FACIAL HAIR REMOVAL

Naturally every woman could have very fine facial hair which is usually unnoticeable. 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").

Reasons for facial hair in women could be different but in most cases it is hormonal (excess secretion of male hormone androgen). 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.

Nowadays there are several effective methods for facial hair removal which could be divided into three groups:

HAIR REMOVAL – Bleaching

If you have fine thin hair on your face that is just a little bit too dark for your face and image, the bleaching could be the best option. Bleaching is the best choice when the facial hair is dark but it is not a good choice for dense hair like those on upper lip, neck and forehead. Bleaching cannot give the good effect in just one usage - you need to do it a few times to achieve a satisfactory result.

Bleaching is quick and painless but you never should use bleaching creams if you have irritated skin.

HAIR REMOVAL – Shaving

Shaving is not a good option for facial hair removal.

Shaving would not be recommended for facial hair removal because after shaving can become thicker and more noticeable. Even with special soaps and creams, facial hair shaving could damage and/or irritate the skin. Shaving leaves the skin reddening and leaves a masculine look. The effect of shaving could last only 1-3 days.

HAIR REMOVAL – Tweezing

If you have just a few stray facial hairs that bother you, tweezing could be the easy solution for you. Tweezing could help you to get rid of all the tiny hair follicles. With some experience it will take few minutes and you will get used to the pain sensation very quickly.

Tweezing is quick and will only need to be done once or twice a week, depending on how fast your hair grows. Sometimes the result of tweezing could be observed during 2-5 weeks.
Tweezing is not recommended for large surfaces.

Before tweezing the hot shower would be recommended – it will make the skin softer which will help then to avoid skin irritation.

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 – Depilatory Creams

Depilatory creams are made from some chemicals (calcium hydroxide, sodium or calcium thioglycolate, etc.) which can dissolve your facial hair (only from the surface). Depilatory creams are usually applied to the hair for a short period of time. After some time (depending on quality of cream and hair density) the depilatory cream eats away the hair shaft, sometimes below the surface of the skin. Most depilatory creams are usually left on for approximately 5-6 minutes and then wiped off of the skin.

Depilatory creams can give you few days without any facial hair on smooth skin – the effect of depilatory creams is short because they remove hair only from the surface. Hot shower would be recommended before applying the cream – it will soften the hairs and open skin pores, allowing the cream to work better.

Some women could be sensitive to depilatory creams. Depending on skin type, some depilatory creams can irritate or burn your skin and can leave your skin red. If you want to try these creams, test it on a patch of skin elsewhere on your body first.

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 – Sugaring

Sugaring is very similar to waxing - sugaring paste is applied on the face hair area and pulled off with a cotton strips in the opposite direction of hair growth. Many women prefer sugaring for facial hair removal because it is less painful, gentler to the skin and it can remove even very short hair.

 Two types of sugaring could be used for facial hair - paste and gel. Both types are made with natural ingredients (lemon juice, sugar, water).

Sugaring can be easily done at home – just be sure you have ready the following: ½ cup of water, 2 cups of sugar, 1/4 lemon juice, pan, flour, two-three cotton strips.

Preparation: combine water, sugar and lemon juice and mix them in a pan over medium heat; stir it until it becomes smooth; then let it cool down until it becomes warm.

Application: put a little flour on unwanted facial hairs; spread cooled paste over the hair you want to remove in the direction of hair growth (thin layer); place a cotton strip over it.  After 2-3 minutes you can pull of the harden strip.

HAIR REMOVAL – Electrolysis

Electrolysis is considered as a modern permanent hair removal techniques which can be used for facial unwanted hair. During electrolysis the hair follicle is destroyed by electric shock – it is done by sliding a needle into the skin, along the side of a hair; after that a short zap of electricity is shot through the hair to kill it; and then the hair is pulled out with tweezers.

Electrolysis could be recommended for unwanted facial hair but this method is not suitable for legs and/or bikini.

Not always the electrolysis can insure permanent hair removal - some hairs do grow back and some are missed and should be done again. Electrolysis is pretty slow and tedious procedure – only one hair can be done at a time.

Modern electrolysis equipments could be expensive but very effective. Home electrolysis is not recommended, as it is too easy to scar your skin if it is done incorrectly. Electrolysis requires considerable skills.

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.

HAIR REMOVAL with hair inhibitors

Hair inhibitors are special creams that slow down hair growth – they don't remove the excess hair instead they inhibit or slow down the process of hair growth. Hair inhibitors make hair look thinner and less noticeable – it takes long time to grow. These products can be bought in the form of cream or gel. It is possible to get better results when applying once or twice per day.