Chemical Depilatories

Chemical depilatories (creams, gels, powders) dissolve the hair shaft at skin level by breaking disulfide bonds in keratin. They are a form of depilation and give results comparable to shaving.

Pros and cons

• Advantages: painless when used correctly, inexpensive, useful for large areas without blades.
• Disadvantages: can cause chemical burns or allergic reactions if left on too long; strong odour; not suitable for broken or sensitive skin.

Safety

• Always patch-test on a small area 24–48 hours before full application.
• Follow product instructions closely and avoid cream contact with mucous membranes.

Writing tips

• Use the chemical smell, the tingle of a risky experiment, or the relief of a painless method in scenes.