How to Use Hair Removal Cream on Your Face

Testing and Cleaning Your Skin

Read the product label. While the process might seem obvious, it’s important to read the directions and make sure you understand them before using the cream. Different brands of hair removal cream have slightly different instructions. Additionally, this will allow you to learn of potential side effects and also check ingredients for anything you may be allergic to. Make sure the cream is designed for facial use. Not all hair-removal creams are meant to be used on the face. You can also look for a cream that's designed specifically for the type of facial hair you're looking to remove, like eyebrow hair or mustache hair.

Do a test patch on a small area of skin. Especially if you’ve never used the product before, you’ll want to try it on a small patch of skin before using a significant amount on your face. Follow the instructions and apply the cream to a very small area on your jawline. If you don’t notice any reactions or irritations on the area after 24 hours have gone by, it’s most likely safe to use it on your face.

Wash your face. Your face should be clean and dry when you apply hair removal cream. To properly wash your face, wet it with warm water, apply a cleanser, and then exfoliate your skin. Finally, rinse your face with cool water and pat dry with a clean towel.

Applying the Cream

Apply the cream to your facial hair with a cosmetic spatula. When you purchase hair removal cream, a cosmetic spatula usually comes with it as part of a kit. Squeeze some of the hair removal cream onto the curved end of the cosmetic spatula. Carefully coat all of the hairs you wish to remove with a thick layer of cream. For best results, apply the cream right after showering or towards the end of your shower. If you don’t have a spatula, you can also apply it with your fingers or a cotton swab. If you're using the cream to remove unwanted eyebrow hair, outline your eyebrows with a brow pencil first. Then, apply the cream to the hairs that fall outside of the outline you made.

Wash your hands immediately. In case you got some of the cream on your hands, it’s a good idea to wash them after you’re done applying. Give them a quick wash with hand soap and warm water and then dry them off with a clean towel.

Leave the cream on for 5 minutes. Most brands of hair removal cream instruct you to leave the cream on for about 5 minutes. However, some brands are different than others, so be sure to double check the label. Also, set an alarm on your phone or use a kitchen timer so you don’t lose track of time. Leave it on for a few more minutes if you have thick hair. Don’t leave it on for any longer than 10 minutes.

Removing the Cream

Check to see if the hair is coming off. Use a spatula or wash cloth to remove a very small amount of the cream. Take a close look at the area to make sure enough time has passed for the hair to dissolve.

Wipe the cream off with a damp washcloth. Once you notice that the hair is coming off, dampen a washcloth with warm water and gently wipe away all of the cream. When you’re done, hand-wash the wash cloth to get rid of all of the cream and hair and lay it out on the counter to dry.

Splash your face with cool water. Finally, rinse your face with cool water from the sink to ensure that no loose, stray hairs remain on your skin. Pat your face dry with a clean towel.

Apply a moisturizer. To keep your skin from becoming dry or irritated, it’s a good idea to apply some hydrating face lotion to your skin just after rinsing your face. Massage the moisturizer into your skin in a circular motion. Apply the lotion to your entire face but spend a little extra time on the place where hair was just removed. If you notice any excessive redness, itchiness, flakiness, or other signs of extreme skin irritation, see your doctor and refrain from using the hair removal cream.