Is Nair Bad For You?
Also Known As: Nair hair removal
Short answer
Nair is generally safe to use to remove unwanted face or body hair. However, there are some dangerous side effects to be aware of—particularly if you have sensitive skin.
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A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Nair is one of the most commonly used hair removal products on the market. It’s been around since 1940 and has successfully positioned itself as a fast, easy alternative to shaving and a less painful proxy to waxing.
Nair uses chemicals to break down hair follicles. The active ingredients (calcium hydroxide along with sodium hydroxide) increase the pH of the hair, effectively dissolving portions of the follicles. There are many different formulations of Nair—lotions, creams, in-shower treatments. Some formulas also use the ingredient potassium thioglycolate, a chemical which attacks the hair's keratin. The hairs are then diminished enough to simply be wiped away.
But if these chemicals are powerful enough to essentially melt away hair... what harmful effects could they have on your skin?
Nair’s active chemical ingredients can cause skin irritation, particularly for those with sensitive skin. There are many degrees of skin irritation, and it usually depends on your sensitivity level, where you placed the product and how long you left it on. The effect could be as mild as a slight tingling sensation to a more uncomfortable burning followed by the appearance of a rash. Mild skin irritation can usually be treated at home with aloe vera gel, but more serious cases (including allergic reactions) will require medical attention.
Nair use also carries the risk of chemical burns. The mix of Nair’s calcium hydroxide and potassium thioglycolate ingredients results in a potent chemical reaction that can burn the skin if it is left on longer than directed. Nair always includes the recommended time for application on the package; it’s usually somewhere between three to ten minutes.
To avoid skin irritation, allergic reactions or even a chemical burn, be sure to read the package carefully. Remember: every formulation is different and thus may require its own distinct steps. Next, do a small test patch on your arm or hand. If your skin becomes red, irritated or painful, discontinue use immediately and seek an urgent medical attention doctor—you may be having an allergic reaction. If your test patch went without incident, proceed with the application... but avoid placing Nair in any sensitive regions such as the underarm or bikini area.
Finally, do not leave Nair sitting on your skin for longer than the directions recommend. Ever. It doesn’t matter how much of a Nair expert you consider yourself or how stubborn you feel a certain patch of hair is: using Nair for longer than the recommended time can result in a serious chemical burn.
Possible short-term side effects
- tingling/burning sensation
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pain
-
redness
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rash
-
swelling
Ingredients to be aware of
- calcium hydroxide
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sodium hydroxide
-
potassium thioglycolate
Benefits
- smooth skin
-
effective hair removal
Our Wellness Pick
(what is this?)
Sugaring Paste - Medium
- Ideal for delicate areas
- 1.3kg / 45Oz quantity
- Natural hair removal
- For bikini & Brazilian
- Gentle on skin
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