Through the use of plant enzymes, hair minimizing creams modify the structure of the hair follicle, resulting in less hair growth that is thinner in texture (via Popsugaropsugar). Used after the hair has already been removed, hair minimizers, or inhibitors, are applied to decrease the amount of hair that you'll have to remove next time. They're not meant to serve as a permanent way to remove hair.
Just as with lasering, results will be quicker and more visible with people that have lighter, finer hair. Hair minimizer creams perform best in conjunction with waxing or plucking, reports PopSugar. Since the cream works at the root of a follicle, the hair must be completely removed before applying. Since shaving only removes hair at the surface of the skin, you'll likely see fewer results from hair minimizing creams using this method.
Although they're not a permanent solution, hair minimizing creams and lotions are a great option for people who are constantly turning to shaving or waxing in order to remove hair. For people who constantly struggle with stopping ingrown hairs, these creams can reduce the frequency of these painful growths. Since they also help to thin the strands, hair minimizing products can prevent the itchy bumps caused by the regrowth of thick, coarse hair (via Medical News Today).
