About Facial Hair Removal for Women

About Facial Hair Removal for Women
Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Khashayar Elyassi

Facial hair is often styled and profiled when it appears on the faces of men. Women, on the other hand, have a little different take on this feature that comes with the aging process. Not only is facial hair unwanted, but it is also removed.

Significance

Facial hair on women does not grow in consistent areas with coverage over the whole face like it does on men. Instead, it tends to crop up in patches that can become thick and dark. This can make a woman feel self-conscious and embarrassed. To remedy this situation and give women back their confidence, hair removal can play a significant role.

Features

Epilation, tweezing, waxing, depilatories, laser removal and electrolysis are types of hair removal methods.
Epilation is a process that utilizes an electric epilator. This tool is run across the skin and pulls the hairs out by the roots in groups.
Tweezing is a type of removal that involves pulling hairs out one by one by the roots with a pair of tweezers.
Waxing involves the application of wax to the hair. It then sets up and gets a cloth strip applied over the top of it. The strip then is ripped off in a fast motion, and the hair is removed.
A depilatory cream applied to the hair is left to set up for several minutes. While it is on the face, it dissolves the hair. The broken-down hair and cream then get wiped off the face.
Laser hair removal is done at a professional facility. The skin is hit with a laser that targets the melanin, which gives hair its color. When the hair follicles get hit with the laser, they die and the hair falls out.
Electrolysis is a type of removal where a certified electrologist or esthetician inserts a needle into each hair follicle. An electrical charge is then sent to the tip, and the root is killed. This ultimately causes the hair to fall out.

Time Frame

Each method of removal can keep you hair free for various time frames. The results of epilation and depilatories can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Tweezing results can last for three to six weeks, and waxing can last for up to two months. Laser hair removal can keep your face hair free for up to three months, and electrolysis can offer permanent results.

Considerations

Waxing can be done at home with a kit, or you can get it done at a spa or salon. Either way, there is some pain involved. Depilatories should not be used around the eyes or mouth or on broken skin. You should also run a test on another location of your body first to make sure you do not have an adverse reaction to the ingredients. When you use tweezers to remove your hair, you should not yank the hairs out. This can cause them to break off.

Identification

Bleaching is a method often used for facial hair, but it does not involve actual removal. This treatment is designed to disguise the hairs on your face by lightening them. Bleach is mixed with an activation powder in a bowl and applied to the hair. It is left on for several minutes until it turns the hair golden blond, and it is then washed off.

Prevention/Solution

Hair inhibitors come in the form of a gel or cream, and they are used to slow down hair growth. They are applied to the face one to two times a day in between other removal treatments. The overall objective of hair inhibitors is to prevent hair growth and make the hair look thinner.

References

Article reviewed by J.A. Rist Last updated on: Dec 23, 2009

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