Depilation and Depilatory
Hair Removal

Depilation is the process of removing hair above the skin. Unlike other hair removal options like waxing and sugaring, depilation does not take the hair out by the root so the hair removal lasts a few days at best.

In this regard, it is a very short term method of hair removal.

Popular hair depilatories include shaving and the use of chemical depilatory creams, lotions, etc.

Because it can refer to various methods of hair removal (ie. shaving, use of depilatory products like creams or lotions) discussing the Benefits and Considerations under one umbrella is difficult since various depilatories offer different pros and cons.

To learn more about shaving, please see the shaving page.

For the purposes of this page, here are some things to think about if you're considering the use of chemical depilatory products.

Chemical Depilatories: Benefits

• Compared to hair removal options like laser and light treatment, is relatively cheap.
• Products can be used at home.
• Hair removal can be completed quickly.
• Is available from different manufacturers in different forms such as creams, gels, roll-ons and rub-on lotions.

Chemical Depilatories: Considerations

• Results generally don't last for more than several days.
• When the hair starts growing back, you have to live with the stubble or repeat the depilation to remove the hair again.
• Chemical Depilatories tend to be messy and have a strong smell.
• Can cause skin irritation on some people.

My Experience

I used a chemical product that had a strong smell and it was a fairly messy experience. I was paranoid about not getting any of the product on any hair that I didn't want to lose!

I found that I needed to cover some parts of my chest numerous times to actually remove the hair since not all hair was removed the first time around.

Then I had to shower to remove the remnants of the depilatory product from my body. As listed above, the results last only a few days.

Given better results that I've found with other hair removal products, I have no plans to try chemical depilation again.



Hair Removal Cream
This page discusses more information on hair removal cream and my experience with it as well as a few suggestions on what to do if considering choosing one and using it.



Return from Depilation to Homepage