For longer-lasting results, exfoliate gently a day before you use the cream. Dead skin cells can block the cream from reaching hair roots. Your legs will thank you.
If you want to save money, buy a big bottle and a dedicated spatula. Some creams come with a weird, sulfur-y smell, but you can add a drop of baby oil to the water when rinsing—it helps mask the scent.
Another hack: use a microfiber cloth to remove the cream. It grabs the hair better than a regular washcloth. Just don’t use that cloth for anything else—unless you want your towels to smell like a perm.
When You Should Just Say No
If you have skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or super sensitive skin, maybe skip the cream. Your skin is a delicate flower, and these chemicals are not kind to flowers. Ask your dermatologist if you’re unsure.
Also, avoid using it on very dark, thick hair because the cream might leave a subtle shadow. For coarse hair, you might need to do a second pass a week later. Patience, grasshopper.