Nair (hair removal)

Last updated
Nair
Owner Church & Dwight
Markets United States

Nair is a hair-removal product manufactured by Church & Dwight.

Contents

Nair is a portmanteau of "No hair." The brand is mainly known for its depilatories that work by breaking the disulfide bonds of the keratin molecules in hair. This reduces the tensile strength of the keratin so greatly that the hair can be wiped away.[ citation needed ]

Nair's slogans include: "The Less That You Wear the less you have to fix your hair, [1] the More You Need Nair!"; "Like Never Before"; and "We wear short shorts, Nair for short shorts". The initial ad for the "short shorts" commercial won a Clio. [2] It was based on the 1958 song "Short Shorts".

The original Nair lotion was introduced in 1940. [2]

Nair was purchased from Carter-Wallace in 2001 via a partnership with Kelso. [3] [1] Also in 2001 Nair introduced its line of men's products. [4]

As of 2007, Nair had 25 products ranging from hair removal waxes to bleaches. [4] [5]

Active ingredients

Calcium hydroxide is an active ingredient that chemically breaks down the hair for removal. [6] Some formulations also contain potassium thioglycolate, which breaks down the disulfide bonds in the hair's keratin. [6] The products often include softening agents, such as mineral oil, to help offset the harsh active ingredients. [6]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Keratin</span> One of a family of fibrous structural proteins

Keratin is one of a family of structural fibrous proteins also known as scleroproteins. Alpha-keratin (α-keratin) is a type of keratin found in vertebrates. It is the key structural material making up scales, hair, nails, feathers, horns, claws, hooves, and the outer layer of skin among vertebrates. Keratin also protects epithelial cells from damage or stress. Keratin is extremely insoluble in water and organic solvents. Keratin monomers assemble into bundles to form intermediate filaments, which are tough and form strong unmineralized epidermal appendages found in reptiles, birds, amphibians, and mammals. Excessive keratinization participate in fortification of certain tissues such as in horns of cattle and rhinos, and armadillos' osteoderm. The only other biological matter known to approximate the toughness of keratinized tissue is chitin. Keratin comes in two types, the primitive, softer forms found in all vertebrates and harder, derived forms found only among sauropsids.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cysteine</span> Proteinogenic amino acid

Cysteine is a semiessential proteinogenic amino acid with the formula HOOC−CH(−NH2)−CH2−SH. The thiol side chain in cysteine often participates in enzymatic reactions as a nucleophile. Cysteine is chiral, with only L-cysteine being found in nature.

In biochemistry, a disulfide refers to a functional group with the structure R−S−S−R′. The linkage is also called an SS-bond or sometimes a disulfide bridge and is usually derived by the coupling of two thiol groups. In biology, disulfide bridges formed between thiol groups in two cysteine residues are an important component of the secondary and tertiary structure of proteins. Persulfide usually refers to R−S−S−H compounds.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hair removal</span> Temporary removal of body hair

Hair removal, also known as epilation or depilation, is the deliberate removal of body hair or head hair.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cosmetology</span> Study and application of beauty treatment

Cosmetology is the study and application of beauty treatment. Branches of specialty include hairstyling, skin care, cosmetics, manicures/pedicures, non-permanent hair removal such as waxing and sugaring, and permanent hair removal processes such as electrology and intense pulsed light (IPL).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Church & Dwight</span> American consumer goods company

Church & Dwight is an American consumer goods company focusing on personal care, household products, and specialty products. The company was founded in 1847 and is headquartered in Ewing, New Jersey. It is the parent company of well-known brands such as Arm & Hammer, Trojan, OxiClean, and First Response. In 2022, Church & Dwight reported annual revenue of $5.4 billion. The company's products and services include a wide range of consumer goods, including laundry detergent, air fresheners, baking soda, condoms, pregnancy tests, and oral hygiene products.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hair conditioner</span> Hair care product

Hair conditioner is a hair care cosmetic product used to improve the feel, texture, appearance and manageability of hair. Its main purpose is to reduce friction between strands of hair to allow smoother brushing or combing, which might otherwise cause damage to the scalp. Various other benefits are often advertised, such as hair repair, strengthening, or a reduction in split ends.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Perm (hairstyle)</span> Hairstyle

A permanent wave, commonly called a perm or permanent, is a hairstyle consisting of waves or curls set into the hair. The curls may last a number of months, hence the name.

A relaxer is a type of lotion or cream generally used by people with tight curls or very curly hair which makes hair easier to straighten by chemically "relaxing" the natural curls. The active agent is usually a strong alkali, although some formulations are based on ammonium thioglycolate or formaldehyde.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thioglycolic acid</span> Chemical compound

Thioglycolic acid (TGA) is the organic compound HSCH2CO2H. TGA is often called mercaptoacetic acid (MAA). It contains both a thiol (mercaptan) and carboxylic acid functional groups. It is a colorless liquid with a strongly unpleasant odor. TGA is miscible with polar organic solvents.

A chemical depilatory is a cosmetic preparation used to remove hair from the skin. Common active ingredients are salts of thioglycolic acid and thiolactic acids. These compounds break the disulfide bonds in keratin and also hydrolyze the hair so that it is easily removed. Formerly, sulfides such as strontium sulfide were used, but due to their unpleasant odor, they have been replaced by thiols.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hair tourniquet</span> Medical condition

Hair tourniquet is a condition where hair or thread becomes tightly wrapped around most commonly a toe, and occasionally a finger, genitals, or other body parts. This results in pain and swelling of the affected part. Complications can include tissue death due to lack of blood flow. It occurs most commonly among children around 4 months of age, though cases have been described in older children and adults.

Arrid is a type of antiperspirant and deodorant originally introduced in 1935 by Carter Products and was acquired by Church & Dwight in 2001. The active ingredient is up to 20% aluminium zirconium tetrachlorohydrex gly.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Veet</span> Canadian brand of chemical depilatory

Veet, formerly called Neet and Immac, is a Canadian brand of chemical depilatory products manufactured by the British company Reckitt. Hair removal cream, Lotions, gel, mousse, and wax products are produced under this brand, with differing variants being sold internationally. Previous products produced under the Neet and Immac brands were similar to those produced today.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hair straightening</span> Hair styling technique

Hair straightening is a hair styling technique used since the 1890s involving the flattening and straightening of hair in order to give it a smooth, streamlined, and sleek appearance. It became very popular during the 1950s among black males and females of all races. It is accomplished using a hair iron or hot comb, chemical relaxers, Japanese hair straightening, Brazilian hair straightening, or roller set/blowdryer styling. In addition, some shampoos, conditioners, and hair gels can help to make hair temporarily straight.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Short Shorts</span> 1958 single by The Royal Teens

"Short Shorts" is a song written and performed by Tom Austin, Bill Crandell, Bill Dalton, Russ Viers, and Bob Gaudio, members of The Royal Teens. It reached #2 on the U.S. R&B chart and #3 on the U.S. pop chart in 1958. The group originally released the track on the small New York label Power Records in 1957.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Prepubertal hypertrichosis</span> Medical condition

Prepubertal hypertrichosis, also known as childhood hypertrichosis, is a cutaneous condition characterized by increased hair growth, found in otherwise healthy infants and children. Prepubertal hypertrichosis is a cosmetic condition and does not affect any other health aspect. Individuals with this condition may suffer with low self esteem and mental health issues due to societal perceptions of what a "normal" appearance should be. The mechanism of prepubertal hypertrichosis is unclear, but causes may include genetics, systemic illnesses, or medications.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Carter-Wallace</span> American personal care company

Carter-Wallace was a personal care company headquartered in New York City. The company was formed by the merger of Carter Products and Wallace Laboratories. The company has a research facility in Cranbury, New Jersey.

Peter Coppola is a hair stylist, salon owner, and businessman. He has opened 34 salons throughout his career. He is also the owner of Peter Coppola Keratin Concept in Boca Raton, Florida.

Olaplex is a hair care brand founded in 2014 by Dean Christal. The product was developed by two chemists, Eric Presley and Craig Hawker, and is advertised to rebuild broken bonds in hair caused by chemical, thermal, and mechanical damage.

References

  1. 1 2 "Church & Dwight Buys Carter-Wallace Brands" . adage.com. 2001-05-08. Retrieved 2019-09-09.
  2. 1 2 "History of Women's Hair Removal | Nair™ Heritage". www.naircare.com. Archived from the original on April 3, 2015. Retrieved 2019-02-07.
  3. "Church & Dwight Buys Carter-Wallace Consumer Products" (Press release). October 1, 2001.
  4. 1 2 Newman, Andrew Adam (2007-09-14). "Depilatory Market Moves Far Beyond the Short-Shorts Wearers". The New York Times. ISSN   0362-4331 . Retrieved 2019-09-09.
  5. "How Does Nair Works? | Nair™ Heritage". barbersnearme. Retrieved 2021-02-07.
  6. 1 2 3 Justo, Patrick Di (2007-12-20). "What's Inside: Nair Hair Remover, Feel the Burn!". Wired. ISSN   1059-1028 . Retrieved 2019-11-11.