“Depilation, shaving, tweezing, threading, waxing and epilation are temporary methods to remove facial hair”
Hereditary and hormonal factors have a role to play In most cases of excessive facial hair growth. Hormonal activity or imbalances can also trigger off facial hair growth. For instance, during menopause women experience a sudden growth of facial hair. Coarse and thick growth of hair, especially on the face, is not desirable. And all women are troubled by the development of hair, because it detracts from femininity. Thus, it is facial hair indeed that causes the most anxiety for women.
Actually, all parts of the body have hair but when the growth is coarse and thick, it becomes a problem, and more so, when the face is concerned. Certain medical conditions like PCOS, or polycystic ovarian syndrome, can also lead to growth of facial hair. There are also other causes for excessive facial hair growth and one should consult an endocrinologist to seek advice and treatment. Nevertheless, here are some methods to remove facial hair.
Temporary And Permanent Hair Removal
Methods of facial hair removal fall into two categories – temporary and permanent. The method should be chosen according to the quantity or the thickness of the hair, the site and rate of growth. It is also essential to get information about the advantages and disadvantages of the various methods.
Different Methods To Remove Facial Hair
Temporary hair removalSeveral hair removal creams
However, chemical hair removal creams can sometimes cause skin discolouration (dark patches) and should preferably be avoided on the face, especially on the upper lip area, which is particularly sensitive. Needless to say, a hair removing cream should be patch-tested before use. This is done by applying it on the inner arm. If there is a reaction within 10 to 15 minutes, it should not be used.
Threading & Tweezing
An effective and common facial hair removal method is threading. This popular method of hair removal is useful for shaping the eyebrows and also for removal of facial hair, on areas like the upper lip and chin. There may be slight redness after threading. which reduces in a day.
Tweezing is another method where one hair is removed at a time. This is a suitable method for shaping the eyebrows, or to remove solitary hairs from the chin area, or even the eyebrows. It can also be used to remove any solitary hair that may be left out after threading. However, a word of caution – hair from a mole must not be removed, without consulting a doctor.
The Waxing Method
Waxing can also be used for facial hair removal and soft, strip waxing is useful. Roll-on waxing kits are also available and it is said to be a breakthrough technology that can be used for facial hair. This method is fast becoming popular because it is easy to use and also more hygienic than other procedures.
The results are also said to be longer- lasting. This relatively new method has a roll-on applicator, which is placed in a device that heats the product, but at a low temperature. It is then rolled on the area and removed with a strip. Roll-on waxing is useful in the removal of short facial hair.
Hair Removal With Laser
Hair removal by laser is becoming increasingly popular as a permanent method. The world ‘LASER’ is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. In this method, hair follicles absorb an intense beam of light produced by the laser and this disables the capability of the hair follicles to produce hair. The heat produced by the laser light is controlled by the operator.
A strong laser light leads to more heat. That is why cooling devices are used to protect the skin from damage. Laser light is capable of scanning broader areas and therefore, it may require fewer sessions. However, it should be done under the supervision of a doctor as laser procedures also carry the risk of skin burns due to excessive heat from the laser light. Regrowth occurs in some cases, but is slower and scantier.
Laser can be used to remove hair from the entire face, or from particular areas, like the upper lip, chin or cheeks. The time taken for the actual treatment is not much. Also, as regrowth may occur, one may have to repeat the treatment after four or five months.
Caution
It is very important to find a laser clinic of good reputation. It is an expensive procedure and one should also discuss the approximate number of sessions that may be needed.
