Achieving permanent facial hair removal is no easy task. The consumer website HairFacts.com takes note of several "snake oil" treatments and costly home devices that claim to get rid of facial hair. In reality, permanent hair removal of any kind is an arduous, timely and costly process. Currently, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration has approved only one hair removal method that results in permanent facial hair removal: electrolysis.
How to Get Rid of Facial Hair
Step 1
Speak with a cosmetician and electrologist about their recommendations about their recommended methods for facial hair removal. Don't waste your time and money on treatments for facial hair that don't work. Andrea James of HairFacts.com indicates that some of these include "electric tweezers," which were outed by the Federal Trade Commission in 1985 as not living up to marketing claims. Other dubious methods of permanent hair removal include noninvasive (transdermal) electrolysis, transcutaneous hair removal which uses an "electric patch," photoepilators, and topical herbal hair growth inhibitors. Many of these products and methods purport to be completely painless--unfortunately, they are also ineffective.
Step 2
Look into needle electrolysis, if you want to get rid of facial hair for good. The FDA indicates that although like laser hair removal, electrolysis does require several treatment sessions, it's considered a permanent method of hair removal, as it destroys the hair follicle. During electrolysis, a very fine needle (probe) is slipped into the skin next to the hair follicle. A minute jolt of electricity is applied. The dead hair follicle is then removed with tweezers.
Step 3
Shop around for a skilled electrologist, advises the American Electrology Association. Some states require electrologists to be state-certified, notes the AEA (see Resources). When looking through print or online advertisements, take note if the electrologist is licensed or registered, in which case "LE" or "RE" will appear after his or her name. The AEA points out that a certified professional electrologist (CPE) is one whose knowledge and skill meets national standards.
Step 4
Meet with the electrologist in person. James advises getting a "patch test" done during the consultation to see if electrolysis is the right treatment method for you. Also, make sure that the office appears sanitary and well-organized and that the electrologist and office staff are professional and courteous. Discuss how many hours of treatment might be necessary, as well as the total cost of treatment. Electrolysis is charged by the hour, and according to the AEA can range between $25 and $40 depending on the region where you live.
Step 5
Make sure your electrologist provides safe treatment, advises the AEA. The AEA notes that before your treatment sessions begin, your electrologist should follow certain procedures, including washing his or her hands and putting on gloves. Post-treatment, used needles, gloves and cotton balls should be disposed of appropriately and tweezers placed in a sterile soaking solution.
Tips and Warnings
- Electrolysis is not only the only method of permanent facial hair removal, it's also one of the oldest: according to the AEA, electrology was first used in the late nineteenth century. Electrolysis is one method of hair removal recommended by the Mayo Clinic for women suffering from hirsutism (excessive hair growth).
- Have you been told by your electrologist that treatment is "painless?" Look elsewhere, advises James. Although some people tolerate electrolysis well, for many, it can be painful. Laser hair removal treatments can also address facial hair. However, the FDA points out that these services cannot be marketed as a method of permanent hair removal. These treatments may reduce hair growth density but do not eliminate hair entirely.
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