Women develop facial hair for a number of reasons. As part of the aging process, women in menopause often find unwanted hairs growing on their chin, neck and upper lip. Other women are genetically disposed to coarse, male-like facial hair, also known as hirtsutism. Women taking hormones that contain testosterone to increase sexual desire can develop facial hair, report doctors at the Mayo Clinic. Whatever the cause, there are a number of safe and effective over-the-counter and medical facial hair removal products on the market for women.
Vaniqa
Vaniqa is the brand name for eflornithine, a cream that stunts hair growth. It is available as a prescription for women with excessive facial hair. New growth is slowed down although the cream does not remove exiting hair. Shaving or waxing can be used to take off the existing hair. Vaniqa takes about two months to work and stops hair growth for up to eight weeks. The product must then be reapplied. Side effects of eflornithine include burning, redness and stinging.
Tweezers
Tweezers are a common product used by women to remove stray hairs. A good pair of tweezers should meet tightly when the ends are together in order to grab the errant hairs one at a time. Plucking hairs with tweezers is the most common form of hair removal for women, report Mayo Clinic doctors. There usually is a slight pain when hair is plucked, but it quickly eases. Opening the pores with steam can help to alleviate some of the pain.
Shaving
While most women do not shave their faces, razors that shave very closely are an option for women with heavier facial hair that is too abundant for plucking. Shaving only removes the hair at the level of the skin however, requiring daily maintenance. Women can develop a shadow later in the day as the hair begins to grow back.
Depilatories
Chemical depilatories come in creams, lotions and gels and actually melt the hair down the shaft. Depilatories work by attacking the protein in the hair shafts. The various forms of depilatories are applied to face and left on for a specific period of time, then wiped off with a cloth. Hair will grow back eventually. Depilatories can leave the skin raw and red and many people experience allergic reactions to the chemicals.
Wax
Waxing is a painful but effective means of removing unwanted facial hair by the roots. Warm wax is applied to the affected area and left to harden. The wax is then pulled off and the hairs pull out with it. The process leaves the face stinging and red. Done improperly, hot wax also can burn the skin.
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