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How do I get Rid of Unwanted Facial Hair?

By B. Miller
Updated May 17, 2024
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Unwanted facial hair is a common problem that many women deal with. There are a number of methods to get rid of unwanted facial hair, either permanently or temporarily, and the method you choose depends on a number of factors, including the price of the treatment as well as its effectiveness. Though shaving is, of course, an option, this is not a choice preferred by many women.

For fine and sparse facial hair, bleaching may be an option. Though this won't remove the hair, it can make it blend in with the skin, making it less noticeable. Usually, hair will need to be re-bleached every few weeks, but it is a fairly quick process that is intended to only take a few minutes, and the bleaching kits are inexpensive. Be sure to test the bleach on an inconspicuous area first to be sure you are not allergic.

Another way to get rid of unwanted facial hair is through plucking. Though plucking can be a painful process, it is also inexpensive and effective. To remove hair from larger areas, waxing or threading may be a better option. Threading must be done by a professional, but waxing can be done at home with kits purchased in drug stores.

Depilatory creams may be used to dissolve the hair, but these also need to be used regularly. There are additional creams that promise to stop the growth of hair, and make existing hair thinner and finer; though some people claim they work, there is still much debate about these products. All of these are temporary solutions to remove hair.

In order to get rid of unwanted facial hair permanently, it is necessary to visit a dermatologist. Two processes are used to treat unwanted facial hair: electrolysis and laser treatments. In electrolysis, a small needle is inserted into the hair follicle to destroy the follicle at the base. In a laser treatment, the hair follicle is damaged or destroyed by the laser beam. While laser treatments technically aren't permanent, many people find that they have far less hair regrowth. These treatments can be quite expensive and may require multiple sessions to be completely effective, and some people also find them to be painful.

A medical professional may be able to prescribe a medication to help stop the growth of unwanted facial hair, but this is usually only effective if the hair is caused by a hormonal imbalance in the body.

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Discussion Comments

By alex94 — On Feb 10, 2011

Many women look at facial hair as being unattractive and unappealing. Also, most women feel uncomfortable and self-conscious when they have a lot of facial hair. However, there are ways to prevent or slow down the growth of facial hair.

Many women pull out the razor when they see a few unwanted hairs on their face. That is usually a very bad idea. Once you start shaving your facial hair, it seems to grow back thicker.

Depending on where your facial hair is growing, there are different methods of removing it. For example, if you have thick or unmanageable eye brows, a good solution is to use tweezers. Tweezers are used to pluck individual hairs one by one around your eye brows. They are excellent for taking away those few hairs that are out of place.

By momothree — On Feb 09, 2011

I have tried facial waxing and plucking. Of the two, I think I prefer the plucking. Even though the waxing is much quicker and covers a larger area, it just hurts too much.

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