Getting rid of facial hair can be tricky, but for many it's necessary. For women, hair on the chin and upper lip is not socially acceptable, and can be embarrassing. Even for men, whose beards and mustaches are considered normal, facial hair may not present a desired clean-cut appearance. Finding the best way of removing facial hair is a matter of understanding your needs, schedule and budget.
Shaving
Shaving is a simple and inexpensive hair-removal method, but it's not very long lasting since it simply cuts the hair off at the surface of the skin. Hair can grow back within a day, and shaving can also lead to nicks, scrapes and irritated skin. However it's a decent quick fix, and it's a good solution for men, for whom a little 5 o'clock shadow isn't a big deal.
Depilatories
Depilatories are creams that dissolve hair, allowing you to simply wipe it off. Depilatories can be harsh, so be sure to buy one made specifically for the face. Longer-lasting than shaving, depilatories can eliminate hair for more than a week. FamilyDoctor.org recommends testing a small drop of the product on the inside of your wrist and waiting a day to see if there's a severe reaction before using it to remove hair.
Waxing
Waxing can be done at home or in a salon, and involves spreading wax over the hair, then putting a piece of cloth over the wax. The hair and wax adhere to the cloth, which is then ripped off, pulling the hair out by the root. It sounds painful, and it is not without discomfort, but it is a quick process and a skilled waxer can minimize the pain as well as any redness that results.
Because hair is removed from the hair shaft in large quantities, waxing is one of the most effective hair-removal methods, reports the New Zealand Dermatological Society. It may take two to three weeks for the hair to regrow.
Electrolysis
Electrolysis involves inserting a tiny needle into a hair follicle, where it emits a pulse of electric current that destroys the follicle. The procedure can be a painful one, so it is usually done in sessions, treating only a small section of the face at a time. Electrolysis treatments are more expensive than waxing or shaving, but the results are permanent.
Laser Therapy
In laser therapy, a laser beam is passed over the skin to disable hair follicles, preventing hair growth. It can be expensive and uncomfortable. MayoClinic.com reports it may feel like hot grease splattering the skin. The results are almost permanent, although some re-treatment may be necessary to catch all the growth.
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