Removal of body hair is a concept that dates back to ancient Egypt, where women tweezed out body hair using pumice stones, early beeswax or sugar-based waxes. Today, hair removal is one of the most popular beauty services, offered in the form of shaving, threading, waxing, and laser procedures.
Although removing body hair is not harmful, the techniques used for hair removal could cause side-effects. Shaving could cause ingrown hair, and waxing, if done incorrectly, could cause inflammation and extreme pain. There are, however, natural homemade remedies you can opt for to painlessly remove body hair. Turmeric is effective for hair removal. But, do note that if turmeric is applied in excess, it could leave a yellow stain on the skin. Avoid trying these turmeric remedies just before an important event.
How Does Turmeric Remove Hair
Turmeric is said to remove hair by slowing down the hair growth process, and gradually stopping the growth completely. While it can take about a year to stop the growth of thick hair, turmeric application can work quicker on thinner hair. Turmeric paste also acts like wax, sticks to the skin, and peels off unwanted hair.1
7 Turmeric Remedies To Remove Unwanted Hair
Here are 7 DIY turmeric remedies to remove unwanted body hair. The remedies can be prepared easily at home.2
1. Turmeric Paste
- Add turmeric powder to water, and make a thick paste.
- Apply the paste over the area you want to remove hair from, and let it dry.
- Using a wet cloth, gently scrub the mixture.
- Use water to rinse the paste off, and pat dry.
- Repeat every two days.
2. Turmeric And Raw Papaya
- Blend a few pieces of papaya into a thick paste.
- Add 1/2 a spoon of turmeric to 1-2 tbsp of the papaya paste.
- Apply the paste on the skin.
- Gently massage for 15-20 minutes.
- Use water to rinse the paste off, and pat dry.
- Repeat the process once or twice a week.
3. Turmeric, Raw Papaya, Aloe Vera And Mustard Oil
- Mix 1/4 tbsp turmeric powder, 1 tbsp papaya paste, 1/4 tbsp gram flour, 4 tbsp aloe vera gel, and 2 tbsp mustard oil into a paste.
- Spread the paste onto the skin in the opposite direction of hair growth.
- Let the mixture sit for 15-20 minutes.
- With a dry cloth, scrub the paste off in the opposite direction of hair growth.
- Use water to rinse the paste off, and pat dry.
- Massage the skin using natural oil or moisturizer.
- Repeat the process every two days.
4. Turmeric And Lemon Juice
- Mix 2 tbsp of gram flour, 1.5 tbsp of lemon juice, 1/4 tbsp of turmeric.
- Apply the paste over the area you want to remove hair from, and let it dry.
- Using a wet cloth, gently scrub the mixture.
- Use water to rinse the paste off, and pat dry.
- Repeat regularly.
5. Turmeric And Sugar
- Combine 1 cup of water with 1/2 cup of sugar.
- Heat the mixture until the sugar forms a sticky solution.
- Apply 2 tbsp of lemon juice and turmeric to the mixture.
- Apply the paste in the direction of hair growth.
- Using a wet towel, scrub the mixture off in a gentle circular motion.
- Rinse with water, and repeat the process 2-3 times a week.
6. Turmeric And Indian Nettle
- Crush Indian Nettle leaves and add it to 1 tbsp turmeric
- Add water to the mixture to make it a thick paste.
- Apply the paste and let it dry.
- Peel the paste off, and rinse with water.
7. Turmeric, Corn Starch And Egg White
- Mix 1/4 tbsp egg white, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 egg white and 1/2 tbsp corn starch into a paste.
- Spread the mixture in the direction of hair growth.
- Allow the paste to dry for 15 minutes, before rinsing it off with water.
- Repeat the process every week.
What You Need To Remember
Turmeric could leave a yellow stain on skin, if left on for too long, especially on individuals with pale skin. Hence, do not try these remedies just before an important event, such as a wedding, interview, or a date, as the stain takes about a day or two to wear off. A cotton ball dipped in milk can be used to dab against the stain to get rid of it easily. It is best to try these remedies during your detox sessions, when you don’t have anything important or special scheduled for the next few days.
Reports state that women, on an average, spend between $10,207 to $23,000 in their lifetime, for hair removal. Instead, use these natural, inexpensive turmeric remedies to bid farewell to body hair.