How To Get Rid Of Unwanted Facial Hair

When you have unwanted facial hair, especially if you're a woman, you most likely want to get rid of it. Luckily, there are a few treatment options currently available that can help stop the growth of facial hair. Most require a consultation with a medical professional or certified electrologist, but should provide you with a hair-free appearance for a prolonged period of time.

Step 1

Talk to your doctor or dermatologist about products and procedures that can help you get rid of unwanted facial hair. As advances are made in medicine, new medical treatments may become available. A health-care provider can make you aware of all of your options.

Step 2

Apply a medicated cream containing eflornithine, advises the Mayo Clinic. This is an option for women suffering from unwanted facial hair. Although it doesn't actually get rid of the hair itself--you'll still need to remove the hair prior to application--you can experience a slowing in the growth of hair, especially along the upper lip and chin.

Step 3

Consider using laser hair removal. One of the more permanent methods of hair removal, laser hair removal utilizes a low-level laser to damage the follicle, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. This causes the follicle to go dormant and no longer produce hair. Follow-up treatments may be necessary after 12 months or longer.

Step 4

Try electrolysis. The second form of permanent hair removal, electrolysis administers an electrical impulse directly into the follicle, destroying it so you no longer experience hair growth, according to the American Electrology Association.

Tips and Warnings

The Mayo Clinic recommends that you allow eflornithine to dry completely before applying any other skin-care products or makeup. If you don't, it could reduce the efficacy of the medication.
The Mayo Clinic also mentions that there are herbal variations of eflornithine; however, their efficacy and potential side effects are not currently proven. If you want to use this product, stick with the prescription version. Some women experience a slight skin irritation and even a stinging sensation from the application of eflornithine. These side effects are temporary.