Facial hair is a natural occurrence, and it’s entirely normal to decide to remove it if desired. Today, the beauty industry offers numerous methods, whether at-home or salon-based, to eliminate facial hair for a brighter, smoother appearance. Facial hair removal includes over-the-counter DIY kits for temporary relief and dermatologist-approved cosmetic procedures for lasting results. Explore these options to find the one that best suits your preferences.
A Word of Caution
But before we get into the details of these options, let’s clarify one thing. In most cases, the coarseness and color of facial hair are usually determined by genetics. However, facial hair could happen in a small section of women because of hormonal imbalances, such as PCOS. In such cases, it is advisable to contact a dermatologist or a gynecologist to treat the underlying condition.
Once you have decided on the tool/ technique for hair removal, do a patch test to rule out any allergic reaction. If you’re already using some medicated ointments for acne or any other skin disorder that can leave your skin feeling extra sensitive, avoid using them a couple of days before waxing or shaving to prevent irritation.
Here is a list of ways to help remove facial hair and reveal smooth skin. These options are divided into temporary or short-term results and long-term effects. Short-term solutions include tweezing, waxing, depilatory creams, shaving or dermaplaning, threading, epilators, and coil hair removers. Long-term tools include electrolysis and laser hair removal. (1)
Also Read – 3 Simple Homemade Wax Recipes For Facial Hair Removal
1. Tweezing
This is one of the most common and easiest ways to remove facial hair from localized areas near the brow line or small areas like the chin. Tweezers are one of the cheapest tools available in the market and work well when you’re running out of time but still want to take care of those irritating strays. Remember to use them only for small areas and clean them up thoroughly after every use with a good disinfectant. Get a pair of high-quality stainless-steel tweezers and sanitize them with alcohol before each use to avoid bacterial infections.
2. Waxing
Women have been using this method to get rid of body hair for a long time, but when using it to de-fuzz the face, it is advisable to do it in a salon. Here, a layer of wax is applied onto the skin and then pulled off on its own or with the help of waxing strips. This method removes hair from your upper lips, cheeks, chin, and brows. However, if not done correctly, the skin can get irritated because of incomplete hair removal.
3. Depilatory Creams
Facial hair removal creams have come a long way. They are pretty easy to use and give good results. In this method, unwanted facial hair is dissolved with the help of a depilatory cream, which can then be wiped away.
Before using the cream to make the strands softer, you must dampen your facial skin with tepid water. After 2-3 minutes, apply a thin layer of the cream on the area with unwanted hair. Let the cream sit for 8-10 minutes (as advised in the user manual), then scrape it off with a spatula (or wipe it off with a soft cloth). Finally, wash your face with plain water and pat it dry.
Depilatory creams have their own set of benefits, such as they are painless and effortless to use. These creams are very effective as they dissolve the entire hair shaft and a specific part of its root. The results can last up to two weeks. Always opt for a good quality depilatory cream with a safe chemical composition and start with a patch test.
Also Read – 7 Most Effective Solutions for Upper Lip Hair Removal
4. Dermaplaning
Dermaplaning is just a modern way of shaving your hair using special tools. The process can be done at a salon or home using dermaplaning tools. Dermaplaning helps remove peach fuzz and exfoliates the skin by removing the top thin layer of dead skin. If you wish to try a good-old shaving option, remember to use razors specifically designed for the face and use them very softly.
The age-old myth that shaving or dermaplaning can cause thicker and denser hair growth is completely false.
5. Threading
Like tweezing, threading is another standard tool used to remove unwanted hair. You can firmly hold a thread with both hands and twist it carefully. Then, place it over your facial area from where you want to remove the unwanted hair and gently move it against the skin. However, threading results are temporary, and you might find strands growing back faster than all other methods.
However, it has its share of benefits. Threading works well for women with less or slow facial hair growth. It is a straightforward, easy-to-practice, and inexpensive method to remove facial hair. Avoid threading if your skin is sensitive, inflamed or acne-prone
6. Epilators
We always relate epilators for removing hair on the hands and legs, but many options are available for facial hair removal epilators. They work the same way as tweezers, the only difference being that instead of pulling out a single hair at a time, epilators remove a bunch of hair in one go. It’s slightly more painful than tweezing but relieves you from that peachy fuzz for longer as the strands are removed from the roots. So, you can go as long as a month without reusing them. (2)
However, they aren’t recommended for places like eyebrows that require precision, rather work well for hair removal on the chin or side of the face.
7. Coil Hair Removers
Though comparatively new, coil hair removers hold great promise for women struggling with unwanted hair on the face. They have a highly coiled metal spring attached in between two rubber handles. They work in the same way as tweezers but are way faster.
To use, bend the tool like an inverted ‘U’ by gripping the handles tightly and rolling it over areas with unwanted hair. Then, follow a gentle outward motion while gradually going upward so the hair strands get stuck in the spring and are uprooted perfectly.
Coil removers can eliminate even the smallest strands from the forehead, cheeks, upper lips, and jawline. As hair is plucked out from its roots, the results last longer – as long as six to seven weeks. The tool is easy to use and fairly painless.
8. Electrolysis
As the name reveals, this treatment uses concentrated electric current heat to destroy each strand from its follicle. The method is usually recommended for people with very light fuzz on the face that can’t be permanently removed by laser.
In this method, a thin and sharp needle is directly inserted into the hair follicle to destroy it from the roots. This procedure should be done professionally, and you may require multiple sessions for good results.
Electrolysis treatment should always be done by a trained dermatologist or cosmetologist. It is time-consuming, pricey, and may cause side effects such as irritation, skin damage, and in some cases, scarring.
9. Laser
If you’re tired of short-term options for hair removal and are looking for something permanent and long-lasting, laser hair removal might be worth a try. (3)
In this method, the hair follicles are made to absorb a highly concentrated laser beam so they cannot grow further. The infuriated facial skin is then calmed down with the help of a cooling device. Laser hair removal is faster than electrolysis as it tackles more strands in one go.
One of the most significant advantages of the laser hair removal method is its precision. It specifically targets the hair, leaving the rest of the skin undamaged. However, you may require three to four sessions to have permanent results. This method should only be done under the guidance of an expert as it can otherwise have harmful effects such as burns, scarring, and hyperpigmentation.
Also Read – 8 Biggest Hair Removal Mistakes You Must Steer Clear of
Summary
The world of facial hair removal has grown by leaps and bounds over the past few years. It is no longer restricted to waxing and tweezing. Whether you’re looking for short-term or long-term solutions, choices are plenty. Try out new options in the temporary relief category, like dermaplaning, depilatory creams, or coil hair removers. Electrolysis and laser hair removal can give long-lasting relief.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What points should be considered when deciding on facial hair removal options?
The most important thing to watch out for is the suitability of your skin. Before trying out any option, be it temporary or permanent, do a small patch test or run it past your dermatologist.
Can I experience ingrown hair after facial hair removal?
If a particular hair removal method doesn’t suit you or you don’t use it correctly, you can have bumps and ingrown hair on the skin. Change the option and exfoliate your skin once or twice a week to tackle this problem.
Can anyone perform laser hair removal?
Trained and certified professionals should only perform laser hair removal as it can otherwise have various side effects.
Also Read – Waxing vs Epilators: A Real Answer On The Best Hair Removal Techniques
References:
- “How Can I Remove Facial Hair Permanently at Home?” – medicinenet.com
- “How to Remove Facial Hair” – healthline.com
- “Laser Hair Removal” – webmd.com
