Nair (hair removal)

Nair is a hair removal product manufactured by Church and Dwight. It was purchased from Carter-Wallace in 2001.

The brand name is a possible portmanteau of the words “No” and “Hair" to produce a word that rhymes with "Hair." The brand is most well known for its depilatories that work by breaking the bonds of hair so that the hair can be wiped away and removed. Nair's slogans include: "The Less That You Wear, the More You Need Nair!"; "Like Never Before"; and "We wear short shorts, Nair for short shorts".

Active ingredients

Products such as Nair often combine softening agents such as mineral oil to help offset the harsh active ingredients. Some of the important active ingredients are Calcium Hydroxide and Sodium Hydroxide.

Calcium hydroxide, traditionally called slaked lime, hydrated lime, slack lime, or pickling lime, is a chemical compound with the formula Ca(OH)₂. (Concentrated) Calcium Hydroxide qualifies as Health Level 3 on the "Diamond" of the NFPA 704, a standard maintained by the U.S.-based National Fire Protection Association.

Behind it is the even stronger Sodium hydroxide (NaOH), also known as lye and caustic soda, which is a caustic metallic (alkali) base.

Both chemicals act to break down the structure of the hair deep into the root, delaying regrowth up to several weeks.

Products

Nair makes a variety of products."Nair Products". http://www.naircare.com/products/products.aspx. Retrieved 2008-07-09. 

• Lotions
• Shower Power
• Soothing Wax Kit
• Salon Divine Wax Kit
• Face Wax Strips
• Microwave Wax
• Bikini Cream
• Face Cream
• Upper Lip Cream
• Sensitive Formula
• Lasting Results Gel Cream
• Nair Pretty
• Nair For Men

"Pretty" controversy

Nair's newest product line, "Pretty", offers several fruit-scented hair removal products, all of which are marketed to girls between the age of 10-15. Controversy has spurred surrounding this line, as some vocal critics have said they are persuading children into adulthood too soon.^[1]

References

1. ^ Is 10 too young for a Brazilian?, Larissa Dubecki, January 7, 2008

External links

• Nair
• Nair for Men