What happens if a depilatory is used incorrectly?

Using a depilatory incorrectly can lead to skin irritation, which occurs due to the chemical nature of these products. Depilatories work by breaking down the protein structure of the hair, which involves harsh chemicals that can also affect the skin's surface. If the product is left on for too long or applied to sensitive areas, it can cause redness, burning, or inflammation. Proper application is essential to minimize these risks and ensure safe hair removal.

While hair regrowth is a normal part of the hair growth cycle and not directly tied to the improper use of depilatories, enhanced hair removal is not a likely factor of incorrect use; it could lead to incomplete removal instead. Hydrated skin is also not a typical effect of depilatories, since the process can actually dry out the skin rather than hydrate it. Thus, skin irritation stands out as the primary concern when a depilatory is misused.