All women have facial hair, and for many, it's not particularly noticeable. Even noticeable facial hair is normal for women and nothing to be ashamed of. Still, if you have concerns about your thick or excessive facial hair growth or are bothered by it, there are several ways to get rid of it.
We've rounded up the best methods to help you, including home remedies and advanced options for removing facial hair. Keep scrolling to learn more.
Highlights:
What Causes Thick Facial Hair In Women?
All women have more or less facial hair in general. Typically, facial hair is fine and light in appearance. But some of you may experience the growth of excessive or unwanted hair on the face and body. This condition is known as hirsutism [1].
Hirsutism results in the excessive growth of dark and coarse hair caused by high levels of male hormones or androgens. Normal facial hair or peach fuzz [2] is different in texture than the hair growth caused by hirsutism.
Hirsutism’s growth pattern in women is linked to virilization [3]. Virilization is a condition where a woman develops characteristics associated with male hormones. Virilization is more extensive than hirsutism with additional evidence of masculinization.
How To Remove Facial Hair For Women?
1. Shaving
If you are looking for a quick and easy way to get rid of your facial hair, shaving is an option. You can opt for both a disposable shaver or an electric shaver for regular usage. These have a built-in blade, which helps to lift and cut your facial hair easily.
Most women use shavers only for body hair. Many fear shaving facial hair, as it may lead to cuts and marks on the face. But with proper precaution and care, you can shave your facial hair on the chin, upper lip, sideburns, etc. However, shaving won’t remove the hair permanently. You will experience a few hair-free days, after which your facial hair will regrow.
How To Use
- Clean your face and use soap to soften your hair.
- Roll the shaver wherever needed in the direction of hair growth.
SkinKraft Tip
Always use a nourishing moisturizer after you finish shaving.
Word of Caution
Even though shaving is comparatively safe compared to other hair removal procedures, you may face side effects like ingrown hairs. Small bumps may develop on your face when hair grows back.
2. Tweezing
If we talk about an effective yet inexpensive hair removal process, tweezing would be one. Tweezers function a bit differently than shavers as they pluck the hair out from the roots. You can use tweezers for any facial hair. Most women find them useful, especially for shaping the eyebrows.
When you pluck your facial hair, the results also last longer than shaving. However, you may need to use the tweezers again after three to eight weeks.
How To Use
- Clean your face with a wet cloth to soften your hair.
- Separate the hair you want to pluck and hold your skin tightly while plucking.
- Pluck one hair at a time in the direction of hair growth.
SkinKraft Tip
Do not forget to disinfect your tweezers before use.
Word of Caution
Tweezing may cause some pain. In case you experience any discomfort, apply an ice cube on the affected area to soothe it.
3. Epilation
Epilation is an ideal alternative to shaving and tweezing. It can eliminate your facial hair for a maximum of four weeks. Hence, if you are looking for longer-lasting hair removal, an epilator may be an excellent choice.
An epilator works similar to waxing by removing hair from the roots. But it doesn't use wax. Instead, it plucks away hair as you move the device over different areas of your face. For some women, epilation has even resulted in softer and finer hair growth.
How To Use
- Hold your epilator straight.
- Hold your skin tightly.
- Glide the epilator in the direction of hair growth.
SkinKraft Tip
Exfoliating your skin before epilation can help soften the skin and prevent ingrown hair.
Word of Caution
Epilation may feel painful to some. Epilating at a slow pace can make it less painful. If you feel any discomfort, rub an ice cube on the area.
4. Waxing
Waxing is one of the most effective ways of removing facial hair. You can use two types of waxing methods, such as readymade waxing strips and hot or cold wax.
Many brands sell readymade waxing strips, which are quite easy to use. You can also opt for cold or hot wax based on your preference. Look for soft wax that is specifically made for facial hair. If you choose hot wax, buy a wax warmer with it as it will allow you to heat the wax properly while controlling its temperature.
Always keep fresh wax sticks with you to apply the wax. Using the same wax stick twice may cause bacterial infections. We advise not to use wax that is too hot as it may burn your skin.
How To Use
Readymade Wax Strips
- Clean your face and hands.
- Warm the strip by rubbing it between your hands for a few seconds.
- Split the strip into two parts.
- Apply the strip to your skin, and quickly smooth it down in the direction of hair growth.
- Hold your skin taut, and quickly rip the strip against the direction of hair growth.
Hot/Cold Wax
- Clean your face and hands.
- Warm the wax if you have hot wax.
- Apply the wax using a wax stick.
- Place a strip on the wax, and smooth it down in the direction of hair growth.
- Pull out the strip against the direction of hair growth.
SkinKraft Tip
Always use a moisturizer after waxing to avoid redness and inflammation.
Word of Caution
Waxing is a bit of a painful process, but it should not cause too much discomfort. Acne and ingrown hairs may sometimes occur as a side effect.
5. Laser Hair Removal
We discussed plenty of hair removal methods, but they are all temporary solutions. If you want long term results, you can choose laser hair removal.
The technique uses a laser and pulsating beams to damage your hair follicles. Thus, you lose the hair. It takes about six months for your hair to grow back. Even though this is a semi-permanent solution, sometimes, hair growth completely stops.
Laser hair removal is effective without any doubt, but it is also expensive. At-home laser removal kits are comparatively cheaper. While they can be used anywhere on the face, avoid using them near your eyes.
How To Use
- Clean your face properly
- Read the instructions on the kit carefully
- Use the laser over one area at a time.
- Repeat every two weeks till you get the desired result.
SkinKraft Tip
Shave your facial hair. Laser hair removal works best on short hair
Word of Caution
Laser hair removal may cause redness and tenderness. Apply ice to soothe the skin.
6. Depilatory Creams
Depilatory creams are a cheap and easy option for facial hair removal. They generally give you longer-lasting results than shaving. Most depilatory creams have chemicals like sodium, titanium dioxide, and barium sulfide, which breakdown the proteins in hair. Thus, hair dissolves easily.
How To Use
- Apply the cream on unwanted facial hair.
- Leave it on for 5-10 minutes.
- Use a damp washcloth to remove the hair.
- Rinse your face with cold water.
SkinKraft Tip
Don’t use any harsh lotion or cosmetics immediately after hair removal. Instead, use a hydrating moisturizer.
Word of Caution
In general, these chemicals are safe, but you may face mild reactions. We advise doing a patch test 24 hours before the actual application.
7. Threading
In threading, a cotton or polyester thread is rolled over unwanted hair areas, plucking the hair at the follicle level. It is a popular method for shaping eyebrows and plucking facial hair on the upper lip, chin, and sideburns. As threading is a bit difficult to perform alone, you may seek assistance. It lasts longer than shaving and also prevents ingrown hair.
SkinKraft Tip
Apply aloe vera gel on your face after you have finished threading. It helps soothe the skin and reduces redness.
Word of Caution
Avoid threading if you have acne as it may cause bumps to rupture.
8. Prescription Methods
Your doctor or dermatologist may prescribe you with oral or topical treatments for hair removal. While this method won't give you results overnight, you will have to continue the medication to notice results.
Word of Caution
Do not buy any medicine for hair removal without consulting a doctor. It may permanently damage your skin.
Home Remedies To Remove Facial Hair
1. Sugar
Sugaring is a gentler experience than traditional waxing. You can make sugar wax at home using three simple ingredients - white sugar, lemon juice, and water.
Take two tablespoons of sugar and lemon juice and mix it well. Add 8–9 tablespoon of water and boil the mixture till you see it bubble up. Once it cools, apply it to the skin and leave it on for 20-25 minutes. Rub your skin in a circular motion for a while, and then rinse it off.
2. Besan
Besan is a popular natural ingredient that is very effective for hair removal. Make a paste using two teaspoons besan, 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder, a teaspoon of rose water, and one teaspoon of lemon juice. Mix all the ingredients and apply it on the face. Allow it to dry for 30 minutes and rinse it off with cold water.
3. Peel-Off Mask
You can make a peel-off mask at home using an egg. Mix one egg white with one tablespoon of cornstarch. Add sugar and stir the mixture properly. It will create a smooth and sticky paste. Apply it on the face for 20 minutes. Peel it off once dry and wash your face with lukewarm water.
4. Banana And Oatmeal
Banana works great in moisturizing your skin and oatmeal helps to exfoliate dead skin cells. Mash 1 ripe banana and mix it with 2 tablespoons of powdered oatmeal. Form a smooth paste and massage it on your skin in circular motion. Remember to massage it against the direction of your hair growth. Leave it for about 15-20 minutes and then wash it off water. You can repeat this once a week.
5. Turmeric And Papaya
Papaya contains an enzyme named papain which opens up your hair follicles. As a result, your hair falls off. Form a smooth paste by peeling a papaya. Mix a little amount of turmeric powder with it. Apply this on the unwanted hair area and gently massage it in circular motion for 15-20 minutes and later wash it off with water. You can repeat this twice or thrice a week.
Wrapping Up
Although excessive facial hair can lead you to feel self-conscious about your appearance, it isn't dangerous. However, it can also be a result of hormonal changes and PCOS, which require medical attention. If you notice an increased growth in your facial hair, we suggest you consult a doctor at the earliest.
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