8 gentle and effective ways to remove facial hair
Removing facial hair is not one of the most pleasant activities, but with so many methods available, it is becoming even easier to get rid of the fuzz along your upper lip, chin or between your brows.
Here are the most effective ways to remove facial hair.
1. Plucking
Plucking is one of the most widely used methods of facial hair removal as tweezers are commonplace in most households.
"Tweezing is better for smaller, localized areas like your brows and chin since it's much more labor intensive," dermatologist Lavanya Krishnan told the Good Housekeeping Institute.
"I recommend cleansing your tweezers once per day with warm soap and water, then storing them in a dry place."
2. Waxing
When you wax, you can either opt to use a soft wax which is pulled off with cloth strips or a hard wax which is pulled off on its own.
Although waxing is loved by many for being thorough, cosmetic surgeon Michelle Yagoda warns of its consequences.
“Waxing can cause irritation because the skin can be sensitive to the products being applied to the surface," she said.
"An inexact technique may result in incomplete extraction of the hair follicle and breakage of the hair shaft, so the skin surrounding the hair shaft can then become inflamed."
If the retaining hair follicle becomes entrapped, it may lead to an ingrown hair. Before going to a new beautician for a wax, it is always worth reading their reviews first.
3. Shaving
Many prefer not to shave their facial hair because of the belief that it will make hair grow back thicker, however, Dr Krishnan confirmed that this old wives’ tale is just a myth.
"It's just a myth that your hair will grow coarser and more densely after shaving," said Dr. Krishnan.
"The follicle gets cut in half so it feels pricklier, but it's not any thicker."
If you choose to shave facial hair, it is important to take precautions to avoid irritation. Pre-shave oil can help avoid razor burn and using a razor with only two blades help reduce the potential of causing redness. It is also recommended that you apply a hydrating moisturiser to the face after you are finished.
4. Threading
Threading, a practice common in Middle Eastern and Asian countries, involves using a doubled cotton thread pulled super-taut to roll over spots where you want hair removed. To try this method, you will need to visit a professional who specialises in threading.
5. Depilatory creams
Depilatory creams work by applying the cream to the area you wish to remove your hair, and then wiping the cream away with the hairs.
"Depilatory creams use chemicals such as calcium thioglycolate or potassium thioglycolate, which break disulfide bonds in keratin, thereby weakening the hair," said dermatologist Christine Choi Kim.
If you want to try these creams, it is important to always do a patch check first to check for any allergies.
6. Topical prescriptions
As well as over-the-counter creams, you can also receive prescriptions from a dermatologist for hair removal creams.
"There are prescription meds like Vaniqa, which is a topical once-a-day treatment used to reduce hair growth," explains Dr. Krishnan. While they are effective, the hair will grow back when you stop using the cream.
7. Laser hair removal
If you are looking for a permanent option you can try laser hair removal, however, sessions can be pricey.
"Lasers shoot a certain wavelength of light that's specifically absorbed by the hair follicle itself," said Dr. Krishnan. When the laser is absorbed, it converts into heat and kills the hair follicle. Laser hair removal requires a few sessions to fully destroy the follicles.
8. Electrolysis
Similar to laser hair removal, electrolysis is a permanent hair removal option but it destroys each follicle one at a time to prohibit hairs from growing.
Which hair removal method do you recommend? Let us know in the comments below.