How to Use Depilatory Cream: 8 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (2025)

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Selecting and Testing a Depilatory Product Applying the Cream and Removing the Hair Expert Q&A Tips Warnings You Might Also Like Expert Interview References About This Article Reader Success Stories Did this article help you?
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  • Cosmetic Creams

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1Selecting and Testing a Depilatory Product

2Applying the Cream and Removing the Hair

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Tips and Warnings

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Expert Interview

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Co-authored byMohiba Tareen, MDand Sophia Bell

Last Updated: February 25, 2025

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If you hate the hassle of shaving or don’t want to pay for a professional wax, consider using a depilatory product. These creams, lotions, gels, and sprays can be an amazing quick fix for unwanted hair, without the nicks or pain shaving and waxing can bring. Be sure to test the product before applying it to your skin, and make sure you don’t leave it on your skin longer than directed.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Selecting and Testing a Depilatory Product

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  1. 1

    Choose a product formulated for the area you wish to remove hair from. Most creams come in two versions; one for your body and one for your face. Do not use a cream designed for your body on your face, as it contains a higher concentration of chemicals which could damage the sensitive skin on your face.[1]

    • Research brands to see which kinds other people like the best. Popular brands of depilatory creams include Veet and Nair.
    • Many depilatories have a harsh smell, so consider choosing one with added essential oils or one with a fragrance.

  2. 2

    Pick the formula you want. Depilatories come in sprays, creams, gels, and lotions. The main difference is the method of application, otherwise these are all quite similar. Choose the formula that you think will be the quickest and easiest to apply.[2]

    • Some depilatory products are also water-resistant so you can use it in the shower, then wipe it off with a washcloth.

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  3. 3

    Test the depilatory cream. Put a small amount out on the inside of your elbow to test for a reaction. It's best to wait a few hours to a full day to be certain you won't have a negative reaction to the cream.[3]

    • Negative reactions include discomfort, burning, itching, and redness.
    • If you’ll be using the cream on your face, do a second test on your jawline to make sure you don’t have a negative reaction.

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Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Applying the Cream and Removing the Hair

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  1. 1

    Wash your body or face first. The area you are applying the depilatory product to should be clean, dry, and free of any oils or lotions. Don’t apply the product to any area in which you have cuts or wounds, as it will irritate broken skin.[4]

    • Wait at least 72 hours between shaving and using a depilatory product.

  2. 2

    Apply the product to the area of unwanted hair. Apply a thick layer of the product to the entire area that you want to remove hair from. Don’t rub the product into your skin, just gently dab it on.[5]

    • You may want to use gloves. Otherwise be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after applying the depilatory product.
    • Take care not to get the product on anything but your skin, as it can damage or discolor material.

  3. 3

    Wait the suggested amount of time. For most depilatory products, you wait around 5 minutes before removing them. It’s very important not to leave the depilatory product on longer than the directions indicate. Doing so can lead to irritation of the skin.

    • If you feel any itching, burning, or discomfort, remove the product immediately.

  4. 4

    Remove the product. You can use a depilatory spatula to remove the product, wipe it off with a towel, or rinse it off in the shower. It’s recommended that you rinse it off as this removes all the product at once, while using a towel or spatula can leave the product on certain areas of skin longer than the recommended amount of time.

    • If you use the spatula, scrape the product off using a downward motion.
    • Use cool or warm water to rinse off the cream as hot water may irritate your skin.

  5. 5

    Rinse and dry your skin. Always rinse your skin after removing the product, especially if you used a towel or spatula. This will ensure that all of the product has been removed.

    • Some products come with a lotion to be applied after removing the hair. If yours includes this, apply it to your skin.
    • Wait at least 72 hours between depilatory product applications.

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Expert Q&A

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  • Question

    What is depilation cream?

    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist

    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

    Laura Martin

    Licensed Cosmetologist

    Expert Answer

    It is a cream that dissolves the bonds in hair, breaking it down chemically.

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  • Question

    Can men use women's hair removal cream?

    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist

    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

    Laura Martin

    Licensed Cosmetologist

    Expert Answer

    Yes, absolutely, but it may be less effective or require additional processing time if used on very coarse hair.

    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support wikiHow

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  • Question

    Can you use hair removal cream on your pubic hair?

    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist

    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

    Laura Martin

    Licensed Cosmetologist

    Expert Answer

    Yes, but you may want to look for a "bikini area" formula to avoid irritation.

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    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support wikiHow

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      Tips

      • The average cost of a depilatory product is around $8. Nearly all drugstores, and some grocery stores, carry depilatory products.

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      • Many hair-removal creams tend to be runny and lightweight which can cause your skin to be dry and scaly. Look for products with urea, glycerin, almond oil, and shea butter to moisturize your skin while the other hair-removal ingredients work.

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      Warnings

      • Using a towel to wipe off the depilatory cream can ruin the towel. Be sure to use a towel you don't mind ruining.

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      • Keep depilatory products out of the reach of children.

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      • Be careful not to apply more cream than you need, and don't leave it on longer than necessary.

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      • Some creams can cause burns to the skin, especially if your skin is sensitive.

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      • Get your parent or guardian's permission before using a depilatory cream if you are under 18.

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      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about using depilatory cream, check out our in-depth interview with Mohiba Tareen, MD.

      About This Article

      How to Use Depilatory Cream: 8 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (27)

      Co-authored by:

      Mohiba Tareen, MD

      FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist

      This article was co-authored by Mohiba Tareen, MD and by wikiHow staff writer, Sophia Bell. Mohiba Tareen is a board certified Dermatologist and the founder of Tareen Dermatology located in Roseville, Maplewood and Faribault, Minnesota. Dr. Tareen completed medical school at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where she was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. While a dermatology resident at Columbia University in New York City, she won the Conrad Stritzler award of the New York Dermatologic Society and was published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Dr. Tareen then completed a procedural fellowship which focused on dermatologic surgery, laser, and cosmetic dermatology. This article has been viewed 136,795 times.

      4 votes - 75%

      Co-authors: 16

      Updated: February 25, 2025

      Views:136,795

      Categories: Cosmetic Creams

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      Reader Success Stories

      • How to Use Depilatory Cream: 8 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (28)

        Nadia Ali

        Jan 8, 2017

        "This article helped me a lot by knowing how to use the depilatory cream and what it is used for. Thanks, really..." more

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      How to Use Depilatory Cream: 8 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (2025)
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