Hair removal spray: Does it have side effects, is it safe, and more

Although depilatory creams are used to quickly remove hair from the body and sometimes the face, the treatment can get a little messy. To make chemical depilation even easier, faster and without any mess, hair removal sprays have been developed.

Moreover, hair removal sprays are also popular among men as they help to remove the large areas on the chest, stomach and back in a few minutes. Despite the popularity of their use, women and men also have their concerns about such sprays.

In this article, we'll address the safety concerns you may have. Here you'll find information about safety, appropriate uses, side effects, a better alternative, and more.

If you are also looking for a high-quality hair removal spray that is also easy to use and gentle on the skin, you can find the best hair removal sprays here .

Table of contents:

• Part 1: What are hair removal sprays?
• Part 2: How do hair removal sprays work?
• Part 3: Are hair removal sprays safe?
• Part 4: Is hair removal with hair removal sprays painful?
• Part 5: Can the active chemicals in hair removal sprays irritate the skin?
• Part 6: Can you use hair removal sprays on your face?
• Part 7: Can you use hair removal sprays in the intimate area?
• Part 8: What are the possible side effects of hair removal sprays?
• Part 9: What to use if not a hair removal spray?
• Part 10: Advantages of IPL over hair removal sprays
• Part 11: Conclusion

What are hair removal sprays?

Hair removal sprays are depilatory sprays that are used to remove unwanted hair from the body through chemicals. These sprays are just like the depilatory creams. Depilatory creams use a cream emulsion as a base, unlike the ingredients in the hair removal sprays.

Spraying makes spreading and even applying the spray easier and faster. However, you also have to be a little more careful when using the sprays so that the chemical-containing product does not get into sensitive areas like your eyes.

How do hair removal sprays work?

The principle behind using hair removal sprays is chemical depilation. These sprays contain active chemicals such as sodium hydroxide, thioglycolic acid, lactic acid and similar protein-dissolving ingredients.

The thioglycolic acid in hair removal sprays first creates a crack in the outer cuticle of the hair strands, allowing sodium hydroxide and other chemicals to penetrate the hair. These chemicals melt away the keratin and other proteins of the hair. As a result, the hair strands break and you can remove the hair by wiping them off.

Are hair removal sprays safe?

The answer to this question in one word is yes. Hair removal sprays are completely safe when used on the skin to get rid of unwanted hair. Moreover, they are FDA approved and even dermatologists recommend some high-quality hair removal sprays.

Regardless of the safety of such sprays, their long-term use is not recommended as the skin and body are constantly exposed to chemicals. So, if you are looking for a short-term solution, hair removal sprays are safe, but if you plan on using them for a longer period of time, you may want to think again.

Is removing hair with hair removal sprays painful?

One of the advantages of hair removal sprays that make women and even men choose them is that they are painless. No matter how thick and coarse your hair is and how sensitive your skin is, hair removal sprays will remove your hair without any pain, making them a good alternative to painful shaving and waxing.

Can the active chemicals in hair removal sprays irritate the skin?

Unfortunately, yes. But the good thing is that in most cases they are gentle on the skin. Hair removal sprays only irritate the skin if the instructions are not followed exactly, if the spray is used on sensitive skin, or if you use it on skin that is already damaged, injured or irritated.

The reason for this irritation is the protein-dissolving chemicals in the hair removal sprays acting on the sensitive skin. As long as you don't apply them for more than 10 to 15 minutes, you'll be fine.

Can you use hair removal sprays on your face?

Unfortunately, no. Although they are painless and safe for the skin, the hair removal sprays cannot be used on the face. The reason for this is that our eyes and lips are sensitive and you cannot get the spray on your face without spraying it on those areas.

Besides, you want your upper lip hair and sideburns to disappear, not your eyebrows and eye shadow, right? Since hair removal sprays cannot be applied precisely, they are not suitable for the face.

Can you use hair removal sprays in the intimate area?

Yes, hair removal sprays can be used on the intimate area. You just have to be careful when spraying them so that they don't get into your immediate intimate area. They are also suitable for the chest, bikini line and underarms.

What are the possible side effects of hair removal sprays?

Although they are not very common and are not associated with use for several months or even years, hair removal sprays can cause the following side effects.

1. Skin redness and irritation

First of all, if you leave the spray on for more than 10 to 15 minutes, your skin will become red. This redness will disappear within a few days. If you leave the spray on for a long time or use it on sensitive skin, irritation may occur.

2. Chemical reactions and allergies

Although hair removal sprays are safe to use, as explained above, they can cause chemical reactions and allergies. This is because the chemicals can react with the skin.

3. Worsening of skin sensitivity

Hair removal sprays have a gentle formula, but they may not be suitable for sensitive skin, so if your skin reacts to the products, avoid hair removal sprays. And do a patch test if you want to try one.

4. Blisters and peeling skin

Another side effect of hair removal sprays is chemical burns that cause peeling skin or blisters. This happens when such sprays dissolve the skin proteins along with the hair.

5. Hyperpigmentation

The chemical composition of hair removal sprays affects melanin production in the skin by stimulating melanocytes. As a result, areas of uneven skin tone and hyperpigmented skin can form.

What should you use if not a hair removal spray?

Now you're probably wondering: if you can't use hair removal sprays anymore and shaving or waxing is too painful and uncomfortable for you, what choice do you have left? Well, IPL hair removal can deliver better results than shaving, waxing or hair removal sprays, and with greater safety and efficiency.

And if you are looking for a recommendation, the Ulike Air3 IPL hair removal device is one of the best and most luxurious IPL hair removal devices on the market.

Advantages of IPL over hair removal sprays

Read on to find out why we recommend IPL devices over hair removal sprays.

• No redness, irritation or skin sensitivity

IPL hair removal does not involve any chemicals. IPL hair removal devices are particularly gentle due to several safety mechanisms. Therefore, there is no redness, irritation or sensitivity when removing hair with IPL.

In addition, the Ulike Air3 features exclusive sapphire technology that creates a cooling effect that protects the skin and makes hair removal painless.

• No change in skin color

Although IPL hair removal is based on the difference between the pigment in the hair and the skin, it does not interfere with the production of melanin. Your skin tone and hair color will therefore remain the same after IPL treatment.

• Affordable, lifelong hair removal solution

A suitable and gentle hair removal spray costs between 10 and 40 euros and only lasts for one or two months. So you have to spend around 300 euros per year to remove unwanted hair. In contrast, with a Ulike IPL device you only pay once for life, which makes it a cheaper solution.

• Can be used on the face and intimate area

You cannot use hair removal sprays on your face and you must be careful when using them on your intimate area. IPL devices, on the other hand, can be used precisely and safely on your face and intimate area.

• Skin-friendly

IPL hair removal is particularly skin-friendly thanks to the UV filters, skin tone sensors, ice cooling technology, various comfort modes and different intensity levels. This allows you to adapt the treatment to the needs of your skin and hair.

Comparison table

This comparison table will help you see the benefits of IPL over hair removal sprays at a glance.

parameter	Hair removal spray	IPL ( Ulike Air3 )	winner
Cost	500 € for 3 years	369 € for a lifetime	IPL
Application on the body	Yes	Yes	Both
Application to intimate areas	Yes (but with caution)	Yes	IPL
Application on the face	No	Yes	IPL
Skin allergy or irritation	Yes	No	IPL
Risk of chemical reaction	Yes	No	IPL
Treatment must be repeated	Every week	Every 6 months	IPL
Pain-free	Yes	Yes	Both
Fast and efficient	Yes	Yes	Both

Conclusion

Although chemical-containing hair removal sprays are approved by the FDA as a safe method of hair removal, these sprays can cause chemical reactions, burns, hyperpigmentation and irritation. Therefore, we recommend using another method of hair removal such as IPL to protect your skin from chemicals and such side effects.