There’s a lot to know about hair removal, and it wouldn’t be surprising if you’ve come across some conflicting information. Here, we debunk some commonly asked queries to separate the myths from the truths, to help you choose the right hair removal method for you.
Shaving vs Waxing
Shaving is the most efficient hair removal method.
MYTH: While shaving is quick, so is the regrowth. So, while it may seem easiest to just grab a razor and go, you won’t be left hair-free for long. If quick and easy hair removal is what you’re after, you may be surprised how quick some waxing methods can also be – Veet’s Easy-Gel Wax Strips, for example, are ready to use straight out of the box.
Will hair grow back after waxing?
TRUTH: Waxing is a form of epilation, which means that the whole hair bulb, or root, is taken out. This means that the hair grows back as completely new hair shafts with soft, fine tapered tips. Waxing stops hair growth as you do it over time: the repeated action of pulling out hair can weaken the hair follicles, resulting in permanently lighter or softer hair (although it won’t stop the hair growth entirely).
You may have also heard the opposite myth that shaving makes your hair grow back thicker, but this isn’t actually true. Since shaving cuts hair at the surface of the skin, it leaves the edge of the hair rough and blunt. So, hair only appears to be stiffer and thicker as it grows back.
You need to wait at least a month before waxing again.
MYTH: While waxing results can last as long as (or even longer than) a month, it’s not a hard timeline you need to stick to. Veet’s range of Easy-Gel Wax Strips are designed to remove hair as short as 1.5mm – so if you would like to do some maintenance before a month has passed, then you absolutely can.
Can you reuse Veet wax strips?
MYTH: Wax products should only be used once for hygienic purposes. You can, however, use the same wax strip again in the same session, until it loses its stickiness. You can read about the different types of wax products here.
Not everyone can use wax products.
TRUTH: Waxing isn’t suitable for the elderly, those with diabetes, or if you are using or have recently used medications called oral retinoids, which may be used for treating acne. These medications thin your skin and can cause it to tear and scar if you wax.
If you’re pregnant it’s best to check with your doctor or healthcare provider before using hair removal products.
Waxing is more painful when I have my period.
TRUTH: Women’s pain threshold may be at its lowest immediately before and during their period, so it’s true that waxing during your period might be more painful. You may wish to avoid waxing at these times – or you can always try a hair removal cream from Veet!
Depilatory Creams
What is better - shaving or hair removal cream?
MYTH: While neither hair removal cream nor razors remove hair at the root like waxing does, they work in completely different ways. Hair removal cream uses chemicals to dissolve the hair shaft, allowing it to be wiped away, whereas razors cut the hair just above the skin. Wondering if hair removal cream is like shaving, or what’s better between shaving or hair removal cream? You can read more about hair removal creams here.
Does hair removal cream make hair darker or thicker?
MYTH: There is no evidence that hair removal creams make hair darker or thicker. Some people may also wonder if depilatory creams reduce hair growth, but there is no evidence for this either.
Are hair removal creams bad for you?
MYTH: When used as directed, hair removal creams are an easy, pain-free way of doing hair removal at home. Just make sure to read and follow the directions for use, and always test your skin’s reaction by doing a small patch test first.
Hair removal creams can’t be used on your bikini line.
MYTH: They can! Because of the risk of nicks & cuts, shaving may not be the most ideal method for your bikini line given all the small contours in that area. If you’re put off by the pain of waxing, then a product like Veet’s Silky Fresh Hair Removal Cream for Sensitive Skin is a great option. Just be aware that while it can be used for pubic hair removal, it is not a hair removal cream for genitals – so don’t use this hair removal cream on your private parts!
Is hair removal cream bad for your face?
TRUTH: There may be some hair removal creams out there that can be used on the face, but unfortunately, Veet’s Australian range of hair removal creams aren’t suitable for use on your facial areas. If you’re worried about whether a hair removal cream is bad for your face and you want to remove hair from your upper lip, cheeks or chin, we recommend a wax product like Veet Easy-Gel Face Wax Strips instead.
Removing hair at home
I can get salon-quality results at home by myself at home.
TRUTH: Of course you can! There are a wide range of quality products available in Australia that not only make at-home hair removal affordable and convenient, but can also give you the smooth and long-lasting results you expect from professionals. For the closest thing to salon-quality results, we recommend a hot waxing product like Veet Spawax.
It’s difficult to maintain hair-free skin.
MYTH: Just like achieving salon-quality results at home is possible, keeping your skin smooth and well cared for is easier than you think. Waxing and depilatory creams are easy to use and access, and there are lots of different options available so you can find the right solution to suit your needs and lifestyle. Check out all our best tips and tricks for hair removal at home here.
You should always prepare your skin before hair removal.
TRUTH: For the best possible results, it’s good to take a little time before starting to make sure your skin is optimal for hair removal. Before waxing, gently wash over the area to clean away any dirt, dead skin cells, and skin care products. Make sure to thoroughly dry your skin afterwards – this is really important!
I can wax or use a hair removal cream on the same place every day.
MYTH: Always wait at least 72 hours between applications, regardless of whether you’re waxing or using a cream. This is so your skin doesn’t get irritated. Also, don’t wax over the same piece of skin more than once during a session.
You should avoid deodorants, tanning products, sunbathing and swimming after hair removal.
TRUTH: Ideally you should wait 24 hours before using/doing the above. This is because your skin is more sensitive after hair removal and these things may cause irritation.
Avoiding ingrowns
Tight-fitting clothes contribute to ingrown hairs.
TRUTH: Ingrown hairs are caused when hair either re-enters or retracts beneath the skin’s surface after hair removal, and continues growing under the skin. It’s possible for tight clothing to lead to ingrown hairs and irritation, so it’s best to keep clothing loose for 24 hours after removing hair.
Exfoliation can prevent ingrown hairs.
TRUTH: Exfoliation prevents the build-up of dead skin cells that can clog your follicles and is one of the easiest and most effective things you can do to prevent ingrown hairs. If you are prone to ingrown hairs, aim to exfoliate every 4 to 7 days, starting 2 or 3 days after you’ve removed the hair.
All about Veet
I need to test Veet creams and waxes before applying it to any body part.
TRUTH: Before every use, we recommend doing a patch test on a small area of your skin that you wish to treat. If after 24 hours there is no adverse reaction, you can continue to use the product.
You can reuse Veet wax strips.
TRUTH: Veet’s Warm Wax comes with 10 reusable fabric strips that can be rinsed with water and dried after use, so you can use them again for your next warm wax session. Cold wax strips aren’t meant to be reused and should be discarded after waxing.
People with sensitive skin can’t use Veet.
MYTH: Sensitive skin doesn’t have to stop you from using Veet. Many of Veet’s products are suitable for sensitive skin types, including cold wax strips and hair removal creams. Look for products which say ‘sensitive skin’ on the pack. For all skin types it’s important that you read and follow the directions for use carefully, including conducting a patch test. This is especially important if you think that you have sensitive skin.
Veet is only for women.
MYTH: Not at all! Our Veet for Men Hair Removal Gel Cream helps you quickly and effectively remove hair from your back, chest, arms, legs and underarms without shaving. And of course, our waxing products are also completely suitable for both men and women.
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