Waxing, Bleaches & Depilatories

Waxing, Bleaches and Depilatories

Shaving is one of the most popular methods of hair removal, but it's not ideal for everyone's needs. Women usually avoid razors to deal with facial hair, and shaving can produce irritation that leaves many men and women looking for alternatives. Waxes, bleaches and depilatories are all possible solutions for your hair removal needs, and Walgreens has many different products available to help you discover their benefits.

Waxing Hair Away

Waxing is a method of hair removal that can be used on any part of the body, including the face, legs, bikini area, underarms, arms and chest. When you wax, you apply a sticky substance to the skin and press it down in the direction of hair growth. Then, you quickly pull it away from the skin in the direction opposite of the growth, removing both the wax and the unwanted hair. This can cause brief discomfort, but it leaves the skin smooth and free of hair when done correctly. Because waxing removes the roots and the hair itself, its results can last for up to 4 to 6 weeks.

Options for Wax Hair Removal

For at-home waxing treatments, there are many different solutions available. Wax strips are pieces of pre-waxed plastic that are stuck to the skin and then peeled away. Roll-on wax comes in a bottle similar to a stick of deodorant. When applied to the skin, it hardens and then is pulled away with the fingers. Traditional waxes are applied with wooden sticks and then pressed with cotton or other fabric strips for removal. Among traditional waxes, you'll find products that are used hot and cold to meet your needs.

Using a Depilatory for Unwanted Hair

Depilatories are another popular alternative to shaving for hair removal. Most depilatory kits are not designed for use on the face but are suitable for body hair in most areas. A depilatory is a cream, lotion or gel that is applied to the skin and left to rest for a set period of time. Inside of a depilatory is a chemical that acts on the protein fibers that make up body hair. The actions of the depilatory cause the fibers to break down and the hair to become soft and gooey. When you wipe or rinse away the depilatory, the visible portion of the hair comes off with it. Hair growth begins immediately, making it necessary to use a depilatory roughly every 2 weeks to maintain results. While using a depilatory is typically painless, this type of product may cause temporary redness of the skin.

Products for Bleaching Body Hair

Bleaching is a solution for dealing with body and facial hair that does not involve removing the hair. Instead, chemicals in fade and bleach creams lighten the pigments in the hair strands, so they are less visible. Because it does not physically remove the hair, bleach is best used on dark growth that is not excessively thick, such as hair above the upper lip. Once hair is bleached, it will not regain its color; however, new growth will come in dark, making it necessary to frequently touch up results to keep the hair difficult to see. Bleaches can cause irritation on sensitive skin. When searching for the right waxing and bleaching products, browse the wide selection of shaving and grooming products available at Walgreens.