I came across this article on hair removal creams.
I decided to look at comparisons instead of just trying Sally Hansen before giving up completely. I do want to find some way to not shave constantly. OK, it isn't constantly but it feels that way.
The interesting thing was, this article mentioned three products they really liked and none of them were the usual Big Three (Nair, Veet, Hansen).
I don't know anything about the website so I'll do a bit more research but maybe, just maybe....
Showing posts with label hair removal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hair removal. Show all posts
Friday, May 2, 2014
Friday, March 21, 2014
Shoot the Moom
I know, I'm obsessing about hair removal. I picked up some Moom sugaring product. It's kind of a not-hot wax. That mean it avoids the heat and just leaves the mess and pain.
I decided to try this because (a) it's a bit different from what I've tried before (b) it claims to be organic and I thought it would be good to try a 'green" product on St Pat's day and (c) it said "nearly pain-free" method of hair removal.
HA! to the last one. I suspect if you use it on either a hair-free portion of your person, or on another person, it would be pain-free. On your own personal body, with your own personal hair.... That's another story.
I didn't see much difference between Moom and other waxing products in any measurable way.
I'm not sure what my way forward is with regard to hair removal.
I have heard of one product that makes hair softer and thinner and it actually changes the pattern of growth, but I'm not interested in female hormones.
Oh.... One reader asked about the "No-no" hair removal system (laser-ish). I've checked several reviews and they basically agree: "No" to the "No-no."
Non-t content: it was reported that the computer on Malaysia flight 370 initiated a u-turn. They became suspicious when they heard one of the last radio transmissions. A flat voice said "Beijing? I'm afraid I can't allow that, Dave."
I decided to try this because (a) it's a bit different from what I've tried before (b) it claims to be organic and I thought it would be good to try a 'green" product on St Pat's day and (c) it said "nearly pain-free" method of hair removal.
HA! to the last one. I suspect if you use it on either a hair-free portion of your person, or on another person, it would be pain-free. On your own personal body, with your own personal hair.... That's another story.
I didn't see much difference between Moom and other waxing products in any measurable way.
I'm not sure what my way forward is with regard to hair removal.
I have heard of one product that makes hair softer and thinner and it actually changes the pattern of growth, but I'm not interested in female hormones.
Oh.... One reader asked about the "No-no" hair removal system (laser-ish). I've checked several reviews and they basically agree: "No" to the "No-no."
Non-t content: it was reported that the computer on Malaysia flight 370 initiated a u-turn. They became suspicious when they heard one of the last radio transmissions. A flat voice said "Beijing? I'm afraid I can't allow that, Dave."
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Alternatives
One of my readers clued me in to Moom 4Men. I have a couple of questions for the manufacturer and I'm waiting for answers.
It's a sugaring product, it claims to be "virtually painless" which I don't believe.
Normally, when there's a product for men and a product for women, I gravitate towards the women's one. Hair is different enough on men and women that, if there's one specifically for men, I think I'll have to use it. However, that's one of the questions I asked the company. The other is, is it OK for men's faces. They say it's OK on faces, but, again, men's and women's facial skin and hair are very different. Interestingly, the women's product seems to be in two flavours, one with lavender, one with tea tree. Both are estrogen mimics. The men's product has aloe vera.
There are other similar products, some for women, some for men, some don't specify (so for women, probably). There's a Nair for men. The Moom claims to be organic and with natural ingredients and since my reader likes it, I'll give it a try. I may do a side-by-side trial with Nads, another sugaring product. I'll decide in a few days.
Non-T-stupid-joke department:
Q: What day of the year is a command?
A: OK, this doesn't work in most of the English world, where they'd say "4 March."
It's a sugaring product, it claims to be "virtually painless" which I don't believe.
Normally, when there's a product for men and a product for women, I gravitate towards the women's one. Hair is different enough on men and women that, if there's one specifically for men, I think I'll have to use it. However, that's one of the questions I asked the company. The other is, is it OK for men's faces. They say it's OK on faces, but, again, men's and women's facial skin and hair are very different. Interestingly, the women's product seems to be in two flavours, one with lavender, one with tea tree. Both are estrogen mimics. The men's product has aloe vera.
There are other similar products, some for women, some for men, some don't specify (so for women, probably). There's a Nair for men. The Moom claims to be organic and with natural ingredients and since my reader likes it, I'll give it a try. I may do a side-by-side trial with Nads, another sugaring product. I'll decide in a few days.
Non-T-stupid-joke department:
Q: What day of the year is a command?
A: OK, this doesn't work in most of the English world, where they'd say "4 March."
Monday, March 3, 2014
Looks Like a Rash Decision.
Last week, I mentioned that I tried Nair. I also mentioned that it felt uncomfortable after a few minutes and I didn't leave it on for the maximum time, as I usually did with Veet.
Last time, Veet produced serious pain and abrasions on parts of my body.
Nair didn't produce pain, but it also didn't do as good a job at removing hair.
It did leave behind the little abrasions, particularly on one upper arm. It's like running a rasp over my skin and looks as bad.
Although the Nair tube was used entirely when I did my arms/underarms/top of chest, due to a simple twist of fate I do have a second bottle. I plan to try that on my legs to see if it works better there. I'll also try to not damage my skin any further ~ this weekend Meg should be getting out once again (yay!).
Last time, Veet produced serious pain and abrasions on parts of my body.
Nair didn't produce pain, but it also didn't do as good a job at removing hair.
It did leave behind the little abrasions, particularly on one upper arm. It's like running a rasp over my skin and looks as bad.
Although the Nair tube was used entirely when I did my arms/underarms/top of chest, due to a simple twist of fate I do have a second bottle. I plan to try that on my legs to see if it works better there. I'll also try to not damage my skin any further ~ this weekend Meg should be getting out once again (yay!).
Friday, February 28, 2014
A Review, of Sorts
A few minutes ago, I tried Nair on my arms, underarms, and upper chest. You may recall I really liked Veet, even though I always kept it on for the maximum time or it wasn't effective. You may also recall that my last experience wasn't particularly pleasant.
In fact, it was downright painful. I had what looked and felt like burns for quite a while, but Veet was also effective.
I bought some Nair for sensitive skin a few weeks ago, but time and temperature kept me from trying it. I finally had a warmish apartment and an hour to invest.
Some thoughts:
Nair is neater. It's applied with a small smooth sponge and removed with the other (bumpy) side. I barely got any on my palms. Veet is applied with your hand which means if you're trying to defur the back of your hand, it's hard to keep the stuff in its place.
Nair comes off neater. Veet gives you a pink plastic spatula to remove the goo. I find it leaves tracks. It's kind of like a Veet razor.
Both are slimy. That's not the right word, but they feel very slick.
Veet works better. Nair took off a lot of hair, but it left a lot too. I would not use this right before going out ~ there's too much touch up.
Nair is weird. After my shower, I found a lot of hair, including some long ones that stayed in. But I could grab and break them off easily, like pulling a tree with no root. Weird.
And the Nair stayed on for about six or seven minutes (they suggest three, no more than ten). My right arm started tingling and I thought it was time. I'm not sure yet if I'll have that burn like I did after the Veet. I'll let y'all know soon.
In fact, it was downright painful. I had what looked and felt like burns for quite a while, but Veet was also effective.
I bought some Nair for sensitive skin a few weeks ago, but time and temperature kept me from trying it. I finally had a warmish apartment and an hour to invest.
Some thoughts:
Nair is neater. It's applied with a small smooth sponge and removed with the other (bumpy) side. I barely got any on my palms. Veet is applied with your hand which means if you're trying to defur the back of your hand, it's hard to keep the stuff in its place.
Nair comes off neater. Veet gives you a pink plastic spatula to remove the goo. I find it leaves tracks. It's kind of like a Veet razor.
Both are slimy. That's not the right word, but they feel very slick.
Veet works better. Nair took off a lot of hair, but it left a lot too. I would not use this right before going out ~ there's too much touch up.
Nair is weird. After my shower, I found a lot of hair, including some long ones that stayed in. But I could grab and break them off easily, like pulling a tree with no root. Weird.
And the Nair stayed on for about six or seven minutes (they suggest three, no more than ten). My right arm started tingling and I thought it was time. I'm not sure yet if I'll have that burn like I did after the Veet. I'll let y'all know soon.
Monday, January 20, 2014
The Agony of De Veet
The combination of short memory and a common sense deficiency caused me to try Veet again.
I was going to shave my stomach. My first thought was "hey, it's a jungle down there." My second thought was "stomach skin is pretty tough. Maybe I can try the Veet."
I had been looking for a replacement but hadn't gotten to a drug store yet. At the supermarkets, my choices were home waxing kits, Veet, and Veet home waxing kits.
I decided to be careful and attentive (memory not that short).
I put Veet on my stomach only and cleaned my hands immediately. I started a timer. I paid attention to possible reactions. At one time, the underside of my wrist touched my stomach and it started to burn, almost immediately. Actually, that happened twice. Short memory strikes again!
But at the end of the proscribed (maximum) time my stomach was fine. I removed the Veet and the hair with it.
I wonder if hair removal creams are catalysts. I mean, can I treat an area for the required number of minutes, scoop it off and place it on another area for the proper time, scoop it off....
There are three problems with that experiment. One, you'll be putting loose hair on the new part. Yuck. Two, each area will have to be smaller ~ you'll always lose some. And three, how do you completely remove the chemical and wash the area without messing up the new area? You'd have to do, say, legs and transfer it to chest, then transfer it to... what? Back? I dunno.
My favourite short memory joke: a (pick stupid stereotype group) guy goes to work with bandages on both ears. A friend says "what happened?" and he says "I was ironing. Someone called and I accidentally put the iron to my ear." His friend says "what happened to the other ear?" and he replies "the jerk called back."
My favourite lack of common sense joke: An engineer, a mathematician, and a physicist are each sentenced to die by the guillotine. As the physicist is led to the guillotine, he decides that he'd like to observe the blade as it falls, and he requests to be strapped in face up. The executioner agrees (why not? it all pays the same...), and straps him in. As the blade falls, it sticks about two thirds of the way down. Seeing this, the crowd cheers - the physicist must be innocent! So the executioner unstraps him and sets him free.
The mathematician is next. Being well versed in matters statistical (perhaps she is an actuary), she quickly asks to be placed face up as well - after all, the odds of it happening again are pretty good, especially if the initial conditions are similar. So the executioner obliges, and once again, the blade sticks about two thirds of the way down. Again the crowd cheers, and the mathematician is also set free.
Finally, the engineer.He, too, requests to be placed face up. As the executioner is strapping him in, he's looking up at the blade and studying the track in which it slides. He calls out to the executioner, "I think I see what your problem is...."
I was going to shave my stomach. My first thought was "hey, it's a jungle down there." My second thought was "stomach skin is pretty tough. Maybe I can try the Veet."
I had been looking for a replacement but hadn't gotten to a drug store yet. At the supermarkets, my choices were home waxing kits, Veet, and Veet home waxing kits.
I decided to be careful and attentive (memory not that short).
I put Veet on my stomach only and cleaned my hands immediately. I started a timer. I paid attention to possible reactions. At one time, the underside of my wrist touched my stomach and it started to burn, almost immediately. Actually, that happened twice. Short memory strikes again!
But at the end of the proscribed (maximum) time my stomach was fine. I removed the Veet and the hair with it.
I wonder if hair removal creams are catalysts. I mean, can I treat an area for the required number of minutes, scoop it off and place it on another area for the proper time, scoop it off....
There are three problems with that experiment. One, you'll be putting loose hair on the new part. Yuck. Two, each area will have to be smaller ~ you'll always lose some. And three, how do you completely remove the chemical and wash the area without messing up the new area? You'd have to do, say, legs and transfer it to chest, then transfer it to... what? Back? I dunno.
My favourite short memory joke: a (pick stupid stereotype group) guy goes to work with bandages on both ears. A friend says "what happened?" and he says "I was ironing. Someone called and I accidentally put the iron to my ear." His friend says "what happened to the other ear?" and he replies "the jerk called back."
My favourite lack of common sense joke: An engineer, a mathematician, and a physicist are each sentenced to die by the guillotine. As the physicist is led to the guillotine, he decides that he'd like to observe the blade as it falls, and he requests to be strapped in face up. The executioner agrees (why not? it all pays the same...), and straps him in. As the blade falls, it sticks about two thirds of the way down. Seeing this, the crowd cheers - the physicist must be innocent! So the executioner unstraps him and sets him free.
The mathematician is next. Being well versed in matters statistical (perhaps she is an actuary), she quickly asks to be placed face up as well - after all, the odds of it happening again are pretty good, especially if the initial conditions are similar. So the executioner obliges, and once again, the blade sticks about two thirds of the way down. Again the crowd cheers, and the mathematician is also set free.
Finally, the engineer.He, too, requests to be placed face up. As the executioner is strapping him in, he's looking up at the blade and studying the track in which it slides. He calls out to the executioner, "I think I see what your problem is...."
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Read Label? Check. Follow Instructions? Not So Much.
Early last week, I decided to Veet my upper arms, underarms, shoulders, the back of my neck and upper back ~ whatever I could reach. Veet is my toxic chemical of choice when it's time to kill body hair.
I've done this before. I know to put the Veet on my underarms last, and take it off first because they're a bit sensitive. I keep it on for the maximum time, because it takes that long to get rid of the hair. Usually, it works without incident unless I'm sloppy. For instance, stray Veet has stayed on too long because I didn't notice it and caused what looked like a burn. It doesn't last long.
The Veet label says the following: Before each use, TEST YOUR SKIN REACTION by applying the cream to a small part of the area you wish to treat, following the directions for use. If after 24 HOURS there is no adverse reaction, begin using.
It also says to not reapply for three days after use.
I can't figure that out. Let's say I want to de-fur my arms. I'd have to do a small patch and wait a day. Then I could do the rest of my arm. But I'd have to be careful to not Veet the part I did the previous day. That means I'd probably end up with a little border that's not defoliated because it's impossible to go right up to the edge. Unless....
1. get a heavy material with a sticky back.
2. cut out a small shape. Keep both parts.
3. stick the large part to your arm. Veet within the cut part.
4. remove the material and test.
5. wait a day.
6. carefully stick the small shape to the defurred area.
7. Veet the exposed parts.
Shaving is looking easier and easier.
So I'm guessing nobody does that.
I've been using Veet every couple of weeks for several months without a problem.
Back to early last week.... I started with one arm/shoulder and worked towards the back of my neck and upper back. Almost immediately, my upper back began to feel odd. Not painful, but tingly. The Veet had been in place for less than a minute and my arm seemed fine, so I finished with my underarm and started on the other side. The back of my neck/middle of my upper back started to hurt a bit, but I dismissed it. I decided to finish with my hands and started the timer, as I usually do.
My upper back hurt, but not horribly and I figured it was a mild reaction to the Veet.
It turns out "mild" was the wrong word. After removal, it felt like a sunburn. Visual examination showed redness and some blistering. Over the next few hours, it hurt more. Like a sunburn.
Unlike a sunburn, it turned into hundreds of tiny scabs. There was no bleeding, but it seemed like many pores were injured. It wasn't everywhere. It was worst on my shoulders, upper upper arms, middle of my upper back. It didn't affect my underarms or upper arm below my shoulder at all. It was spotty on other treated areas. The scabs appeared on one hand but not the other.
I'm guessing the dry winter weather is causing dry winter skin and that made it worse.
I'm also guessing I should toss the Veet and look for some other brand which I'll test on a small spot of skin first.
Oh.... The label also says if you experience any smarting/tingling during use, remove the cream immediately and rinse thoroughly with water. If this sensation persists, seek medical advice.
I've done this before. I know to put the Veet on my underarms last, and take it off first because they're a bit sensitive. I keep it on for the maximum time, because it takes that long to get rid of the hair. Usually, it works without incident unless I'm sloppy. For instance, stray Veet has stayed on too long because I didn't notice it and caused what looked like a burn. It doesn't last long.
The Veet label says the following: Before each use, TEST YOUR SKIN REACTION by applying the cream to a small part of the area you wish to treat, following the directions for use. If after 24 HOURS there is no adverse reaction, begin using.
It also says to not reapply for three days after use.
I can't figure that out. Let's say I want to de-fur my arms. I'd have to do a small patch and wait a day. Then I could do the rest of my arm. But I'd have to be careful to not Veet the part I did the previous day. That means I'd probably end up with a little border that's not defoliated because it's impossible to go right up to the edge. Unless....
1. get a heavy material with a sticky back.
2. cut out a small shape. Keep both parts.
3. stick the large part to your arm. Veet within the cut part.
4. remove the material and test.
5. wait a day.
6. carefully stick the small shape to the defurred area.
7. Veet the exposed parts.
Shaving is looking easier and easier.
So I'm guessing nobody does that.
I've been using Veet every couple of weeks for several months without a problem.
Back to early last week.... I started with one arm/shoulder and worked towards the back of my neck and upper back. Almost immediately, my upper back began to feel odd. Not painful, but tingly. The Veet had been in place for less than a minute and my arm seemed fine, so I finished with my underarm and started on the other side. The back of my neck/middle of my upper back started to hurt a bit, but I dismissed it. I decided to finish with my hands and started the timer, as I usually do.
My upper back hurt, but not horribly and I figured it was a mild reaction to the Veet.
It turns out "mild" was the wrong word. After removal, it felt like a sunburn. Visual examination showed redness and some blistering. Over the next few hours, it hurt more. Like a sunburn.
Unlike a sunburn, it turned into hundreds of tiny scabs. There was no bleeding, but it seemed like many pores were injured. It wasn't everywhere. It was worst on my shoulders, upper upper arms, middle of my upper back. It didn't affect my underarms or upper arm below my shoulder at all. It was spotty on other treated areas. The scabs appeared on one hand but not the other.
I'm guessing the dry winter weather is causing dry winter skin and that made it worse.
I'm also guessing I should toss the Veet and look for some other brand which I'll test on a small spot of skin first.
Oh.... The label also says if you experience any smarting/tingling during use, remove the cream immediately and rinse thoroughly with water. If this sensation persists, seek medical advice.
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Hair Ye!
This is a follow-up from my hair post from last month.
Pat wrote: I am intrigued by the constant ads for the "No-No" device. How does that stop hair growth. Do you know if it actually works or is just a heavy duty promotional campaign.
and Alice, who wrote a great description of hair growth, followed up with: I just noticed Pat's question. I don't know the nono device specifically, but there a number of DIY laser, IPL and RF (radio wave) devices out there, and I don't think that any of them have the same power level as a comparable commercial device, so I have no idea whether they work just as well, not as well or not at all. I suspect the latter in most if not all cases.
I checked some reviews of the No-No and most people thought Pat was spot on (subject of "a heavy duty promotional campaign"). I'd say no to the no-no.
At Ulta, I saw a couple of different devices. One needed a part that burned out (I forget the specifics); the other did not. These were both home laser devices; I've looked at others. They all claim to work best on dark hair/light skin, they usually warn against being used on men's faces (but some claim to be OK on women's faces, below the lip). They also claim to eliminate hair for "up to a year" after repeated uses. I kind of understand the repeated uses ~ hairs grow on different cycles and you need to get them all.
But if I'm going to invest my time and money, I want something that's permanent and will work on ALL my hair. I don't think that exists yet. Maybe tomorrow.
Pat wrote: I am intrigued by the constant ads for the "No-No" device. How does that stop hair growth. Do you know if it actually works or is just a heavy duty promotional campaign.
and Alice, who wrote a great description of hair growth, followed up with: I just noticed Pat's question. I don't know the nono device specifically, but there a number of DIY laser, IPL and RF (radio wave) devices out there, and I don't think that any of them have the same power level as a comparable commercial device, so I have no idea whether they work just as well, not as well or not at all. I suspect the latter in most if not all cases.
I checked some reviews of the No-No and most people thought Pat was spot on (subject of "a heavy duty promotional campaign"). I'd say no to the no-no.
At Ulta, I saw a couple of different devices. One needed a part that burned out (I forget the specifics); the other did not. These were both home laser devices; I've looked at others. They all claim to work best on dark hair/light skin, they usually warn against being used on men's faces (but some claim to be OK on women's faces, below the lip). They also claim to eliminate hair for "up to a year" after repeated uses. I kind of understand the repeated uses ~ hairs grow on different cycles and you need to get them all.
But if I'm going to invest my time and money, I want something that's permanent and will work on ALL my hair. I don't think that exists yet. Maybe tomorrow.
Thursday, December 26, 2013
Hair and Thair ~ Is There a Doctor in the House?
This may sound silly. I often ask questions others don't seem to think about. For instance, if a dog has black fur it's called a "black dog." Why isn't a person has black hair called a "black person?"
That's just an aside.
I think too much about hair. It's one of the big differences between the genders. A woman trying to pass as male might want to add sideburns or facial hair and lament that her arm hair is thin. A man trying to pass as a woman will work hard to remove or bleach body hair and shave facial hair as close as possible.
Let's consider arm hair. (Most body hair works the same way, for this thought exercise.) It grows to, say, an inch long, and then stops. Just let it sit there and it just... sits there.
I know hair has a lifetime and it will eventually fall out and be replaced, but it's not a very short lifetime. It's weeks or months, not days.
Yet if you shave it off, it will grow back pretty much immediately.
Shaving is not particularly intrusive. It's not like epilating or tweezing or using chemicals to remove the hair or otherwise irritate the follicles. It's simply cutting off the dead part above the skin. But if you shave it will grow back quickly and stop at the same length as before.
Why does it do that? How does it know that it's been shorn and needs to grow back?
Is there anyone who understands the biology involved and can explain this to me?
That's just an aside.
I think too much about hair. It's one of the big differences between the genders. A woman trying to pass as male might want to add sideburns or facial hair and lament that her arm hair is thin. A man trying to pass as a woman will work hard to remove or bleach body hair and shave facial hair as close as possible.
Let's consider arm hair. (Most body hair works the same way, for this thought exercise.) It grows to, say, an inch long, and then stops. Just let it sit there and it just... sits there.
I know hair has a lifetime and it will eventually fall out and be replaced, but it's not a very short lifetime. It's weeks or months, not days.
Yet if you shave it off, it will grow back pretty much immediately.
Shaving is not particularly intrusive. It's not like epilating or tweezing or using chemicals to remove the hair or otherwise irritate the follicles. It's simply cutting off the dead part above the skin. But if you shave it will grow back quickly and stop at the same length as before.
Why does it do that? How does it know that it's been shorn and needs to grow back?
Is there anyone who understands the biology involved and can explain this to me?
Friday, April 12, 2013
Veet Veet!
I think I covered all of the choices for hair removal except depilitories.
Finishing the "choice" portion of these posts, there are several types of depilatories within each brand. Safe for hair there. Better for this type of hair. Creamy, quicker, better ~ pick two. There are a variety for in shower, for lotions, waxes, creams.
I don't like the idea of depilatories. There are too many warnings on the bottle and too many rules for "safe" hair removal. Don't use on (insert hairy body parts here), wash hands immediately, don't leave on too long, don't use if you have a cut or scab, don't use twice within 72 hours.... I have drain cleaner with fewer warnings.
I'd never use them at all, except they sort of work. I've been switching between Nair and Sally Hansen removers. Both are "3 minute, not more than 6, definitely not more than 10! Warning! Danger! 10 minutes is it! We're not kidding!"
Actually, they're not. One of my first times, I got a bit on a spot where I didn't expect it and wasn't looking for it. It stayed for maybe 20 minutes and it decided to let me know it was there by burning my skin.
Another time, I got a bit on my nipple and was in pain for several days.
So I don't like depilatories. But I keep going back to them. Sometimes, it seems the hair grows back faster after use, or it re-appears the next day ~ it's probably just a cycle thing I don't understand. Sometimes it seems that, even though I tried my best to follow the directions, I have a hairy patch when I'm done.
I always try to leave it on for the maximum time. I don't "check after 3 minutes" as the label suggests. I've tried shorter times and it doesn't work.
Both Nair and Sally Hansen are similar products. Both tell you to use a thick layer of cream. Both come in hard-to-empty bottles. You know: the type you squeeze and it coughs and sputters and sprays Deadly Nair Particles all around the bathroom. Being hard to get out of the bottle means a lot of (expensive) waste and a lot of time putting the product on which means by the time I've done (say) one arm, two minutes have passed and by the time I do the second, the first has already had cream on it for four minutes and the end of the second arm has just begun to bake so when do I remove what from where?
Hint 1: When I'm doing my arms/hands it's tough to wash the product off my palms after applying it. So I wipe my palms on my belly. I don't normally remove tummy hair and if the hair comes off or not, I don't care.
Hint 2: To speed up application, I squirt a mound of product onto a sheet of foil. I can quickly gather it up and apply it without handling farting bottles while the clock is running.
A while back, I bought a bottle of Veet. It came with a spatula for removing the product (which is weird). Other products suggest using a washcloth and not rubbing (!! more warnings !!).
It also comes in a pump bottle, like hand lotion.
I tried it this week. So far, I like it. It came out smoothly and applied the same way. Instead of working in bits because it takes so long to apply, I did three areas in one application: arms, underarms, chest. I applied it to my chest first because it has the coarsest hair. I then applied it to my hands and arms, then underarms (which have the most sensitive skin). I removed it in reverse order.
My underarms have never been so smooth. My chest came out pretty good. My arms were hairless, although I could the black dots reappearing the next day.
I finished the Nair and Sally Hanson I had in the house. On my next trip to the drug store, I'll be buying more Veet.
Finishing the "choice" portion of these posts, there are several types of depilatories within each brand. Safe for hair there. Better for this type of hair. Creamy, quicker, better ~ pick two. There are a variety for in shower, for lotions, waxes, creams.
I don't like the idea of depilatories. There are too many warnings on the bottle and too many rules for "safe" hair removal. Don't use on (insert hairy body parts here), wash hands immediately, don't leave on too long, don't use if you have a cut or scab, don't use twice within 72 hours.... I have drain cleaner with fewer warnings.
I'd never use them at all, except they sort of work. I've been switching between Nair and Sally Hansen removers. Both are "3 minute, not more than 6, definitely not more than 10! Warning! Danger! 10 minutes is it! We're not kidding!"
Actually, they're not. One of my first times, I got a bit on a spot where I didn't expect it and wasn't looking for it. It stayed for maybe 20 minutes and it decided to let me know it was there by burning my skin.
Another time, I got a bit on my nipple and was in pain for several days.
So I don't like depilatories. But I keep going back to them. Sometimes, it seems the hair grows back faster after use, or it re-appears the next day ~ it's probably just a cycle thing I don't understand. Sometimes it seems that, even though I tried my best to follow the directions, I have a hairy patch when I'm done.
I always try to leave it on for the maximum time. I don't "check after 3 minutes" as the label suggests. I've tried shorter times and it doesn't work.
Both Nair and Sally Hansen are similar products. Both tell you to use a thick layer of cream. Both come in hard-to-empty bottles. You know: the type you squeeze and it coughs and sputters and sprays Deadly Nair Particles all around the bathroom. Being hard to get out of the bottle means a lot of (expensive) waste and a lot of time putting the product on which means by the time I've done (say) one arm, two minutes have passed and by the time I do the second, the first has already had cream on it for four minutes and the end of the second arm has just begun to bake so when do I remove what from where?
Hint 1: When I'm doing my arms/hands it's tough to wash the product off my palms after applying it. So I wipe my palms on my belly. I don't normally remove tummy hair and if the hair comes off or not, I don't care.
Hint 2: To speed up application, I squirt a mound of product onto a sheet of foil. I can quickly gather it up and apply it without handling farting bottles while the clock is running.
A while back, I bought a bottle of Veet. It came with a spatula for removing the product (which is weird). Other products suggest using a washcloth and not rubbing (!! more warnings !!).
It also comes in a pump bottle, like hand lotion.
I tried it this week. So far, I like it. It came out smoothly and applied the same way. Instead of working in bits because it takes so long to apply, I did three areas in one application: arms, underarms, chest. I applied it to my chest first because it has the coarsest hair. I then applied it to my hands and arms, then underarms (which have the most sensitive skin). I removed it in reverse order.
My underarms have never been so smooth. My chest came out pretty good. My arms were hairless, although I could the black dots reappearing the next day.
I finished the Nair and Sally Hanson I had in the house. On my next trip to the drug store, I'll be buying more Veet.
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Choices
When it comes to consumer products, men have generally limited choices. There are more choices when it comes to personal grooming, but they follow a narrow path of small choices differentiated by brands.
Hair removal, for most civilian males, involves a simple choice: electric shaver or hand razor. Electric shaver devolves into brand choices; there are differences that googling "best" will resolve.
Manual shavers offer small choices ~ number of blades, mostly. Shaving cream is more preference than choice: do you prefer a cream or gel (that becomes a cream) or just soap. From there, you've reached the brand level.
You see where this is going.
Women's choices are on a longer decision tree.
Start with "what hair are you looking to remove?" Facial, underarm, leg, bikini area, brows, areas where There Should Be No Hair?
(I include brows because I recently uncovered the existence tiny razors for brow grooming).
Men's choice: shave.
Women's choice: shave, pluck, epilate, depilitate, wax. I'm assuming the choice has already been made to skip laser or electrolysis (which always reminds me of middle school science where you separate water and watch the oxygen flare and the hydrogen pop).
Most of us are not women. For some that's a "not yet" condition. But we're now confronted with the women's choices, simply because hair removal is essential. A woman from, say, the middle east might have visible dark hair on her arms and she might choose to leave it there. We blend better if we're more in the mainstream which means more femme, less gorilla.
I would like to find a permanent solution to facial hair that won't break the bank. In the meantime, it's a daily (or at least weekly) battle.
Mostly, I shave. I use a combination of hand and electric razor. I've tried "specialty" groomers but not found them satisfactory. I've discovered areas where electric should be avoided at all costs: underarms, chest near underarms, inside elbows, behind knees... the skin in these areas will cut and bleed, get abrased, or otherwise look horrible and cause pain, neither of which are my goals.
Before I go out, I shave my face and neck with an electric. Then I shower and feel for any facial roughness and go over those areas with a hand razor. For me, I cannot get as close in some areas (above lip) with a hand razor as with an electric, and I can't get as close in other areas (below ear) with an electric as a hand razor.
Legs and arms, I can go either way, avoiding the sensitive areas with the electric.
Underarms are difficult for me. Unless I'm diligent, the hair grows too long for a hand razor and the skin won't ever tolerate my electric (even just trimming).
Feet and hands are mostly electric territory. My toes especially will get cut easily with a hand razor.
I do pluck sometimes. Stray hairs, brows, fingers sometimes. I don't pluck much. I have learned that a good tweezer does make a difference. Someday, I'll buy one instead of the crappy one I have now.
I've tried epilating. I've written about my experiences before. Here's my bottom line: I'm done with epilating. It hurts (not for long, but it hurts). It doesn't do as thorough a job as I'd like. And, for some reason, the epilated parts itch like mad. I mean insane itching to the point where my scratching will leave cuts in my skin. If I was a dog, I'd be wearing one of those collars after epilating. For the record, growing hair after shaving or otherwise eliminating it does not itch.
I've been waxed. I've had my arms, legs, back, brows, and neck waxed. Although the harshest, fastest-growing hair is on my chest and stomach, I do not want to have my chest waxed. I have heard it is just about the most painful there is. I bought a home wax kit but I could never bring myself to cause that much pain to myself and never used it.
I've depilated on-and-off. More on this tomorrow. For now, I'm just wondering why I want to write "depilitated" instead of "depilated."
Hair removal, for most civilian males, involves a simple choice: electric shaver or hand razor. Electric shaver devolves into brand choices; there are differences that googling "best" will resolve.
Manual shavers offer small choices ~ number of blades, mostly. Shaving cream is more preference than choice: do you prefer a cream or gel (that becomes a cream) or just soap. From there, you've reached the brand level.
You see where this is going.
Women's choices are on a longer decision tree.
Start with "what hair are you looking to remove?" Facial, underarm, leg, bikini area, brows, areas where There Should Be No Hair?
(I include brows because I recently uncovered the existence tiny razors for brow grooming).
Men's choice: shave.
Women's choice: shave, pluck, epilate, depilitate, wax. I'm assuming the choice has already been made to skip laser or electrolysis (which always reminds me of middle school science where you separate water and watch the oxygen flare and the hydrogen pop).
Most of us are not women. For some that's a "not yet" condition. But we're now confronted with the women's choices, simply because hair removal is essential. A woman from, say, the middle east might have visible dark hair on her arms and she might choose to leave it there. We blend better if we're more in the mainstream which means more femme, less gorilla.
I would like to find a permanent solution to facial hair that won't break the bank. In the meantime, it's a daily (or at least weekly) battle.
Mostly, I shave. I use a combination of hand and electric razor. I've tried "specialty" groomers but not found them satisfactory. I've discovered areas where electric should be avoided at all costs: underarms, chest near underarms, inside elbows, behind knees... the skin in these areas will cut and bleed, get abrased, or otherwise look horrible and cause pain, neither of which are my goals.
Before I go out, I shave my face and neck with an electric. Then I shower and feel for any facial roughness and go over those areas with a hand razor. For me, I cannot get as close in some areas (above lip) with a hand razor as with an electric, and I can't get as close in other areas (below ear) with an electric as a hand razor.
Legs and arms, I can go either way, avoiding the sensitive areas with the electric.
Underarms are difficult for me. Unless I'm diligent, the hair grows too long for a hand razor and the skin won't ever tolerate my electric (even just trimming).
Feet and hands are mostly electric territory. My toes especially will get cut easily with a hand razor.
I do pluck sometimes. Stray hairs, brows, fingers sometimes. I don't pluck much. I have learned that a good tweezer does make a difference. Someday, I'll buy one instead of the crappy one I have now.
I've tried epilating. I've written about my experiences before. Here's my bottom line: I'm done with epilating. It hurts (not for long, but it hurts). It doesn't do as thorough a job as I'd like. And, for some reason, the epilated parts itch like mad. I mean insane itching to the point where my scratching will leave cuts in my skin. If I was a dog, I'd be wearing one of those collars after epilating. For the record, growing hair after shaving or otherwise eliminating it does not itch.
I've been waxed. I've had my arms, legs, back, brows, and neck waxed. Although the harshest, fastest-growing hair is on my chest and stomach, I do not want to have my chest waxed. I have heard it is just about the most painful there is. I bought a home wax kit but I could never bring myself to cause that much pain to myself and never used it.
I've depilated on-and-off. More on this tomorrow. For now, I'm just wondering why I want to write "depilitated" instead of "depilated."
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