Mechanical friction is generated when a special mitt, wet/dry pumice stone or sandpaper is applied in gentle clockwise and anti-clockwise motions to rub fine vellus body hair off.
This is a temporary depilation hair removal method that is sometimes used by women to remove fine vellus hair on their legs or arms.
Other temporary depilation methods are male body shaving, using a body hair trimmer and various hair removal creams.
Since men's body hair is very coarse and grows very densely, this method isn't really suitable for them.
Don't even bother trying it, you'll just be frustrated.
Because men's pubic hair is so coarse male pubic hair removal by means of the friction method is totally out of the question. Men should rather stick to shaving, depilatory creams, sugaring hair removal or waxing.
But, for the sake of completeness, I'll supply some information about the method, as well as some useful tips, its advantages and also the disadvantages.
The most popular product to use is the special store bought friction mitt or some or other handheld device. You can also try a pumice stone. Yes, the type used to soften rough heels.
The least expensive method is to buy adhesive sandpaper (either wet or dry) of 600 grid at a hardware or automotive supply shop.
Experiment a little to see if you prefer to use the wet or dry type of sandpaper. Simply cut/tear sandpaper in strips and adhere to a block of wood that fit nicely in your hand. Or just fold it over 1, 2 or 3 fingers.
How do the wet and dry methods differ?
Wet method - Remain in the bath or shower and rinse the mitt/pumice/device and skin every now and then. Experiment if you want to use it in conjunction with soap or not. The wet method is much gentler on the skin than the dry method.
Dry method - Pat skin dry before starting. The white powder you'll notice will be the dead skin being rubbed off. The dry method is harsher to the skin than the wet method - therefore be very gentle.
How do you use the friction depilator?
Place the device of your choice in the palm of your dominant hand. Grip it with that hand's fingers.
Rub the hair in slow circular movements. Never ever use up and down movements.
The friction force must be very gentle with only the slightest amount of pressure applied.
Alternate between clockwise and counter-clockwise motions, without lifting up from the skin's surface before changing direction.
Rinse when you think it is necessary. If using dry, tap the device on a hard surface to get rid of the dead skin.
Only when all hair have been removed from one area, should you move on to the next area.
Advantages of friction technique
Inexpensive and can be used over and over for a very long time.
Fast and easy, ideal as "do-it-yourself" method (for ladies).
No training is necessary to perform the method correctly. Just patience.
Convenient, because it can be performed in the privacy of your own home.
All devices are small enough to pack in for a weekend trip or holiday.
Hair regrowth won't have shaven hair's stubbly feeling, because the hair tip was rubbed off and therefore grows out with a soft tip.
All devices are readily available from many stores worldwide.
Painless, if performed without applying too much pressure.
Skin is exfoliated and polished at the same time when the skin is rubbed to remove the hair.
Improved blood circulation to the skin. The skin will look glowing afterwards.
Limited to legs or arms of ladies. Male body hair is too coarse. Skin on the rest of body is too sensitive or the hair too coarse.
Disadvantages of this technique
Only smooth for 1-3 days before the hair grows back again and the whole process must be repeated again.
Visible hair under the skin shows as "5 o'clock shadow".
Rough use of the device will scratch and damage the skin.
Can cause irritation if too much pressure is applied.
This method can be too harsh for some people's skins eg very fair or very thin skin. Do the Fitzpatrick classification questionnaire to find out what your skin type is.
Not for use on the face or bikini area, because the skin is much too delicate there, while the hair is too coarse.
Avoid at all cost on broken, sensitive or damaged skin.
Useful tips to master this technique
Always start with a bath to clean the skin and to soften hair that must be removed.
Exfoliate the skin properly while bathing to minimise the amount of dead skin that will be brushed off.
Never use an up and down sawing motion, because skin could be cut in the process.
If irritation occurs, discontinue treatment immediately. Apply soothing Aloe Vera gel or Teatree oil to combat infection.
Stand in the shower or bath, because rubbed hair will fall down to the floor. You really don't want to clean that up, do you?
Use this method to achieve great upkeeping results between your monthly leg waxing sessions.
Always remove exfoliated skin from the device with a nail brush and soapy water to keep it from becoming clogged and less efficient.
End by applying soothing unperfumed body lotion, Aloe Vera gel or baby oil to reduce inflammation.
Avoid applying perfumed body lotions on the day of the treatment.
Because old skin gets rubbed away ingrown hair is quite rare with this method.
Pumice stones are made from carbon based volcanic rocks.
Pumice stones can also be used wet, and with soap.
Although friction isn't a very common hair removal method, it surely has a place, don't you think?
But because you are a man, I assume you would rather read about hair removal methods that will work for you when you want to do some manscaping like male leg hair shaving.
What is your success rate with this method? Do you think it can be used on the male body or not? Share your opinions, ask/answer questions or rate stories.
Are you looking for some specific information, but don't know where to look for it? Simply follow this link. Or type what you are looking for into the Search Box below and click on the search button. You will be taken there.
Custom Search
Other related pages:
I'm willing to bet you are wondering how lasers vs IPL compare with each other. Well, read and find out.
