15 effective ways, how and with what, to remove facial hair

Classic shaving (pros and cons)

This facial hair removal method is done at home. It is extremely simple, does not require special expenses, and is quite effective.

To remove vegetation, machines, trimmers, and shaving machines are used.

After cutting the hair shaft, its root remains inside the skin. The cells of the hair follicle actively stimulate hair growth, so within 1-2 days stubble appears on the face.

To prevent irritation, dryness, and injury to the skin, it is recommended to start shaving the hair according to its growth using special shaving cosmetics (foam, gel). And only after that, shave against the grain to achieve perfect smoothness.

It may be tempting to shave off your chin hair with a razor, but don't do it! This can cause the hairs to become coarse and you may also experience ingrown hairs.

Hair removal master Gina Petak

If the hairs have increased rigidity and are dark in color, then shaving them will be noticeable immediately after the procedure.

This is the case when the smoothly shaved skin of a man’s face acquires a bluish tint in the hair growth area. That is why this method is most suitable for removing facial hair in men.

In addition, shaving hairs in the area of ​​the lips, chin, cheekbones, and temples leads to their thickening and increased density. Therefore, if a woman shave her face at least once, she will be faced with the need to repeat this procedure again and again.

How to remove facial hair with a thread step by step: instructions

There is one, not yet very popular way to remove hair on the face, as well as on the entire body - this is to remove it with a thread. In Russia, this method is not very popular because few people know about it. It's called trading.

Using the thread is quite simple. For this:

Remove hair with thread

• Take a thread approximately 50 cm long and fold it in half
• Grab the thread with your thumb and forefinger to form an oval and twist it a couple of times
• After this, move the center of the thread to one side. You should have one loop smaller than the second
• Place a large section on the hairs, and place the second under them
• Now sharply stretch the loop that is below

It may not work right away, the first time. Still, the method requires certain skills. Although, if you learn and adapt, it will be easy. You can remove hair in this way from any part of the body.

This technique is distinguished by its simplicity and many advantages. First of all, this is a cheap method, and it is not too traumatic. Although, the result will not last long.

To carry out the procedure, it is best to use silk or cotton threads. If there is inflammation or moles, postpone the use of thread.

Mechanical plucking (tweezers and threads)

This method means using tweezers or thread.

Using tweezers is advisable if excess hair grows sporadically on the face. For example, to correct the shape of the eyebrows or remove individual noticeable hairs in the beard area, above the upper lip.

The procedure is accompanied by slight discomfort. In the process of pulling out the hair, its follicle is damaged. As a result, its activity is suppressed and the growth of the hair shaft slows down. The effect may last for several weeks.

It is recommended to grab the hair at the root, as close to the skin as possible, to prevent it from breaking and preserving the bulb inside the skin.

Another effective method of mechanical impact on vegetation is threading. The method involves the use of thread woven in a special way.

The loops grab the hair shaft at the root and pull it out with the bulb. You can watch the technique of removing facial hair with thread in the video.

Unlike tweezers, threading allows you to get rid of several hairs at once, including vellus hairs. Thanks to this, the procedure is much faster and more efficient.

Advantages of mechanical removal:

• versatility - suitable for removing hairs regardless of their hardness and color;
• can be done at home or in the salon;
• persistent and long-lasting effect.

Flaws:

1. Slight irritation may occur.
2. Painful sensations during the procedure.
3. To remove facial hair with a thread, you need to master the proper twisting technique.

Execution technique

The number of procedures depends on the patient’s hormonal background, hair structure and individual physiology. Laser hair removal ensures the removal of 60-70% of hair, the rest grows thin and brittle, without creating discomfort for the client.

The main advantage of laser removal is that this procedure is suitable for treating large areas, does not cause pain, and has a positive effect on the condition of the skin.

Elos technology, which combines the effects of a laser and an electric beam, is considered the most effective in removing red, blond and gray hair. The absence of pain is achieved using a cooling system - only the hair and its root process are affected.

Step by step action:

• The laser beam heats the hair up to the follicle;
• Electricity passing through a heated hair completely destroys its follicle.

Vegetation no longer appears in treated areas. In order for the procedure to be painless and safe, it is important to prepare for it correctly. What do you need to remember? 2 weeks before laser treatment, do not be exposed to ultraviolet radiation (natural tanning, solarium).

On the day of hair removal, do not use cosmetics in the area exposed to laser and electric current, in order to avoid burns and scarring of the tissue. The day before the procedure, it is forbidden to take a hot bath. Hair can be cut to a level no higher than 1 mm.

On a note! It is impossible to completely remove gray hair in one procedure, since the beam affects only active follicles, and dormant ones are considered invisible to it.

After a certain period (1-2 months), the follicles wake up and hair begins to grow, which can later also be removed with laser. On average, at least 3-4 procedures will be required to achieve the desired result.

Soft depilation with cream (4 pros and 4 cons)

Depilatory creams remove hair by dissolving keratin within the hair shaft. This is done using the following chemicals in the composition:

• sulfides and thioglycolate salts - destroy the hair shaft, weaken the connection between protein chains;
• sodium or calcium hydroxide - softens hair, creates an alkaline environment that facilitates the penetration of thioglycolates.

Creams remove vegetation absolutely painlessly. The rate of dissolution of the rod depends on the concentration of the active substances and the thickness of the hair itself.

Facial hair removal products contain fewer active ingredients to prevent skin irritation.

The follicle remains intact, so the effect is short. But it is a little longer than after shaving (from 3 to 5 days), because the active ingredients penetrate the skin and destroy hair not only on its surface.

In addition, to slow down hair growth, manufacturers add special ingredients (substances of plant and synthetic origin).

Depilatory creams can cause serious allergies, so it is recommended to perform an allergy test on the elbow before use.

Pay attention to what part of the body the cream is intended for.

Dermatologist Michelle Green

Infernal machine (epilator)

The device is an electrical device that grabs hairs and pulls them out by the roots using rotating and touching discs.

Unlike an epilator for the body, the device for the face has several differences:

• smaller epilating head;
• elongated shape, convenient for point application.

Long-term results are the main advantage of the epilator. A new hair follicle appears 3-4 weeks after the procedure.

Disadvantage: pain, skin injury, irritation. However, most users note that the pain threshold increases with regular use, and over time the discomfort becomes less noticeable.

We definitely don't recommend waxing or epilating your nose hair at home. It is better to trim the nose hairs on the inner nostril. But make sure you use clean scissors to avoid infection and irritation.

Hair removal master Gina Petak

Question answer

Of course, the best way, perhaps, is laser and photoepilation. But, unfortunately, not everyone can afford to go to the salon. In such cases, other methods are also suitable. Shaving is considered the least expensive and easiest way. But it is not suitable for women, since stubble will grow on the face, which looks much worse than extra hairs.

Yes, a man can also use the sugaring procedure. You just have to trust a professional who will select the right paste.

Yes, if you turn to traditional methods, you can find some interesting options. But they are ineffective and cannot eliminate hair forever.

Wax and sugaring

Removing facial hair with wax or sugar paste is considered one of the radical painful methods. It feels similar to the effect of an epilator.

The differences between waxing and sugaring lie in the method of applying the composition and the hair removal technique.

Wax is applied according to hair growth and removed against it. Sugar paste is the opposite. Because of this, the latter procedure is considered less painful.

Use hard wax and apply it in the direction of hair growth, then pull the wax out in the opposite direction of hair growth.

Esthetician Cynthia Rivas

Hair removal can be done at home or in a beauty salon. Waxing is more accessible at home, since you can easily find ready-made wax or wax strips on sale, but sugar paste is not so common.

You cannot buy consumables for sugaring in all cosmetic stores, since the procedure appeared not so long ago.

These methods are highly effective. The result lasts up to 2-3 weeks.

Among the disadvantages:

• Not all hairs are always removed the first time;
• soreness.

To remove as many hairs as possible at one time, it is recommended to grow them by at least 4-5 mm, otherwise the epilating composition will not be able to capture all the hair.

People with sensitive skin may experience irritation more often.

Dermatologist Michelle Green

Popular methods

The most popular methods are those with mechanical action - plucking, using a razor, cream and wax for hair removal.

And in recent years, sugar depilation and the use of Rivanol, which effectively help fight excess facial hair, have also become increasingly popular.

Traditional method

Shaving involves applying a special cream or gel to the area with excess hair (above the lip or on the chin) and carefully cutting off the hairs with a razor.

Shaving unwanted hair is the most common, but not the most effective method.

In addition to the fact that when using a razor, only the visible part of the hair is removed, with repeated shaving, it begins to grow faster and thicker, becoming more noticeable on the face.

Girls not only pluck their eyebrows; tweezers are often used to combat mustaches, but only if the hairs grow here and there. This action also removes the hair follicle.

Both methods require constant repetition at varying intervals depending on how quickly new vegetation appears.

Depilatory cream

The use of special creams allows you to perform depilation at home at any convenient time.

Such products are easy to use - they need to be applied to the problem area, wait a few minutes, as indicated in the instructions for the specific cream. Then, remove the cream using a special scraper or rinse with water.

This method allows you to remove even fairly coarse hairs. But its action is directed only at the shaft, and not at the hair follicle.

Therefore, depending on individual characteristics, this procedure will have to be repeated every 3-7 days.

Indications for facial mesotherapy with hyaluronic acid and the price of the procedure. Read reviews about nose correction with fillers here.

At this address we will tell you in detail about septoplasty of the nasal septum.

Hair removal with sugar

Sugar hair removal is also called sugaring. It is quite effective and is especially popular as it removes hair for up to three weeks.

To do this, you can use a ready-made paste, which is purchased in cosmetic stores, or prepare it yourself.

To prepare you will need:

• freshly squeezed juice of half a lemon;
• 1 tablespoon of purified water;
• 10 tablespoons of granulated sugar.

All ingredients are mixed in a metal container, placed on low heat, and stirring constantly until golden brown. The mixture should become viscous. After the bubbles disappear, the mass is cooled.

Before the procedure, it is recommended to treat the problem area with a scrub, and then dry the skin well and degrease with talcum powder or baby powder.

The paste is applied against hair growth and pulled off with a sharp movement in the opposite direction.

The disadvantages of this method of hair removal are its pain (especially during the first procedures), as well as the need to grow hair to a length of 5 mm.

Using resin or wax

You can buy wax at any cosmetics store. It is melted in a water bath and then applied to the mustache along the hair growth with a stick, which usually comes complete with wax or resin.

Then the composition is covered with paper or a fabric strip, and after the mass hardens, the wax is torn off in one movement against the hair growth.

Special wax strips are also sold, the use of which is very convenient. There is no need to melt the wax, just rub the strips thoroughly.

This hair removal is very effective, as it removes unwanted hair for several weeks, but it is painful during the procedure. Therefore, some women use a numbing cream before use.

Rivanol solution

Rivanol is a disinfectant and healing agent, but its special property is the removal of vegetation on the skin. Many women use this drug for hair removal as it is safe and very effective.

Rivanol is especially effective on fine hairs, as they fall out completely; in other cases, it may be necessary to use other hair removal methods.

Rivanol affects the hair follicles so that the hair weakens and falls out; over time, it grows back, but becomes thinner and weaker.

To prepare the solution, use 10 g of Rivanol powder and one liter of purified water. The resulting product must be treated with a mustache or chin once a day; the effect becomes noticeable after 1-1.5 weeks. It is not recommended to use Rivanol for longer than two weeks.

Attention! The drug can cause allergic reactions, so it is necessary to conduct a test before using it on the face.

To do this, apply the solution to the delicate skin at the elbow and monitor the reaction throughout the day - if there is no redness, and no irritation or itching appears, Rivanol can be used on the face.

In the video, watch how to properly prepare paste for sugaring at home.

Laser and photoepilation (3 differences)

These procedures are considered one of the most effective. The essence of the methods is selective photothermolysis.

Light radiation selectively heats tissue (namely the dark pigment melanin, which is located in the shaft and root of the hair).

The capillaries that nourish the hair follicle are destroyed. Over time, the follicle is destroyed and falls out along with the hair. After several sessions with an interval of 2-3 weeks, it is possible to achieve complete elimination of vegetation.

However, it should be borne in mind that light exposure is effective against mature hair follicles and hair, so after a few years new vegetation may sprout. Its volume, as a rule, does not exceed 30-40% of the total amount of hair before the procedure.

If you complete the full course, you can remove from 70% to 90% of the hair in the treated area permanently.

Dermatologist Michelle Green

Differences between laser and photoepilation:

1. The laser beam has a fixed length and depth of impact; photoepilation destroys vegetation with broadband radiation in short-term flashes. Because of this, the effect is carried out not only on the hair, but also partially on the skin.
2. The power of a photoepilator is less than that of a laser hair removal machine, so the number of procedures to achieve the effect may be greater.
3. Photoepilation effectively combats vellus hair by covering a larger area with light waves (but provided there is a sufficient amount of melanin).

Flaws:

• low effectiveness on light hair, no effect on gray hair;
• discomfort during the procedure;
• the price for laser facial hair removal is quite high - 1500-2000 rubles. in Russia.

Facial hair removal with laser

The cosmetologist acts on the selected area of ​​the skin with a directed beam. When light reaches the lower layers of the epidermis, the hair follicle is destroyed. The skin remains unharmed. However, to achieve a good result, you need to attend several laser hair removal sessions.

Laser hair removal will help you get rid of facial hair for a long time, but maintenance sessions will need to be repeated every five years

Preparation for the procedure

Before the procedure, you must comply with a number of restrictions:

1. For at least 2–3 months, stop plucking and removing hair in the area that will be subject to laser hair removal.
2. Avoid tanning in the sun or in a solarium. Otherwise, pigment spots may appear.
3. A week before the procedure, avoid the use of lotions and tonics, and on the appointed day, avoid deodorant and any cosmetics.

Progress of the procedure

Depending on the area of ​​the treated surface on the face, the laser hair removal procedure can take from ten minutes to one and a half hours:

1. The doctor determines the phototype of skin and hair.
2. Based on the results, the optimal laser hair removal method is selected.
3. Based on the sensitivity of the patient, the appropriate anesthetic is prescribed.
4. An anesthetic cream is applied to the skin an hour before the procedure.
5. Both the doctor and the patient need to protect their eyes with special glasses.
6. A emitting device is directed onto a clean and dry skin surface, which generates laser pulses. Each of them is accompanied by activation of the cooling system. This eliminates pain and prevents inflammation.

Video: process of facial hair removal using laser

Precautionary measures

After laser hair removal it is prohibited:

• visit baths, saunas and solariums;
• take antibiotics, hormonal drugs;
• tear off crusts from wounds that may form after the procedure.

Contraindications

The laser hair removal procedure has a number of contraindications:

• hormonal imbalance;
• varicose veins;
• the period of breastfeeding, as well as pregnancy itself;
• oncological diseases;
• dermatological diseases.

Electrolysis

This is another effective method to remove facial hair permanently. It is based on the effect of an electric current discharge on the hair root.

As a result, a thermal or chemical (depending on the type of procedure) burn of the hair follicle and irreversible death of its cells and capillaries occurs.

An electrical discharge is applied through a thin needle, which is inserted into the hair canal up to the hair follicle.

It can be constant, variable, with different intensity and duration of exposure.

These characteristics are selected individually for each patient, taking into account:

• hair stiffness;
• features of their growth (ingrown, curved or straight);
• density and other factors.

The procedure is associated with a violation of the integrity of the skin, therefore it is carried out exclusively in specialized medical centers.

Accompanied by pain, skin irritation (hyperemia), sometimes hemorrhages, and burns.

The duration of the rehabilitation period can vary from 2 days to several months, depending on the selected treatment mode and the area of ​​the treated area.

After electrolysis, the skin needs special care and following several recommendations:

1. Do not get the treated area wet.
2. It is necessary to limit exposure to sunlight and water procedures (baths, saunas, swimming pools, ponds).
3. Do not use aggressive cosmetics that can cause irritation (scrubs, lotions containing alcohol, etc.).
4. Requires the use of talc.

The advantage of this method is its high efficiency. If the procedure is carried out correctly, unwanted hair is removed forever, but more than one session is required to achieve this result.

Unlike photothermolysis or laser treatment, electrolysis is suitable for all hair types, regardless of color. And the cost of the procedure is lower - about 1000-1500 in Russia.

Disadvantages: pain, need for local anesthesia, possibility of allergy to the anesthetic.

Despite the fact that there are home devices, they show worse results. It is better to go to a professional who has been trained to perform the procedure.

Dermatologist Michelle Green

Reviews

Let's read what reviews facial hair removal procedures have.

IRINA, 29 YEARS OLD, RYAZAN:

“Every 3 weeks I sign up for a sugaring procedure.
I used to practice waxing, but it turned out to be more painful. I am satisfied with the effect, but for several days after the procedure the skin is sensitive and irritated, so I have to use soothing products. I plan to purchase sugar paste and carry out the procedure myself.”

VICTORIA, 31, ENGELS:

“I was looking for a suitable method of hair removal for a long time - I tried a lot of things: shaving, waxing, creams, electrolysis.
The most painless method for me is depilatory creams, but the effect lasts for a couple of days. Wax retains the result longer, so it is simply impossible to endure this torture every 2-3 weeks. I am very glad that I completed 6 photoepilation sessions. For six months now, the skin in the lip area has been without a single hair.”

INGA, 26 YEARS OLD, NOVOSIBIRSK:

“Before carrying out the laser facial hair removal procedure, I carefully read the reviews.
Most of them are positive, so I decided to sign up for a session. The cosmetologist immediately explained that for a full result, at least 5 procedures would be required. After the first, the hair above the upper lip became approximately 20-30% less.

A week ago I underwent my third procedure, and I am very pleased with the result. There is still hair left, but it is very sparse and almost invisible.”

NATALIA, 27 YEARS OLD, MOSCOW:

“I decided to find a way to permanently remove facial hair at home, after reading reviews and features of all possible procedures.
My hair is dark, so I opted for photoepilation. The device for the procedure is not cheap (up to 20 thousand rubles), but it is worth it. I use it not only on my face, but also on my armpits, bikini area, and legs.”

Folk remedies for combating facial hair

There are many folk remedies that can be used to quickly remove facial hair. Here are some of them:

• It is necessary to prepare a concentrated solution of potassium permanganate - it should be dark crimson in color. Use the resulting product to lubricate areas with unwanted facial hair up to 3-4 times a day. Over time they will begin to fall out. This is a fairly effective remedy, but if you use it more than 4 times a day, skin burns may occur. Also, you should not use it before going out - a solution of potassium permanganate can turn the skin pink.
• A 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide helps to lighten hairs well, making them less noticeable. To achieve the effect, you need to lubricate the skin above the lip twice a day.
• Mix 70 ml of alcohol with 10 ml of ammonia, 3 drops of iodine and 10 ml of castor oil. Treat problem areas with the resulting product twice a day. The effect will be noticeable after just a few uses. The hairs become thin and barely noticeable, and after about a week they begin to fall off.
• Pour 40 g of stinging nettle seeds into 100 ml of sunflower oil and leave for two weeks. Rub the resulting product into problem areas on the face 2 times a day. Use the product daily until the hairs disappear completely. It is suitable for all skin types.
• Boil 150 g of datura root in 1 liter of water for 30 minutes. Treat the area above the upper lip with the resulting product until the optimal effect is achieved.
• Grind the walnut shells in a coffee grinder. Dilute with water until you obtain a creamy slurry. Apply the resulting mixture to the problem area and leave for 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water. Repeat twice a day.

When using folk remedies, you must carefully monitor your feelings. If any side effects appear, their use will need to be stopped, since individual intolerance to some components is possible.

All methods of removing unwanted vegetation are quite effective. Some allow you to get rid of facial hair quickly and permanently, while others provide only a temporary effect. Each woman will choose the most suitable method for herself.

Expert opinion

• Cosmetologist
• Surgeon

Michelle Ellern

practicing cosmetologist-dermatologist

I would advise you to pay attention to salon methods. They work one hundred percent. This is photoepilation, laser removal. The fact is that the face is considered an important part, since attention is paid to it first. This is why shaving is not suitable for women.

Aisha Baron

plastic surgeon

Due to hormonal imbalances and taking specific medications, facial hair growth may increase.
In this case, you should go to the appropriate salons. Electrolysis is considered an effective method, but it must be performed by an experienced doctor. The fact is that only this method allows you to remove hair forever. For example, after the laser they will appear again, even after a long period. Facial hair does not make a person look good at all, especially if it concerns a woman. You shouldn’t increase your complexes; you need to start fighting excess vegetation.

There are many methods that we have told you about. Therefore, every woman will be able to choose her own option.

Causes of facial hair in women

The main cause of excess facial hair growth in women is increased levels of the hormone testosterone. Under normal conditions, the level of this hormone in the female body is quite low, but under certain circumstances it can increase:

• improper functioning of the endocrine system caused by long-term use of hormonal drugs (for example, contraceptives);
• genetic predisposition (observed in women in the Middle East and Latin America);
• oncological diseases;
• unbalanced nutrition, which disrupts the functioning of the liver and endocrine system.

Women over 50 often experience increased facial hair growth caused by decreased levels of the female hormone estrogen. There is no point in fighting this, because the aging process is natural, and taking hormonal drugs can damage other organs.

Video: causes of unwanted hair in women