So, on occasion, I use a hair removal product, such as Nair or Veet. And, to be honest, they really work for me. After a few fairly disastrous attempts, I've learned to apply them ONLY ON THE HAIR - avoiding the skin as much as possible. This ensures that the ingredients in the product don't cause irritation, inflamed tissue, or worse, chemical burns.
But, I hadn't ever put one other important thing into consideration until the other day. To quote the Wikipedia article on the subject (emphasis is my own):
"A chemical depilatory is a cosmetic preparation used to remove the hair from the skin on the human body. Currently, a common active ingredient is calcium thioglycolate, which breaks down the disulphide bonds in KERATIN and weakens the hair so that it is easily scraped off where it emerges from the hair follicle."
Breaks down keratin...hmm, well that makes sense, hair is mostly keratin. Wait, keratin...keratin...keratin, isn't there some other body part that's made of keratin?
Skin cells? No, that's collagen.
Eyes? No, that's carotene (though I recommend not putting Nair in your eyes).
Oh I know!
DING! DING! DING!
Fingernails!
Yes, fingernails are made of the very same stuff that your hair is made of...kerotin. And how do you apply a hair removal lotion?
With your hands.
Inevitably, without gloves, the same product that is removing your skin will gradually remove your nails.
Eek!
I had always wondered why my fingernails are so elastic and soft after I go through my hair removal routine. Moreso, I had always wondered why my cuticles and nail beds were so tender for the next fer days after. The answer is the Nair was eating my fingernails.
Worse, you may be able to use soap and water to wash the product
off, but it's very difficult to remove any of it that gets underneath your nails.
So word to the wise - if you use personal hair removal products, wear gloves, or at least, make sure to soak your nails in some soapy water.
Your nails will thank you.
Word to the evil - rub some Nair on your enemy's nails.
Your enemies will retreat in pain.
In the past I have always used a glove, just because I didn't want that stuff on my hands. But I didn't have any this time and then it clicked: keratin. Dear god it's scary. Fingers are dull and flexible and the nail can be scraped and rubbed off. I'm currently applying some nail strengthening polish to my nails to keep them safe until they recover.
ReplyDeleteOn two separate occasions I experienced hair loss from my head after using the hair remover cream. It gets under your nails!!! And then leaves residue that lasts long enough (if you go to bed right after showering) to damage your hair if you happen to scratch your head!!!!! After the first time, and it took a long time to realize it, I would clean my nails with a brush. The brush disappeared from the bathroom (large family) and scrubbing without it didn't work....damage again,years after the first time. I will wear gloves now! Great idea!is really the only safe way. BTW I never did use my fingertips, I always used tissue or a small piece of cardboard or the applicator that comes with the cream.
DeleteExactly what happened to me one time i accidently left Nair on my hands for a few extra minutes trying to make sure the cream was evenly distributed and when i went to wash my hands i was terrified! I thought my fingernails were going to rub off they became so weak and almost gummy-like? Dangerous stuff....
ReplyDeleteI was applying my girlfriends Nair for her 1st time and was quite shocked to see the top layer of my finger nails scrape off while I was washing my hands.
ReplyDeleteI’m crying right now, what do I do noww?
ReplyDeletei have acrylic nails. last night i used nair since i use it all the time instead of shaving; never had a problem. i washed my hands and went to bed. during the night i felt severe pain coming from my pinky nail. i woke up to find my nail was LIFTING from the nail bed! i was mortified and my whole finger smelled of nair... i’m so upset and am now with 9 nails. the nail completely ripped out. i’m in severe pain. wear gloves or don’t use this at all!
ReplyDeletei have acrylic nails. last night i used nair since i use it all the time instead of shaving; never had a problem. i washed my hands and went to bed. during the night i felt severe pain coming from my pinky nail. i woke up to find my nail was LIFTING from the nail bed! i was mortified and my whole finger smelled of nair... i’m so upset and am now with 9 nails. the nail completely ripped out. i’m in severe pain. wear gloves or don’t use this at all!
ReplyDeleteI've used Nair on and off for a long time. Today was the first time I have noticed damage on my fingernails. Normally, I am pretty fast at applying it but missed a spot, so the Nair stayed on my hands a bit longer. Oops!
ReplyDeleteAre there any solutions to this? I don't really want to touch my nails, fearing they might tear off.
ReplyDelete