If there’s any industry that’s great at creating demand for products you never knew you wanted, it’s the beauty industry. From those jelly tints you’ll never use again to the thousands of slightly different foundations released, it’s a never-ending cycle. Thanks to social media and the FOMO it creates, every viral product eventually makes it into everyone’s hands.
One product that’s currently making waves is a hair identification spray that claims to be able to “identify” tiny facial hairs and vellus hairs (tiny facial hairs) that are invisible to the naked eye. Simply spray it on your face and the white powdery texture will highlight all of your facial hairs, which you can then shave off.
What are the potential benefits?
Dr Rinky Kapoor, consultant cosmetic dermatologist and dermatological surgeon at Aesthetic Clinic, Mumbai, says using a hair identification spray can make unwanted facial hair visible, making it easier to identify and remove.
Dr Rashmi Adelao, Consultant Dermatologist, Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune, further explains that the spray has one simple purpose – to clearly see and precisely remove facial hair.
The product is touted as a solution that gives you a “perfect shave by highlighting facial contours and targeting the finest hairs.” It also claims to help improve the penetration of skincare products and ensure smoother application of makeup. This has made the spray a hot topic among influencers and has recently attracted attention from Indian beauty influencers. Currently, various brands are selling the same product, some of which are available on online portals such as Amazon, priced at INR 800 for 130 ml for Indians.
Let’s take a look at some viral videos:
What do the experts say?
The hair-identifying spray has shocked experts, who say the product’s side effects are more psychological than physical.
Dr. Kapoor says if the spray is not used carefully, it produces a white haze that resembles shaving mousse, which can accidentally enter the body through the mouth, nose or eyes, causing respiratory problems such as wheezing, coughing, sneezing, burning eyes and skin and eye irritation.
But the big problem, says Dr Kapoor, is that “these sprays may make women even more anxious as they may end up using them every now and then just because it’s convenient, potentially leading to unwanted skin problems.”
“It’s best to avoid using sprays,” she says.
Dr. Rashmi Adelao agrees, explaining that her main concerns with the product are “not the physical side effects, but the psychological effects.”
“There is no denying that this product fuels beauty insecurities, especially among women. By accentuating normally unnoticeable facial hair, it can make users feel self-conscious. This perpetuates a cycle of anxiety and continued hair loss, affecting self-esteem,” she added.
Additionally, Dr. Adelao says that while the spray itself is generally safe as it does not contain any harsh chemicals, it can be concentrated too much on facial hair, leading to over-removal and potentially irritating to the skin. The hair-identifying spray gives off a white haze that resembles a shaving mouse. Photo: Getty Images
“For people with sensitive skin, frequent use of these sprays can cause dryness and allergic reactions,” she says.
Moreover, in the case of hormonal hair, it does not function properly and can only be fixed by balancing hormones.
“The spray is being heavily promoted by social media influencers. Do not fall prey to such products which are blindly promoted without knowing their effectiveness,” warns Dr Kapoor.
So how do you actually shave your facial hair at home?
Shaving your facial hair can be a smooth and comfortable task if done correctly. When shaving your facial hair, remember to stick to the basics as trying new products can cause irritation or damage your skin barrier.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to a clean shave without irritation.
Wash your face
To remove dirt and oil, use warm water and a gentle cleanser.
Pro tip: Shave after a shower or run a warm towel over your face for a few minutes. This opens up the pores and softens the hair, making it easier to shave.
Use a quality shaving cream or gel
Instead of using antiviral products, choose products that are right for your skin type. Avoid regular soaps, as they can dry out your skin and cause irritation. Instead, use a cleanser that foams well.
Use a sharp razor
Choosing the right razor is very important. Whether you use a safety razor or a cartridge razor, make sure the blades are sharp. Dull blades can cause nicks, cuts and razor burn, and serrated blades should be avoided as they can cause further irritation.
Remember
Shave in the direction of hair growth. This reduces the chance of ingrown hairs and irritation. Don’t press too hard. Glide the razor over the skin and rinse regularly. Start with your cheeks, then shave your chin, upper lip and finally your neck. These areas have different thicknesses of hair, so leaving the thicker areas for last gives the shaving cream more time to soften the hair. Finally, after shaving, rinse your face with cold water to close pores and remove any remaining shaving cream. Finish by applying a moisturizer to hydrate the skin and reduce redness and irritation.
Publisher:
Drishti Sharma
Release date:
September 24, 2024
