Facial hair can cast shadows on the skin, making the complexion appear darker and obscuring its natural texture. This often affects women's self-esteem, as it contradicts the societal expectation of a "perfectly groomed lady."
While many opt for traditional hair removal methods to tackle unwanted facial hair, bleaching offers an alternative by lightening the hair and enhancing the skin's brightness with minimal effort. However, it's important to note that this method is not entirely without risks.
In this article, we will explore the uses, advantages, potential side effects, and how to effectively use facial hair bleach.
Table of Contents:
Part 1: Understanding Facial Hair Bleaching
Facial hair bleach is a combination of a cream base and a powdered activator that enhances its effectiveness. The activator works as a chemical agent that breaks down melanin in the hair, effectively stripping it of its color. As a result, the hair blends with the skin tone, making it less visible. Common ingredients found in bleaching powders include hydrogen peroxide, sodium hypochlorite, ammonia, and mercury, which lighten the hair shaft by reducing melanin levels. In addition to brightening the facial hair, bleaching can also create a more even and luminous skin tone.
Bleaching is particularly effective on fine, unprocessed hair, such as the peach fuzz that may be found on the face. It is often applied to areas like the upper lip, sideburns, cheeks, forehead, and unibrow. However, it may not yield desired results on denser chin hair, requiring the use of more activator for that region.
Part 2: Possible Side Effects of Bleaching Facial Hair
Although bleaching is a relatively simple and nearly painless method for addressing unwanted facial hair, it does come with certain side effects that should be considered.
Part 3: The Transformation: Before and After Bleaching Facial Hair
Bleaching facial hair can significantly enhance the texture, tanning, pigmentation, and overall appearance of the skin. With an appropriate amount of bleach tailored to the hair's density and thickness, the results can lead to virtually invisible hair.
Visual results from before and after bleaching can be seen in the accompanying images.
Part 4: A Comprehensive Guide to Bleaching Facial Hair
Below is your essential step-by-step guide for effectively bleaching facial hair.
Step 1: Prepare Your Skin
Begin by thoroughly washing your face and hands to ensure the area is sanitized, thus minimizing potential side effects. Use a headband to keep your hair away from your face.
Optionally, apply a moisturizing toner to prepare the skin and allow your face to air dry.
Step 2: Mix the Bleach Cream
Refer to the instructions on your bleach cream package. Typically, the best ratio for mixing is 7 parts cream to 1 part activator. Use a spatula to blend in a plastic bowl until the mixture is uniform.
Step 3: Apply the Bleach Mixture
Using the spatula, spread the mixture evenly across your face, ensuring that the hair is fully covered without applying too thick a layer. Be careful to avoid the eye area and any spots with active acne.
Step 4: Monitor the Progress
Set a timer for 8 minutes before checking a small patch to assess the progress. Depending on the results, you can leave the bleach on for a few additional minutes, but be cautious not to exceed 15 minutes in total.
Step 5: Remove the Bleach
Once the desired effect is achieved, gently remove the bleach with a moist cotton pad and wash your face thoroughly with cold water and a gentle cleanser to ensure no chemical residue remains on your skin.
Step 6: Care After Bleaching
Finally, soothe your skin by applying ice wrapped in a clean cloth and follow up with a good moisturizer. It's essential to avoid sun exposure for 24 hours post-bleaching.
Part 5: Natural Remedies for Bleaching Facial Hair
Commercial bleaches may not be suitable for those with sensitive skin due to their chemical compositions. Therefore, here are some homemade bleaching alternatives.
1. Tomato or Potato
Both tomatoes and potatoes are natural bleaching agents; tomatoes are rich in lycopene, while potatoes contain azelaic acid. These substances can help lighten the skin tone and reduce the visibility of facial hair.
You can rub a slice of tomato or potato directly on your skin or create a juice mixture with lemon juice for enhanced effects.
2. Papaya and Milk
Papaya, which contains alpha-hydroxy acids, combined with lactic acid from milk, creates an effective mixture for lightening facial hair and brightening the skin.
Mix these two ingredients in a ratio of 5:1 to create a facial bleach mask.
3. Orange Peel Powder and Yogurt
Rich in citric acid and vitamin C, orange peel powder helps brighten the skin and reduce melanin production in hair, while yogurt's lactic acid adds to the skin-benefiting properties.
Applying an orange peel powder and yogurt mask daily can effectively help in bleaching facial hair.
Part 6: Top Facial Hair Bleaching Creams and Kits
Here are three of the best facial hair bleaching kits available, designed to last for multiple uses. Additionally, single-use packs are offered for those who prefer one-time applications.
1. Sally Hansen Extra Strength Creme Bleach, Complete Kit
This kit includes a cream, an activator, a pre-treatment conditioner, a mixing bowl, and a spatula, providing everything needed from preparation to application.
The results are visible in just 8 minutes, and the aloe vera infusion makes it gentle on the skin, while the sweet almond scent enhances the user experience.
2. Jolen Mild 30 ml Facial Bleach Cream Kit
Renowned for its mild chemical formulation and the inclusion of aloe vera, Jolen cream is one of the best options on the market. Importantly, it does not contain mercury. The kit also includes a mixing bowl, a spatula, an activator, and cream.
This versatile kit is effective for both facial and body hair.
3. VLCC Insta Glow Diamond Bleach
The VLCC Insta Glow Diamond bleach kit features diamond hasma and aloe vera for skin purification and hydration.
It offers pre- and post-bleaching treatments, along with an activator and bleach cream. However
