Most men grow some form of facial hair after they hit puberty. Unless you plan on letting your hair grow out to mountain-man proportions, you will need to trim or remove it at some point. But what leaves many men hesitant are the unappealing options--most run the risk of inflicting pain, however small, when trying to remove hair. For other men, the fast growth rate of facial hair can make it a taxing task. Knowing your options can help you choose the best hair removal method for you.
Shaving
Shaving is a very popular method of hair removal. It requires the use of a razor and, in most cases, a shaving cream or gel to lubricate the skin and facilitate the hair's removal. Razors can vary in price and quality, with some featuring five or more blades to help you get a clean, efficient shave. The downside to shaving is that razors can nick the skin, causing irritations, redness and small cuts. If you have fast-growing facial hair, you might find yourself shaving once a day--sometimes more--to maintain the clean-shaven look you desire.
Waxing
Waxing is more commonly used on larger swaths of skin, such as the legs or back, but it can be used for facial hair. This method works by applying hot wax to the skin, allowing it to bind to the hair follicles. When ripped off, the wax takes your hair with it, resulting in smooth skin. It can take weeks for this hair to grow back in, which may be preferable for some men. The downside, though, is that the hair must be at least half an inch long to get a good grip on the wax. The waiting period may be too long for many people.
Plucking
Plucking works by pulling out the hair at its root, similar to waxing. The difference, though, is that plucking uses tweezers and only takes out one or two hairs at a time. It is great for touching up spots or removing stray hairs that may crop up on their own in undesirable places. Plucking on a large scale, though, would be tedious and painful.
Depilatory Creams
Depilatory creams are another method of hair removal commonly reserved for larger patches of hair. And while you should be careful to keep them away from your eyes and out of your mouth, these creams--which remove hair by breaking down the entire follicle--can eat away at your hair and leave your skin looking smooth. The advantage over waxing is that, while this method can also leave skin smooth for weeks, it doesn't need to wait until the hair reaches a certain length before another treatment can be applied.
Considerations
Based on cost, shaving is the least expensive of these options. It is also a hygienic practice that has entered the daily routines of millions of men around the world. But if you are concerned about the risks of cutting yourself, waxing or depilatory creams may provide a more attractive option. If you are only looking to trim facial hair and keep it cropped close to the skin, you could invest in an electric razor, which eliminates the risk of cutting your skin and can be used on a daily basis.
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