The most familiar methods of getting rid of facial hair are the least expensive and least painful--and usually done at home. However, the American Academy of Family Physicians notes that most forms of facial hair removal--tweezing, waxing and use of depilatories--aren't permanent. Hair grows back, necessitating ongoing attention. Even laser hair removal--which results in permanent hair reduction--requires maintenance treatments once the hair is removed. There's only one way to get rid of facial hair forever: electrolysis, a more costly treatment performed by a skilled cosmetologist or aesthetician.
Step 1
Get the scoop on electrolysis. During this method of removing facial hair permanently, a skilled aesthetician uses a hand-held device with an extremely thin probe (needle) at the end. The probe is carefully inserted into the skin, where the hair follicle grows and a small jolt of electricity delivered to the hair root, located at the base of the follicle. Electrolysis effectively kills the root, although some hair follicles will grow back and require additional treatment until all of the roots are destroyed. According to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, electrolysis is the most permanent form of hair removal.
Step 2
Compare electrolysis to laser hair removal. Laser hair reduction is certainly quicker; as this method uses the heat of a laser beam to destroy clusters of hair follicles. However, laser hair reduction cannot be used on a part of the skin near the eyes, whereas electrolysis can remove hair from these sensitive areas, such as under and around the eyebrows. Also, laser hair reduction is effective on those who are good candidates for the treatment--people with fair skin and coarse, dark hair. According to the Mayo Clinic, if you have fair, light red or gray hair, laser hair reduction won't work for you.
Step 3
Consult with a skilled cosmetologist or aesthetician in person, advises hairfacts.com, a site that educates consumers on various forms of hair removal. It's best to get a recommendation from a doctor or friend who has used the electrologist's services, but if you find an electrologist through the phone book or on the Internet, there are many questions to ask. For example, your state may require electrologists to be licensed. If so, make sure that the person you're considering is up to date. Inquire about the cost of the services and roughly how many treatments will be required to get rid of your facial hair (see Resources).
Step 4
Schedule and attend electrolysis appointments. For some people, electrolysis can be a painful procedure, warns the AAFP. Temporary redness and scabbing may occur after treatment. In some cases, scarring and skin discoloration can occur. To get the best out of your electrolysis treatments, it's important to keep follow-up appointments to remove hair on the face that grows back.
Tips and Warnings
- If you have a small portion of facial hair to remove, electrolysis can be less expensive than laser hair removal in the long run (see Resources).
- Hand-held electrolysis devices are available to consumers, notes hairfacts.com, but using these on your face is not advisable. This technique requires use of a reverse hand direction to use the device, making it difficult for home users to remove facial hair effectively and safely. Don't fall prey to the promises made by marketers of "electric tweezers"--these devices won't remove hair, warns hairfacts.com
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