As the name suggests friction is just that, you rub off unwanted hair in a similar way to how you smooth wood when sand papering or file nails with an emery board. Like sand paper you have both wet and dry varieties of ‘mitt’ that can be used and also like sand paper or nail filing (used for fine work) this is for removing fine hairs like those on the legs or forearms.

Friction is not something that should be used on blemished, irritated or broken skin or done too vigorously leading to any of the aforementioned. It is also not suitable for the bikini area, underarms or face. If your skin reddens easily it may also not be suitable for you. Its main advantages are that it is painless, easily and cheaply done at home and there is no need to exfoliate as it leaves your skin beautifully smooth and ingrown hairs are greatly lessened.Greater success is reported if the hair has not been shaved previously and it lasts a similar length of time to shaving or depilatory methods of hair removal.

Although most branded friction hair removal products come as ‘mitts’ people have been known to use very fine grade sandpaper and pumice stones. The trick with all of them seems to be using small circular motions both clockwise and anti clockwise.