Friction FAQs

Here are some of your frequently asked questions that relate to friction, a natural hair removal technique that can be performed at home by both men and women:

The basic principle of removing hair using friction is to wear away hairs with a fine abrasive material. This method will naturally only remove hairs from above the skin's surface and therefore the results do not last very long.

First, have a warm shower and exfoliate the area that you wish to treat. This does two things: it ensures that the abrasive material you are using does not get clogged up with dead skin, and it also softens the hairs.

Once you have exfoliated your skin, dry the skin and hair thoroughly. Then rub very gently in a circular motion over a small area with a rough surfaced mitten or pumice stone. Only very slight pressure is required to wear away the fine hairs.

If this natural hair removal method is performed correctly there should be very little reddening of the skin. Once the area has been treated, apply a cool soothing lotion to add moisture back to the skin and reduce or prevent skin irritation.

Friction is a very short term depilatory method. Results will only last for a day or so. However, when the hair grows back it will not be as coarse as hairs that have been shaven. This is because the ends of the hair have been worn away rather than cut leaving sharp edges.

If the procedure is performed correctly, 99% of users will not have anything more noticeable than a natural slight reddening of the skin which diminishes after an hour or so. This removal method is painless and can be performed without any prior experience. The worst side effects of the friction method are seen when people press too hard and rub away too much skin.

People who have sun burnt skin, echzema, broken skin or bad acne should not use this method as it is too harsh for sensitive skin. There is potential for the skin to bleed and become infected.

There are two main materials that are used and available from many high street stores. The most common is pumice stone and the other is a rough surfaced mitten. Although the rough surfaced mitt is more suitable to remove hair, the fact that many people have a pumice stone in their bathrooms means that they are more likely to use what is easily available to them.

Some people have also reported that they have used sandpaper as their friction material. If you choose this method, purchase the finest sandpaper you can find that is made from natural materials. Note that this choice of material is not strongly advised.

Friction is best used on the fine hairs of the arms and legs. This is because the skin tends to be tougher in these areas. There are different types of friction mitts that are available for the more sensitive areas such as the face. Friction removal should only be performed on these sensitive areas with the right type of product in order to limit the chance of skin irritation.