Keratin

• Nair's active ingredient (calcium hydroxide) is designed to break down the keratin in hair to liquefy it. Human skin also contains a fair amount of keratin, which is where the danger arises.
  
  

Epidermal Shedding

• Since keratin helps to bind the top layer of skin together, destroying it can lead to sunburn-like shedding.
  
  

Chemical Burning

• The chemical burns caused by improper usage of Nair can be an incredibly painful endorsement for shaving. Chemical burns can be treated with over-the-counter ointments and creams, but may require medical attention if the area affected is burned past the outer layer of skin.
  
  

Infection

• Localized and sometimes systemic infection often follows burns of any sort and are certainly possible where caustic chemical burns are concerned.
  
  

Soap Burns

• Many have made the mistake of washing Nair away with soap and water, and have lived to regret it. The chemicals in Nair become supercharged by some of the ingredients in soap, causing near-instant chemical burns.
  
  

Safety

• To avoid chemical-burn risks, do not exceed 10 minutes total application time, and do not re-apply or shave for at least 24 hours after application.