How to Use Veet to Remove Body Hair

Co-authored by Melissa Jannes and Hannah Madden

Last Updated: October 25, 2022 References

Want to get rid of body hair fast, but don’t feel like shaving? Veet hair removal cream is an easy way to get rid of unwanted body hair without the pain of using a razor. Or, if you prefer a longer-lasting hair removal method, you could try Veet’s ready-to-use wax strips. Either way, we’ll give you step by step instructions on using Veet products to remove hair without irritation.

Things You Should Know

To use Veet hair removal cream, apply the cream to your skin, then wait 3 minutes. Gently scrape the cream off with the spatula and rinse your skin.
To use Veet wax strips, apply the strip to your skin and rub it in the direction your hair grows. Quickly pull the strip back to remove hair.
If you experience any redness or irritation while using Veet products, rinse your skin right away with warm water.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Veet Hair Removal Cream

1
Do a patch test 24 hours before using the cream. Hair removal creams can cause redness and irritation, so it’s important to test them before you use them on your skin. Apply a small drop of the cream to the area you want to treat, wait 3 minutes, then wash it off. Wait for 24 hours to see if you have any redness or irritation.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- If you do experience any redness, irritation, swelling, or pain, don’t use this cream on the rest of your body.
- If your skin shows no irritation, continue using the cream.
- Do not use the cream if the tube it comes in is damaged, since the product may be old or unsafe to use.
2
Wash your skin and pat it dry. It’s easiest to use this cream after you’ve gotten out of the shower, since your skin will be smooth and your hair will be soft. Wash your skin thoroughly with soap and warm water, then pat your skin dry with a towel.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- Don’t rub or exfoliate your skin before using Veet. Hair removal creams can be slightly irritating, so avoid agitating your skin too much before you use the product.
Advertisement
3
Spread the cream onto your skin with the spatula. Grab your bottle of Veet and apply a quarter-sized amount of cream onto your skin. Use the included spatula in the box to spread the cream evenly over your skin. You can add more cream if it doesn’t fully cover the hair that you’re trying to remove.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- You can use Veet hair removal cream on your legs, arms, underarms, and bikini area. Do not use the cream on your face, head, breasts, or genitals, as it could cause severe irritation.
- If you have sensitive skin, use Veet’s sensitive skin line. It’s less irritating and is gentle on sensitive, delicate skin.
- Don't apply the cream to moles, scars, spotty, irritated or sunburnt skin. Avoid contact with skin that has been shaved in the last 72 hours.
4
Leave the cream on for 3 to 5 minutes. Hair removal creams break down the hair near the follicle, causing the hair to fall off and out of your skin. Set a timer for 3 to 5 minutes, and wait for the cream to do its magic.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- Leaving the cream on too long can cause irritation, so keep a close eye on the time.
- If you experience any stinging or tingling during use, remove the cream immediately and rinse thoroughly with water.^{[5]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  American Academy of Dermatology
  Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
  Go to source}
5
Scrape the cream away gently with the spatula. Grab the spatula again and carefully scrape the cream off of your skin, going against the direction that your hair grows. You’ll notice that most of your hair glides right off with the cream, which means the product worked.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- Use a soft sponge or washcloth to remove the cream if the spatula is too abrasive.
6
Rinse your skin thoroughly with warm water. Rinse Veet off in the shower to wash away the residual cream and any stray hairs. Use warm water, not hot, to avoid irritating your skin.^{[7]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source}
7
Pat yourself dry with a soft towel. Do this gently as the area may still be tender after using the removal cream.^{[8]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source} If a cotton towel is too rough, try a microfiber towel instead.
- Always wait 72 hours between cream applications. This will reduce irritation and inflammation.^{[9]
  X
  Research source}
- If your skin feels dry or itchy, apply a fragrance-free moisturizer to the area.^{[10]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  American Academy of Dermatology
  Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
  Go to source}
- Do not apply antiperspirant or perfume to the treated area, or sunbathe before 24 hours has passed. Your skin may be tender and will be especially sensitive to the sun or to the chemicals for about a day.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Veet Ready-To-Use Wax Strips

1
Exfoliate your skin 24 hours before waxing. Exfoliating helps remove dead skin cells for a smooth, even wax with less irritation. Use a chemical exfoliant or a physical exfoliant on the area you want to wax, then rinse your skin and pat it dry.^{[11]
X
Research source}
- Chemical exfoliants are better for sensitive areas, like your bikini area. You can use physical exfoliants on areas like your legs or your arms.
- If you’ve just shaved your skin, don’t wax immediately. Ideally, wait until your hair is 2 to 5 mm long so the wax can adhere to it.
2
Wash and dry your skin. Either shower or use a washcloth to scrub away any dirt or residue that may be on your skin. Then, pat your skin dry with a towel.^{[12]
X
Research source}
- Wet skin will cause the wax to slip and not adhere well. Be sure to dry your skin thoroughly before moving on.
3
Rub the wax strip between your hands for 10 seconds. Grab a wax strip out of the box, but don’t peel off the packaging yet. Rub the wax strip between both of your hands to warm it up and prepare it to bond to your hair.^{[13]
X
Research source}
- Traditional hair waxing techniques usually involve heating a thick wax solution in the microwave or in warm water. Since this wax strip is “ready-to-use,” you just need to warm it up with your hands first.
4
Peel the wax strips apart. Pull the top of the strips apart to separate the 2 that are connected. Set 1 wax strip aside to use later.^{[14]
X
Research source}
- You can reuse a single strip until it loses its stickiness. After that, switch to the second strip.
5
Place a strip onto your skin and rub it repeatedly. Carefully stick the strip to your skin, then smooth it down with your hand. Rub the strip in the direction that your hair grows to adhere the wax to your hair.^{[15]
X
Research source}
- Don't apply the wax strips to varicose veins, moles, scars, or irritated skin. Wax can make irritation worse, especially on broken skin.
6
Pull the strip back on itself. Hold your skin taut with 1 hand, and make sure you keep the strip parallel to your skin. Grab the center of the top of the strip and pull it in the opposite direction of your hair growth. The quicker you pull the strip off, the higher your chances are of removing most of the hair.^{[16]
X
Research source}
- Avoid pulling the strips outward or in the direction that your hair grows, since this will break the hairs instead of pulling them out.
7
Keep waxing the entire area with the same strip. You can reuse the same strip you just used until it isn’t sticky anymore. Place the strip down on another part of your skin, rub it in the direction your hair grows, then pull it back on itself.^{[17]
X
Research source}
- When that strip isn’t sticky anymore, grab the other strip that you set aside to keep waxing.
8
Wipe the waxed area with a Perfect Finish cloth. Check in the box of wax strips to find your included Perfect Finish wipe. Use the wipe to remove any waxy residue from your skin and soothe irritation.^{[18]
X
Research source}
- You can also use oil to remove any leftover wax from your skin. Once all the wax is removed, wash the oil away with dish detergent.
- If your skin feels dry or itchy, apply a fragrance-free moisturizer to the area.^{[19]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  American Academy of Dermatology
  Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
  Go to source}
- After waxing, it will take about 4 weeks for your hair to grow back.
- Wait 24 hours before applying antiperspirant and perfume products, or before sunbathing. Since waxed skin may still be tender, doing these things may cause irritation or discomfort.

Community Q&A

Question

Can men use Veet even though they have thicker hairs than women?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

Yes, anyone can use Veet. In fact, Veet has a whole line that's just for men to target their hair specifically.
Question

Is it okay to reapply it if there is still some hair that was not removed?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

It's best to wait at least 72 hours before reapplying any Veet cream. If you reapply immediately, it could cause irritation, itching, or burning.
Question

Can Veet hair removal cream be used on private parts?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

No, you cannot use Veet hair removal cream on your genitals, and doing so might cause irritation. However, you can use the cream on your bikini area, or any hair that might show if you were wearing a bikini bottom.