All women grow hair on their upper lip. For most women who have fine and lightly colored facial hair, the presence of lip hair is of no consequence. Women with dark hair, on the other hand, may feel self-conscious about the presence of facial hair and wish to remove it.
Impact
The removal of facial hair is more than a beautification ritual for women. The presence of dark, coarse facial hair has adverse psychological implications and may even reduce quality of life for some women, according to a study published in the February 2010 issue of the Journal of Cosmetic Laser Therapy. The study, conducted by the Army University of Medical Sciences in Iran, found that women who underwent laser therapy for the removal of facial hair enjoyed an improved quality of life after the procedure.
Methods
Several hair-removal methods are commonly used to remove upper lip hair including shaving, waxing, plucking and depilation. Shaving is the least popular method among women due to the stubbly regrowth associated with the method. Waxing and tweezing are the preferred methods among women, according to American Family Physician. These methods remove hair by pulling the entire hair shaft and root bulb free from the skin. Depilation dissolves all hair growing above the skin’s surface with chemicals. Slow-growth creams are used alone or in combination with any of these methods to reduce or slow growth.
Results
Contrary to popular belief, shaving does not cause the hair to grow back darker and thicker. Shaving removes hair for one to three days, but stubbly regrowth is possible within one day. Waxing and tweezing leaves skin smooth for two to eight weeks. Since the hair root is removed in both of these methods, regrowth is fine, sparse and gradual. Depilation removes hair for up to two weeks. The root bulb is not affected by this method, so regrowth may be abrupt and stubbly.
Cost
Even though waxing costs more than shaving and depilation initially, it costs the least over the long term. You can purchase a razor or bottle of depilatory cream for less than $10, but you will have to replenish your supply in a couple of weeks. The cost for shaving and depilation hovers between $16 and $20 per month, according to a 2008 Zoomerang hair-removal survey. The cost for waxing an upper lip at a salon averages $7 to $15 per visit with visits needed every four to six weeks. At-home waxing kits make waxing even more affordable.
Permanent Options
Laser therapy and electrolysis offer a more permanent result for unwanted upper lip hair. Both methods destroy hair follicles using high levels of energy in an effort to prevent future hair growth. Both methods require several sessions.
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