Best hair removal methods for face?

ANSWER from experts

Unwanted facial hair is a common problem for thousands of women. Facial hair could cause emotional problems, embarrassment and could affect women confidence. Unwanted hair could appear on the upper lip, chin, cheeks, jaw and sometimes on forehead (called "hirsutism").

Causes of hirsutism could be different including hormonal causes, tumor related, drug related, idiopathic, genetic or constitutional. If you have too much facial hair, better contact doctor endocrinologist.

In most cases hormonal dysfunctions (excess secretion of male hormone androgen) trigger hirsutism and facial hair grow. Sometimes the reason for facial hair in women could be increased sensitivity to normal concentration of hormones (mainly genetic).

Increased levels of androgens were mentioned in overweight and/or stressed women, in women with irregular periods, during pregnancy and/or menopause. In some cases increased levels of androgen could be triggered by medications.

Coil HAIR REMOVAL

Coil-system hair removal method could be perfect for eyebrows and other facial hairs. It is a metal coil that removes hair when rubbed against the skin of the face - simply push coil lever upwards with thumb. The hair removal effect is based on mechanical principals similar to threading. Coil removes the facial hairs by the root in one easy squeeze – it is very fast because you don't have to grab each follicle individually. It is very easy to use and it is small enough (about the size of a pen, but flexible) that it can fit into the tiniest of make-up bags.

HAIR REMOVAL – Threading

Threading is an ancient hair removal method - with string you can make precise eyebrow shaping and remove facial hair. It is the best way to remove all the tiny facial hair follicles. This hair removal method requires a pair of long strings to get smooth hairless skin. You don’t need to see facial hair - if you can feel the hair, threading can remove it.

The effect of this method could last up to 4-6 weeks (depending on skin and hair density). It would be recommended to have hot shower before threading so, that skin becomes soften.

Threading is pretty quick method, very cheap and uses no chemicals but requires lot of practice.

HAIR REMOVAL – Waxing

Waxing is a popular method for facial hair removal - it is used if you need to remove large amounts of hair from your face. Usually the warm layer of melted wax is applied to the facial hair and then pulled off once it cools - the wax strips should be pulled off quickly in the opposite direction of hair growth. This method needs some experience - if waxing is done correctly, you should be able to pull all hairs out by the roots. Waxing is known as a painful method but the results can last for weeks.

Waxing can be done in the salon or at home - it can be done quickly and easily, with smooth results. Home waxing kits are usually well designed, affordable and come with all needed elements. You should always follow product instructions to avoid any side effects (redness, scabs, burning, irritation).

Once you decided to do waxing for your facial hair, be sure that you use waxing made especially for facial hair (not for body, not for pubic hair).

HAIR REMOVAL – Laser

Laser is the modern hair removal method - the laser is drawn to the pigment of the hair and destroys that hair. Laser removal uses low intensity lasers to remove facial hair and it can remove up to a hundred or more hairs in one shot.

Women with darker skin are not good candidates for laser hair removal because the pigment in their skin may confuse the laser, and the hairs may be missed. Women with white or gray hairs are not good candidates also because it is very hard for the laser to recognize hairs (because of lack of pigment). Women with light skin are best candidates for laser hair removal. But with modern technologies it is becoming much easier to work with all types of hair.

Usually the laser beam is flashed at regular interval over the hair growth in order to deaden the hair follicle. Laser hair removal is absolutely pain-free but women could experience redness or slight swelling (depending on type of skin). The result can be observed up to a year.

Laser is the most expensive method of facial hair removal but it is considered to be the best facial hair removal technique. It should be done by a trained professional to avoid the risk of scars and burns.