Levels
Some women have an occasional stray hair they want to remove, or patches that seem to grow heavier than other areas, while others suffer from a more extreme condition called hirsutism. Hirsutism is a condition in women in which too much hair grows on the face and other parts of the body, report doctors at the American Academy of Family Physicians, or AAFP. The condition is more common among women of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean or South Asian descent and results in heavy growth of thick, dark hair, unlike the finer hair many women develop on their chins and upper lips. Whatever the level of hair growth on the face, most women want to find ways to rid themselves of facial hair for cosmetic reasons.
Shaving
While men become accustomed to daily shaving, this is not particularly popular with women. AAFP doctors report that shaving is the easiest and safest way to remove unwanted hair, but it does leave a stubble and must be repeated daily. Shaving also can irritate the skin and requires the use of cream. Cream that has 1 percent hydrocortisone is best to relieve facial skin irritation.
Lasers
Laser hair removal is a popular form of permanent hair removal. High levels of light pulses are directed on the various hair follicles and eventually destroy the source of the hair growth. Laser treatments typically must be done in a series of treatments to remove all the hair to its roots, though larger areas can be treated at one time. A dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon usually performs laser hair removal, which makes it an expensive alternative not typically covered by health insurance. Side effects of laser treatments include redness and swelling that dissipates over time. The skin surrounding the treatments also can be affected and remain lighter or darker than surrounding skin.
Depilatories
Creams are available that remove hair with a chemical process. Depilatories can be purchased over the counter and applied at home. They work by dissolving the hair and making it fall out when the cream is removed. Cream hair removers often irritate sensitive facial skin, causing burning and redness.
Electrolysis
Electrolysis is a hair removal process that is time-consuming but permanent. An electrical current is sent down a hair shaft and destroys the follicle to the root. The needles used in electrolysis can be slightly painful and leave small scars that heal over time. Each hair must be treated individually.
Plucking
By using a set of tweezers that meet perfectly on the ends, women can pluck individual errant hairs from their faces. Plucking also requires access to a mirror and good lighting. While plucking may produce a slight pain when the hair is pulled, it typically does not leave any scar or lasting discomfort. Hairs that are plucked eventually grow back, but at a much slower pace than if they've been shaved at the surface.
Waxing
Waxing is another common form of hair removal that is painful while performed but leaves no lasting discomfort. Hot wax is set on the hairs and left to dry. A woman can wax her own hair or have is done by a cosmetician. Waxing usually leaves a slight redness that disappears shortly. Hairs usually are pulled out of the follicle, but will grow back eventually.
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