The fact that I have used Silkymits hair removal "gloves" for at least 10 years, says something for this product. I first used the Silkymits on recommendation from a friend, who had herself already been using them for years, so this is a well established product. Nevertheless, I have yet to ditch my razors entirely...


SO WHAT IS A SILKYMIT?

Marketed as an alternative to waxing and shaving, Silkymits are a hair removal product in the form of a fingerless glove or "mit" which is moved over your skin in a circular fashion. The gloves are made of a material that resembles fine sandpaper, and the hair is simply rubbed away. The original Silkymit product was for the removal of leg hair and this is the product I am reviewing today. There are also products designed for use on the bikini line and facial areas, and a hard skin remover for the feet which works in the same way as the hair products but is coarser in texture. I have these other products but I have yet to use them enough to review them. The mits are said to be suitable for everyone except those with "unusually sensitive skin", but I will give my opinion on this below. As well as removing hair, the gloves also exfoliate your skin at the same time.


USING THE PRODUCT

Each packet contains 3 gloves, which are double sided. You slip one over your hand and rub your skin 4 times in one direction, then 4 times in the other, always using a circular motion. The skin has to be dry - I have tried using them on damp skin when I have been in a rush and it does not work at all. When I first used these, I found it difficult to get into a rhythm and it took me a very long time to do even one leg. However with regular use I have perfected the method and can proceed relatively quickly. You do need to be methodical though in order not to miss any hairs. The process still takes longer than shaving my legs does but it is time saving in a way as I am exfoliating at same time. I usually shave and exfoliate on different occasions in order not to stress my skin too much but with Silkymit there is no need to do this.

The packet doesn't say whether these work on longer hair or the more stubbly kind. I find that it works on both, but the best results seem to come from using it on the shorter hair which is also quicker.

I was nervous at first that using these gloves would be uncomfortable but I don't find that it is. There were a few occasions in the early days when I felt a little sore after using it but I soon realised this was because I was rubbing too hard. Used lightly, as the instructions recommend, I have no difficulties. The most alarming thing to a first time user is probably the powdery flakes that quickly develop. This is the dead skin being removed. I stand in the shower when I am using the gloves so I don't have to worry about the mess. I can imagine some people really not wanting too see all that dead skin but I myself would rather it was off than still attached to me!

Once you have finished, it is recommended that you press a cool damp towel to your legs and then apply moisturiser. I find the towel helps to remove any stay flaky skin, but it isn't necessary from a pain relieving point of view. I tend to apply moisturiser later as the skin feels lovely and soft to touch without it.


RESULTS

I always find a few stray hairs left behind by the gloves. This is mainly in the sort of areas where it is difficult to ensure the gloves always stay absolutely in contact with the skin - for example around the bony ankles, and in the knee area. I am happy to use a razor to deal with these. The exfoliating aspect works brilliantly. The skin looks and feels very smooth, and responds well to fake tan as a result. I don't find that my skin looks red, and there is obviously no danger of cuts as there would be if you use a razor. My leg skin is not sensitive, but I can imagine that this product would have the capacity to irritate if yours is, simply because of the "sandpapering " action. The packet recommends doing a small patch test before using all over your legs and I think this sounds like sensible advice.

My main problem with Silkymits is the fact that the packaging recommends using the gloves no more than once a week to avoid irritation. I don't know about you, but I can't leave my legs that long without needing to remove hair. I admit to using the gloves more often than this on occasion to deal with regrowth. This was mainly when I first used the product as I don't remember a similar warning being on the pack then. More often than not I use my razor in between "sandpapering" though. This is the main reason Silkymits won't entirely replace other hair removal methods for me. [I think the hair regrows at the same rate as it does if I shave, and faster than if I wax or use a hair removal cream.]

The gloves are reusable, but if you want to do so you do need to be careful to wipe them after use, as per the instructions. I learnt the hard way that failure to do so "blunts" the gloves quickly. One glove does both legs for me if the hair is at a few days growth, and manages a couple more sessions if they were dealing only with stray stubble. After a wipe, they are good for a few further uses, but once they start to wear down they become much less efficient.


PRICE AND AVAILABILITY

I used to be able to buy these gloves inSuperdrug and Boots, but in recent times I have struggled to find them there. I now buy them most often in the 99p Store, Poundland, and Poundworld. I also occasionally see them in independent pharmacies although you will pay more than a pound - nearer £2 in my experience. Interestingly, I have recently noticed that Superdrug have began selling the facial hair removal pads again, under the name of the parent company "Alida", so it is possible that all of the range will be rebranded at some point. In the mean time I have been stocking up whenever I see them, just in case they get any harder to find!


WOULD I RECOMMEND SILKYMITS?

I would recommend them, providing you are not in a rush to remove hair and you don't mind the possibility of there being a few strays left behind. I love how silky my legs feel when I have finished a session, something that shaving or hair removal creams just can't compete with. There is no need to use shaving creams or gels, and no danger of cutting yourself. You will still need another hair removal system to help you between uses of the Silkymit though!