Nearly 10 percent of women in the United States suffer from some level of hirsutism, a condition that causes women to develop unwanted facial hair, report doctors at the Mayo Clinic. Genetics also can contribute to facial hair growth. While some cultures accept male-pattern facial hair on women, many do not. There are a number of techniques women can employ to safely remove the facial hair.
Electrolysis
For women who don't want the hassle of daily maintenance and hair removal, electrolysis is an option that can provide permanent relief. A small needle is inserted in the hair follicles sending a burst of electricity into the face to kill the root. Numbing medication often is used because the procedure can be painful. Although electrolysis rarely leaves scars, other side effects can include changes in the skin coloring where the treatment was performed.
Medications
There are a number of medications that sometimes can alleviate the excess facial hair growth in women. Oral contraceptives that contain progestin and estrogen can inhibit the male hormone production and cause the hair growth to stop. Contraceptives do carry the increased risk of developing breast cancer, however. Prescription topical creams are available that can slow the hair growth temporarily while it is being used. The cream containing eflornithine is applied directly to the skin. Side effects include a rash or tingling sensation that usually dissipates.
Depilatories
Over-the-counter lotions and gels are available to remove unwanted hair. Depilatories contain chemicals that break down the protein structure of the hair and cause it to melt. After leaving the cream on the face for a designated period of time, a woman can use a warm cloth to wipe off the hair that was loosened by the lotion. Chemical depilatories can leave a burning sensation and redness in the area following its use, although it tends stop new hair growth for longer periods of time than other home remedies.
Plucking
Though painful, plucking is the most common form of hair removal, report Mayo Clinic doctors. Plucking typically is more practical for women who only have stray hairs rather than heavy growth. Heating the skin before plucking can help to alleviate some of the pain involved when the hair is pulled out.
Shaving
Shaving removes the hair only on the surface and does not remove any of the follicles. Shaving is easy and painless, but must be performed daily to keep hair growth at bay. Doctors at the American Academy of Family Physicians report that shaving will not make hair grow in any faster. Most women eschew shaving because it leaves stubble, making skin rough to the touch. Women with dark hair will have a shadow on the places where they shaved.
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