How to Use Hair Removal Creams: An Easy Step-By-Step Guide (2025)

Co-authored byHeather Richmond, MDand Annabelle Reyes

Last Updated: January 27, 2025Fact Checked

Easy Steps to Use Hair Removal Cream

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   Wash the area with soap and water before applying the cream. This will ensure you don't have any lotions, perfumes, or antiperspirants on your skin that might interfere with the hair removal cream. Make sure your skin is dry afterwards, as most depilatory creams need to be applied to dry skin.

   • Use warm water, not hot water, as higher temperatures can dry out your skin and may increase chances of irritation.
   • Soaking in warm water can also soften your hair, which may make it easier to break down. This is especially helpful for very coarse hair, like pubic hair.
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   Apply a thick, even layer over the hair you want to remove. Use your fingers or a spatula, if provided. Do not rub the hair removal cream into your skin, just spread it over the surface.^[1] Wash your hands immediately afterward if you apply the cream with your fingers.

   • Make sure to apply the cream in an even layer! Uneven application means your hair could come off in patches, leaving you with spots of hair, which is probably not the look you're going for.
   • Never apply a hair removal cream to your nostrils, ears, the skin around your eyes (including your eyebrows), genitals, anus, or nipples. The cream may irritate sensitive areas of your skin, so it’s best to steer clear of them.^[2]

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   Leave the cream on for the amount of time recommended in the directions. This can be anywhere between three to ten minutes, depending on the product you buy. Most directions also recommend checking a small area about halfway through the process to see if the hair is already coming off. If it is, you can likely wash the depilatory cream off early—the shorter the amount of time it’s in contact with your skin, the less likely you are to develop redness or irritation.^[3]

   • Because you can easily irritate your skin if you leave the cream on too long, make sure to set a timer for the exact amount of time listed on the product instructions.^[4]
   • Some slight tingling is normal, but if your skin starts to sting or burn, or if you see redness or irritation, remove the cream immediately. Depending on your reaction, you may want to call your doctor for advice on how to treat your skin.^[5]
   • You may notice a bad smell while you are using the cream. That's a normal side effect of the chemical reaction that is breaking down your hair.
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   Remove the cream with a damp washcloth or spatula if provided. Wipe the cream off gently—don't rub or scrub the area. Once you’ve wiped off the outer layer of cream, rinse your skin with warm water to get rid of any remaining residue.^[6] If you don't rinse off the residue, the chemicals could continue to react with your skin and cause a rash or chemical burn.

   • After the cream is completely rinsed off, pat (don't rub!) your skin dry with a clean towel.
   • Apply a moisturizer to the area to keep it smooth and hydrated.
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   Don't worry if your skin is a little red or itchy after use—that's normal. Wear loose clothing right after using the cream, and don't scratch the area. If the redness and discomfort continues after a few hours, or if it gets worse, call your doctor. Some people’s skin may be a bit more sensitive to hair removal creams than others, and your doctor will be able to help if you’re experiencing irritation or an allergic reaction.^[7]

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   Read the directions that came with the cream and follow them exactly. Different brands and different products within that brand will have different instructions.^[8] For example, one type of hair removal might take only three minutes, while another might take ten. Following the directions will give you the best results and help protect your skin from any irritation.

   • If you lost the directions that came with your cream, try checking the company's website. They should have instructions for each kind of cream.
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   Observe any warnings in the directions. Some creams may instruct you to avoid sunbathing, swimming, or tanning for 24 hours, for example. You should also wait 24 hours to use antiperspirant or perfumed body products on the area to avoid irritation.^[9]

   • Don't shave or use a hair removal cream in the same area for at least 72 hours after use.^[10]

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   Pick the right cream for your skin. "Depilatory cream can be a great, cheap option to remove unwanted hair. That being said, there are a few things to note as you shop," says board-certified dermatologist Mohiba Tareen, M.D. “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," she says.^[11]

   • If you plan to use the cream in a sensitive area, Dr. Tareen also recommends reading the product description carefully before purchasing it.
   • “While most creams will do the job, there are some that are specifically made for sensitive places like your face and bikini area, so be sure to pay close attention to the over-the-counter labels,” Dr. Tareen says.^[12]
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   Talk to your doctor if you have very sensitive skin, a skin condition, or take any medications that may affect your skin. Because the cream is applied directly to the skin, the chemicals that break down the proteins in your hair can sometimes cause a reaction.^[13] Consult your doctor before using depilatory creams if:

   • You have developed rashes, hives, or allergic reactions to skin products in the past.
   • You use a retinol cream, take acne medication, or other medication that increases your skin's sensitivity.
   • You have a skin condition such as eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea.

   EXPERT TIP

   

   Mohiba Tareen, MD

   FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist

   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.

   

   Mohiba Tareen, MD
   FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist

   See Also

   How to Use Hair Removal Cream: A Complete Guide for Smooth Skin - SironaThe 10 Best Facial Hair Removal Creams: At a Glance to Buy in 2025

   Your doctor may recommend other hair removal treatments. Depilatory creams are a temporary solution to hair removal. As a dermatologist, I would recommend looking into more permanent treatments for hair-free, smooth skin with specialized lasers.

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   Do an allergy test 24 hours before using a depilatory cream. Even if you've never had a reaction to hair removal cream before, your skin's chemistry may have changed slightly, which could cause you to react. In fact, some people use depilatory creams for months or years before ever having a reaction, then they develop one out of the blue. Because of this, it’s best to always do a patch test first. Here’s how:^[14]

   • Apply a small amount of cream to a small portion of the area where you plan to remove the hair.
   • Follow the directions, leaving the cream on for the advised amount of time and removing it properly.
   • If the small tested area does not react in the next 24 hours, it should be safe to use the depilatory cream on the full area.^[15]
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   Examine the area for any cuts, scrapes, moles, scars, irritated or sunburnt skin. This will help minimize your chances of having a bad reaction or potentially developing a rash or chemical burn. Don't apply the cream directly to any scars or moles, and if you have a sunburn, rash or cut, wait until you are completely healed before going ahead with the application.^[16]

   • There may be tiny cuts on your skin if you have shaved recently—wait a day or two before applying the cream.

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1. 1

   How does Nair work? Nair (and other similar depilatory creams) contain thioglycolic acid, which breaks down the keratin protein in your hair. After you apply the cream and let it sit for the correct amount of time, your hair should begin to dissolve, and you’ll be able to wipe it off with a washcloth or rinse it off with some water.^[17]

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   Can you use hair removal cream on pubic hair? Yes, you can use hair removal creams on your pubic hair. It’s important, however, to pick a product that is specifically formulated for this area, since some creams are meant only for areas like your underarms or legs. Make sure the product you have says that it’s safe for the pubic region on the bottle before using it in this area.^[18]

   • Keep in mind that even these products should only be used on the external area of your pubic region (also called the “bikini line”), not directly on your genitals.^[19]
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   Do you apply hair removal cream wet or dry? Most depilatory creams are meant to be applied to skin that is clean and dry, not wet. Check the instructions on the bottle you have to make sure, but in most cases you’ll want to make sure your skin is completely dry before applying.^[20]

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   Is it better to shave or use hair removal cream? There are pros and cons to both methods. For example, if you want the longest lasting results, hair removal cream may be the better choice. The cream penetrates to remove your hair at the follicle level, while shaving cuts the hair off at the surface level. This means your skin will feel smoother for longer when you use a hair removal cream, and it will take more time for pesky stubble to grow back.^[21]

   • Hair removal cream is also a good alternative for people who tend to get razor bumps or ingrown hairs from shaving, since these things are less of an issue with this method.^[22]
   • On the flip side, hair removal creams do have a stronger scent that some people may not like. They can also cause allergic reactions or irritation, especially for those with sensitive skin.^[23] For these people, shaving may be the better option.
   • The bottom line? The best choice varies from person to person, and it ultimately depends on your hair removal goals and preferences. Go with whatever feels best to you!

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