Women of color are more prone than other women to unwanted facial hair. It's part of a condition called hypertrichosis, which refers to excessive unwanted body hair and may be hereditary. Hair removal methods are effective, but they're not always permanent and may require repeated skin treatments that can increase the incidence of painful ingrown hairs. For that reason, many women seek ways to prevent the hair growth rather than treating it after the fact.
Step 1
Apply a prescription eflornithine hydrochloride cream, often called eflornithine HCI, to the area of the face where hair growth is excessive. These creams prevent hormones responsible for excess hair growth from reaching the hair follicles. As dermatologist Susan Taylor points out on the website Brown Skin, eflornithine HCI cream doesn't completely stop hair growth but does slow it.
Step 2
Take a daily black cohosh supplement to regulate estrogen. Estrogen imbalance and fluctuations can increase facial hair growth in women by allowing production of excessive testosterone.
Step 3
Eat plenty of soybeans and other legumes. These foods contain phytoestrogens that help prevent hormonal fluctuations, thereby reducing facial hair growth.
Step 4
Take prescription medications such as Tagamet as directed by your dermatologist. This medication is primarily used to treat ulcers; however, it retards hair growth as well by reducing testosterone production within the female body.
Step 5
Opt for laser procedures from your dermatologist. These procedures kill the hair follicle, therefore reducing hair growth, but repeated visits may be required.
Things You'll Need
- Prescription HCI cream
- Black cohosh
- Phytoestrogen-containing foods
- Tagamet
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