Depilatories: Fact Sheet
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What are depilatories?
A depilatory is a preparation in the form of a liquid or cream that is used to remove unwanted hair
from the body. The word depilatory, pronounced “di-pila-toree”, literally means “to deprive of
hair” (Latin pilus, hair).
What is the difference between a depilatory and an epilatory?
A depilatory removes hair on the skin’s surface.
An epilatory such as waxing or tweezing (plucking) removes the hair from below the skin’s
surface taking out the hair follicle.
How does a depilatory work?
Depilatories contain chemicals with a high degree of acidity (low pH) such as sodium
thioglycolate, or calcium thioglycolate.
They react with the protein structure of hair breaking it down.
Depending on the coarseness of hair, within 5 to 15 minutes, the hair is dissolved into a gloopy
mass which can then be washed away. Hair that is dark and coarse appears to be more resistant to chemical depilatories than hair that is
light and fine.
Why does skin feel so smooth after applying a depilatory?
A depilatory acts as an exfolient which means it removes dead skin cells on the surface of the
skin. These dead skin cells accumulate every day and they often feel rough. After removal the skin feels softer and smoother. Many depilatories contain moisturizers such as Baby Oil, Almond Oil, Green Tea Extract and
Aloe which contribute to softer smoother skin.
Which is best – a depilatory cream or liquid?
A depilatory lotion or liquid is designed for larger areas of the body such as the legs, underarms
and bikini area.
A depilatory cream has a thicker consistency so it can be applied to specific areas without the
risk of it running onto skin you don’t want treated. A cream is therefore ideal for the face.
What are the pros and cons of depilatories?
PROS: Simple to apply, widely available over the counter, quick.
CONS: Possible allergic skin reaction to the strong chemicals, messy application, unpleasant
odor, results vary widely.
Depilatories: How to Get The Best Results
• A depilatory is best used after a warm bath or shower when the hair is softer and the
pores of the skin are open.
• Never use a depilatory where there are wounds on the skin such as cuts or abrasions or
on skin sensitive from sunburn.
• Apply the depilatory in a generous, smooth, thick layer. Do not rub it in.
• Always test a small area of skin first. A small patch on the inner arm below the elbow is a
excellent place.
• Keep the application on the skin for the time recommended in the instructions and
remove. Wait 24 hours. If there are no signs of irritation or allergic reaction such as
redness or broken skin then proceed over a larger area.
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What is the effect on the skin? The perms product
If the procedure is performed by a fully qualified electrologist, the tissue surrounding the hair
follicle should not be hurt.
It should therefore be safe when performed at a reputable clinic by trained personnel.
Obvious precautions such as the electrologist wearing gloves and the use of disposable, presterilized
needles also minimize the risk of infection.
Temporary side effects may include some redness and swelling, dryness and scabs.
If the procedure is not carried out by professionals, there is the risk of permanent skin hurt
resulting in a scarring or pitting of the skin.
How long does it last?
Electrolysis is often viewed as a permanent hair removal method. Once the hair root is ruined,
the hair will not grow back.
There are exceptions but. In some cases hair does regrow in places and clients need to
return once or twice a year for a cleanup.
Hair can continue to grow in the underarms, pubic area and around the nipples during a woman’s
reproductive years.
Where can you get it done?
Question your local physician for a recommendation, or follow the recommendations of family and
friends who have received the treatment.
(For U.S.A. residents, check the Directory of Electrologists listed below.)
As level of expertise and qualifications vary greatly in different countries and in some states in the
U.S.A., it is extremely vital to check the credentials of the electrologist beforehand.
Electrolysis: Fact Sheet
Are do-it-yourself home kits effective?
Proceed with extreme caution. Some of these kits are fraudulent, they simply do not work. Others
do not work very well.
As they are in the hands of home users who obviously have not had professional training, there is
a real danger of scarring from overtreatment.
Undertreatment is another problem resulting in high regrowth of hair.
Research:
Directory of Electrologists (U.S.A.)
A state-by-state directory of Electrologists, with personalized descriptions of their practice.
Modern Electrology
Written by Fino Gior, a practicing electrologist for over 42 years, this book is one of the most
informative available on the subject while at the same time being simple to know.
Hair Inhibitors: Fact Sheet
What are hair inhibitors?
Hair growth inhibitors are clear odorless topical solutions made from a mixture of plant enzymes.
They are completely natural and gentle on the skin.
How do they work? the woman perms product Guide

Ingrown Hair: Facts and Solutions The Woman care aromatherapy
• Shave with the skin in a relaxed condition
• Do not stretch the skin too taught. A small pressure may be necessary but excessive
stretching can again result in hair being cut too small.
• Use Tea Tree Oil twice a day in conjunction with a loofah bath or shower. Tea Tree Oil
has a bacterial ability to kill infection and prevent pustules forming. (Avoid the eye area)
Prevention – Waxing
To pull out the hair cleanly without breaking it follow these recommendations:
• Apply a thin layer of wax in the direction of the hair growth, preferably holding the
spatula or tongue depresser at a 45 degree angle as you spread the wax.
• When applying the cotton strip over the wax, rub in the same direction as the hair
growth leaving about 1/3 of the strip free to allow for a firm grip for a quick back pulling
action.
• Pull the skin taut before pulling the cotton strip away.
• Pull back with a rapid movement close to the skin. Do not pull up or out, rather pull back.
• One quick, smooth, pull back is much more effective than a series of light pulls which
only increase the pain and leave patchy areas.
• After 24-48 hours exfoliate the skin (with a Loofa sponge for example) to prevent the
dead skin from accumulating in areas that can become ingrown such as the bikini line,
upper thighs, underarms and calves.
• Avoid wearing tight clothing over freshly waxed areas to minimize the risk of irritation and
ingrown hairs.
Ingrown Hair: Pilonidal Sinus – Definition & Treatment
Pilonidal Sinus literally means ‘nest of hairs.’
It is an extremely painful condition that can result from hairs being trapped in an indentation
located above the cleft of the buttocks. The ingrown hairs can become inflamed resulting in a boil
which starts secreting pus.
To relieve the discomfort, soak the area in warm water. Pain-killers can be used and antiinflammatory
medication.
Surgery is often necessary if an abscess forms. The ‘pits’ in which the hairs get stuck and
cause infection are removed. The procedure takes about 30 minutes.
Controlled sedation through injection of a local anaesthetic allow the surgery to be performed
painlessly and with quick recovery.
A person can often get up and walk around within one or two hours after the operation and return
home the same day.
A person generally only becomes aware of a Pilonidal Sinus when it becomes infected and a
resulting abscess causes hot, red, tender swelling between the buttocks.
Pilonidal Sinus seems to be more common in younger adults and more common among men
than women, especially those who have a large amount of body hair.
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It is not inherited but generally develops from the late teens onward.

Tweezers/Epilators: Fact Sheet
What kind of tweezers are best?
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Make sure the two tips of the tweezers meet and form a excellent grip on the hair.
What is the best way to pluck hair?
• Stretch the skin slightly, grip the hair close to the root, and pull gently, firmly and evenly.
Yanking the hair may cause it to break off thus increasing the risk of ingrown hair.
• Use excellent tweezers.
• Make sure you are in excellent even light.
• Pull the hairs in the direction of growth.
• Tweezing after a bath or shower is simpler when the skin is warm.
• Rub an ice cube over the area after tweezing to reduce redness.
• Avoid plucking just before a period as more pain or discomfort may be felt at this time.
Which body areas are particularly suitable for plucking?
Stray eyebrow hairs, scattered hairs in the abdominal region, stray hairs on the nipples and chin
hairs in women past the menopause.
Eyebrow hair differs in that the majority of them at any given time are in the resting or telogen
phase.
This means their regrowth rate is slower than other hair.
It is wise therefore to avoid overplucking eyebrow hair.
Where are electrical epilators most and least effective?
Most effective:
Large, flat areas like the arms and legs.
Least effective:
Curved areas like the underarms, and may cause significant trauma to the face
and other thin skinned areas.
How do electrical epilators work?
Many of these devices have tweezer discs in the head which rotate picking up the hair in the
process and plucking them from the root.
Many are contoured in such a way as to glide easily over all parts of the body.
How long before the hair reappears?
Many weeks, between 3 and 8.
Tweezers/Epilators: Fact Sheet
How painful is it?
A slight stinging or pricking sensation is often felt. Red bumps may appear due to swollen hair
follicles but they usually disappear after some hours.
The risk of infection with epilating can be reduced by using an antibacterial agent before and after
the procedure.
What are the main advantages and disadvantages?
This is generally a very economical method depending on how much one wishes to spend on
excellent quality tweezers.
Electrical devices range anywhere from $30 to $60.
The main disadvantage of hand tweezing is the time required. It is a painstaking process and
requires much patience.
On the other hand some have expressed that they delight in it and find it therapeutic with the
procedure becoming nearly compulsive.
Are electronic (Radio Frequency) tweezers effective?
Controversy surrounds the use of electronic tweezers.
The method:
The hair is grasped with the electronic tweezers and held for 15 to 20 seconds while a current
travels through the tweezers and down the hair shaft. The hair can then be slid out.
The effectiveness of this treatment has been questioned by some as hair is not a conductor but
rather an insulator. Some conclude the effectiveness is no better than with ordinary tweezers.
Additionally there are some precautions:
As small amounts of radiation are emitted, electronic tweezers should not be used by pregnant
women as harm may result to the fetus.
Electronic tweezers should not be used by anyone wearing a pacemaker as the high frequency
emitted can interfere with the frequency of the pacemaker.
Additional warnings concern possible hurt to the eyes from the small amounts of radiation.
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