According to the Hair Research and Treatment Centre at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, nearly 1/4 of all women in North America have unwanted facial hair. Whether your excess facial hair is due to genetics or some sort of health condition, it can be embarrassing and unsightly. If the unwanted hair appears suddenly or starts growing thicker and darker, you should see a doctor to rule out disease or hormonal problems. If there are no underlying medical reasons for your excess hair growth, you can go about utilizing one of the many available treatments to remove it.
Shaving
Shaving is an easy and inexpensive way to remove unwanted facial hair, especially small amounts on the chin or above the lip. However, shaved hair grows back quickly, making this an inefficient method. Shaving also carries the risk of skin irritation and infection.
Waxing
Waxing, in which you apply a sticky substance to pull the hair out by its roots, is a more long-term method of removing unwanted facial hair. Hair that has been waxed usually takes weeks to grow back. However, waxing has plenty of drawbacks. The procedure is time-consuming and also very painful. And, like shaving, waxing carries the risk of causing a skin infection.
Hair Removal Creams
These generally fall into two categories: over-the-counter depilatories and eflornithine, a prescription medication. Depilatories are creams that literally melt the hair by disrupting the protein bonds in it. Depilatories are inexpensive and easy to use, but they only work short term and can cause skin irritation, Eflornithine, sold under the brand name Vaniqua, is a prescription cream that helps slow or eliminate new hair growth. However, it does not get rid of existing hair and can take up to two months to work. You also have to use it indefinitely or hair will start growing again.
Electrolysis
Electrolysis stops unwanted facial hair growth by using an electric current, delivered through tiny needles, to destroy the hair follicles. Electrolysis results in permanent hair loss, but it can be painful. It is also expensive and time-consuming, and can cause side effects such as changes in skin pigment and scarring.
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy involves using pulses of light to destroy hair follicles and prevent hair growth. It can produce long-term hair loss but, like electrolysis, has several drawbacks. It requires several treatments and can be expensive. It also carries the potential to cause scarring and skin pigment changes.
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