into a spray form.
They work by breaking the outer protective covering of the hair while allowing proteolytic chemicals to pass inside and dissolve the hair shaft completely. As a result, hair becomes brittle and is removed even with slight wiping pressure. Moreover, you can read the detailed workings of hair removal sprays in how hair removal spray work.
What are the Advantages of Hair Removal Spray?
The following advantages make hair removal spray popular. Additionally, men use them more than women for these reasons.
1. Quick and Convenient
Hair removal with a depilatory spray only takes 10 to 20 minutes, depending on whether you are treating a single area of the full body at once. Furthermore, the application of hair removal sprays is convenient and quick: You just spray the fumes over the area to be treated.
2. Inexpensive and Effective
The best hair removal sprays cost $20 at most. A good spray lasts a month or so and costs $15 to $20. So, chemical depilation is one of the cheapest methods of hair removal.
But with cheap, it does not mean they are ineffective at removing hair. Hair removal sprays remove all hair in one go and make your skin soft and smooth.
3. Safe and Nearly painless
Hair removal sprays are cleared by FDA as a safe method of hair removal. They act above the level of the hair roots and dissolve hair slowly. So, hair removal with sprays is completely nearly painless. And there is no discomfort either.
4. No Risk of Infection
The spray is dispersed directly from the bottle nozzle to your skin, so you do not touch any spatula with your body or your hands. As a result, the product in the bottle stays contamination-free, and the risk of infections subsides.
What are the Disadvantages of Hair Removal Spray?
While hair removal sprays are a good option, they are not a miracle product for the following reasons.
1. Strong Fragrance
The chemicals used in such sprays have a strong burning smell. Although many brands use additional fragrances to conceal the chemical smell, you would still feel a mild smell and people sensitive to added fragrances might get allergies.
So, hair removal sprays are not for you if you are someone who avoids fragrance-containing products.
2. Redness, Irritation, and Hyperpigmentation
The instruction clearly states, “Do not leave the product on for longer than 15 minutes.” However, we often ignore these instructions and keep the product on longer, which can cause skin redness and irritation.
It can also occur on sensitive skin even when the product is used briefly. Moreover, regular use of hair removal sprays is known to alter melanin production in the body, causing hyperpigmentation.
3. Not Practical for Face and Intimate Areas
We do not want hair removal spray fumes in our eyes, mouth, vagina, or anus, right? So, although brands call hair removal sprays suitable for the full body, they cannot be used on sensitive areas because it is hard to spray the product at some parts while protecting the others.
4. Chemical Reaction
Lastly, not a common side effect of hair removal sprays is a chemical reaction. The concentration of chemicals in a spray is maintained, but they can cause rashes, blisters, and burns. Moreover, you can find
hair removal spray side effects
here.
How to Use Hair Removal Spray: The Ultimate Guide
Finally, here are the steps to use a hair removal spray like a pro.
Step 1: Buy a Good Quality Spray
The first step is to get a good spray with a gentle formula, mild fragrance, and short action time. Getting a substandard product puts your skin at risk of chemical reactions.
So, you can get one of the products mentioned in the
best hair removal sprays
.
Step 2: Go Through Instruction
Although we do not bother to read the instruction manual and throw it away, we recommend reading it superficially quickly to see if the product mentions any specific instructions or if it contains any ingredients you are allergic to.
Also, the time to leave the product on is mentioned in the how-to manual.
Step 3: Prepare Your Skin
Get in the shower and wash your skin to be treated. Ensure your skin contains no residue from your skincare products, such as lotions or sunscreen. Then, either dry it by dabbing a clean towel on it or let it air dry.
Step 4: Do a Patch Test
Apply the spray to a small, difficult-to-see area of your body, like your inner thighs, and wait for 5 minutes. Then, remove the product to see how your skin reacts. If it is fine, you can use the product.
If you see any irritation or redness, wash the patch test area with cold water and avoid using the product in the future. Also, patch tests should be done at least 24 hours before doing your whole hair removal treatment.
Step 5: Apply the Spray
Now, it is time to get the product on your skin. Take the spray, hold it about 4 inches away from the area to be treated, and press the nozzle.
Ensure the product is applied evenly to the skin without getting the spray bottle too close to the skin or touching the body to even out the spray applied. Also, spray enough to cover all hair, but do not overuse the product.
Additionally, you cannot apply the spray directly to your back and other hard-to-reach areas. So, in that case, either use a mirror or ask for help.
Step 6: Wait for a Few Minutes and Check
Most hair removal sprays work within 5 to 10 minutes, and precautions are to never leave the product on for longer than 15 minutes. However, the time duration may differ for different brands.
So, check out how long the spray you have needs to be applied to the spray bottle package. After that time, remove the spray from a small area to check if your hair is gone.
Also, you can use a timer or a clock to note the time.
Step 7: Remove the Spray
If your hair was removed when you checked earlier, you can remove the spray from the whole area. If it is not, wait for 2 to 4 minutes to remove it. Use a damp washcloth or a sponge to wipe the spray and unwanted hair off your skin.
You should gently remove the hair instead of rubbing the clothing onto your skin. Moreover, it is important to note that fine hair takes less time to dissolve as compared to thick hair. So, adjust the time, keeping this in mind.
Step 8: Wash Your Skin
Once the spray is gone, you should remove its residues. Use lukewarm water to thoroughly wash the treated area. You can also use a mild body wash, but do not apply any harsh product to your skin.
Step 9: Moisturize the Skin
After washing dry the skin with a clean towel. Then moisturize it with a gentle body lotion to soothe the skin and nourish it.
Step 10: Maintenance Sessions
After using hair removal sprays, hair takes about 3 to 7 days to regrow. These sprays work on any length of hair, so you can schedule hair removal sessions once a week. Also, wait at least 3 days before using the product again.
Summary
Hair removal sprays are one of the most convenient methods of depilation. They are simple and quick to use. All you have to do is apply the spray on dry skin, wait for the designated time, remove it with a damp washcloth, and moisturize the skin. Also, never forget to do a patch test.
