Facial hair can be problematic, especially for women who suffer from any degree of hirsutism, a condition that results in coarse, dark hair growth on the face. Cream depilatories are only effective for a few days, and sometimes only a few hours. Waxing and sugaring offer longer-lasting results, but pesky hair inevitably returns. If you want to remove facial hair permanently, consider one of two methods suggested by Mayo Clinic experts: electrolysis or laser hair removal.
Electrolysis
Electrolysis, which dates back to 1875, is the only process of permanently removing hair approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. The American Electrology Association notes that during electrolysis, a very slim needle is introduced into the opening of the hair follicle so that it touches the hair itself. A small jolt of electricity is then delivered to kill the hair root. Electrolysis works on people of all skin tones and hair types and can be used to remove hair from the face, including the brow area, upper and lower lip, chin, jaw line and cheeks. Some hair follicles will grow back and require re-treatment. But once all facial hair is effectively removed, it stays gone for good.
Where to Get It
Electrolysis is best performed by a skilled electrologist; some states even require electrologists to be certified. Hair removal consumer activist Andrea James advises that you meet with your prospective practitioner and have a test patch performed to make sure that you can tolerate electrolysis, as it can be painful. Beware of practitioners who use "electric tweezers"--this is not electrolysis, and this method of hair removal is no more effective than plucking. According to the AEA, the average cost of a single treatment is $25 to $40, depending on where you live. Treating a small area of the body, such as the chin, is far less costly than treating a large body part, such as the legs.
Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal can yield results that are close to permanent--but not quite. The FDA has approved this method of hair removal as a way to permanently reduce density of hair growth; however, laser hair removal cannot purport to eliminate hair. During this process, a laser beam is directed at a cluster of hairs. The light targets the melanin in the hair follicle, putting it in the resting phase of growth. Laser hair removal requires a series of treatments to remove facial hair. According to the "Hair Removal Journal," laser hair removal targets hair on the upper lip, chin and sides of the face. But it cannot be used near the eyes due to safety concerns.
Where to Seek Services
Mayo Clinic experts advise seeking laser hair removal services through a professional trained physician, board certified in dermatology or a related field to get the best results and reduce risks of unpleasant side-effects, such as blistering and changes in pigment. Also, this method of hair removal gives preference to those with fair skin and dark facial hair. Those with tanned or dark skin and dark face hair can also get good results, but special laser devices and techniques must be used, says the "Hair Removal Journal." Laser hair removal doesn't remove blond, light brown, light red or unpigmented facial hair, says the Mayo Clinic. You can expect a 50 to 70 percent reduction in hair density after three treatments. Maintenance sessions are also required, usually once or twice a year. The average cost of a single facial laser hair removal treatment is between $150 and $350, depending on where you live.
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