Facial Hair Removal for Men and Women

Contrary to popular belief, hair removal is an old practice, and has witnessed a phenomenal growth in recent times. Nowadays, removing undesirable facial hair is not just a concern for women, as men are also showing a growing interest on the subject. Discover some popular hair removal techniques that range from simple methods like shaving and threading to the use of highly specialized facial hair removal machines.

Unwanted hair on the face or facial hair, is perhaps one of the most annoying problem for women, but is not such a big issue for men. Still, some men prefer a clean shaven look and want to get rid of such undesirable facial hair, permanently. On the other hand, facial hair is the worst thing that almost every women wants to get rid of for enhancing her beauty. In recent times, we have seen a growing trend in the popularity of hair removal techniques. Here is a brief account of the different techniques of facial hair removal for women and men.

Facial Hair Removal for Men and Women

Shaving, threading, waxing, laser and electrolysis are some of the popular techniques employed for facial hair removal. Out of these, some are very easy and simple, but can remove facial hair only temporarily. However, a few of them can permanently remove facial hair, but are expensive and involve certain risks. Let's have a look at the various aspects of these popular facial hair removal systems.

Shaving

Shaving is perhaps one of the most popular and the oldest techniques of facial hair removal for men. It is quite simple, less time consuming and doe not involve any major side effect. This usually involves the use of an electric razor, a straight razor, or a disposable razor, to cut the hair from the face. It is also the most inexpensive method employed for facial hair removal, but it cannot remove hair permanently. However, it is not a preferred option for women, as it causes redness and skin irritation and also for the belief that this method makes the hair strand thicker.

Chemical Depilatory

Use of chemical depilatories, commonly known as facial hair removal creams, is another inexpensive method for hair removal. They usually contain chemicals like calcium hydroxide, sodium or calcium thioglycolate that dissolve the hair follicles, but do not affect the roots, for which it is only effective in removing facial hair from the surface. The hairs generally grow again within a few days. Sometimes, these hair removal creams can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. Therefore, it is advisable to apply them on a small patch of skin before applying on the face. If it causes skin irritation, then it should not be used on the face.

Threading

Threading is a popular method for women facial hair removal. Of course, this can also be used by men, but the process is more effective in removing unwanted facial hair from a small patch of skin rather than a large area. As women do not have hair on the entire face, it is more effective for facial hair removal in women. The process involves the use of a cotton thread that is twitched and then rolled over the hair to pull it out from the root. The main disadvantages of this process are that it is painful and the hair grows back within a very short time.

Waxing

Waxing is another method that can remove hair from the roots. For this, sticky wax is applied on a small area and a piece of cloth or a paper strip is placed over it. Then the cloth or the paper is pulled off in the opposite direction of hair growth with a quick movement. Hair removed in this way, usually takes a longer time period to grow back than shaving, threading and the application of hair removal creams. However, it can cause several side effects like skin rashes, ingrown hair, inflammation and infection of the hair follicles, minor bleeding and allergic reactions.

Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is one of the permanent hair removal systems, which uses laser beams for destroying hair follicles. The melanin pigment present on hairs attracts the laser beams, which in turn burns down the hair follicles. Therefore this method is suitable for individuals with dark hair and light skin and not for those with dark skin and light hair. If used on dark skin, it can cause burns and pigmentation. On the other hand, as light hair does not contain any melanin pigment, they would not attract laser beams and hence the technique would be ineffective. Laser hair removal systems can remove hair permanently or at least reduce hair growth significantly.

Electrolysis

Electrolysis is comparatively less expensive than laser hair removal systems and is suitable for anyone irrespective of their skin or hair coloration. It involves the application of electric currents through a metal probe or needle, inserted into the hair follicles. The electric shock produced by the current destroys the hair follicles. The process is quite time consuming and requires multiple sessions, as each hair follicle has to be removed individually. But it is regarded by many as the best way to remove facial hair permanently. However, the process is painful and can lead to scarring.

However, before opting for any of the methods for facial hair removal, it is important to consider all the aspects like cost, time, risk and side effects involved in the process and also the effectiveness of the various methods. Besides this, the sophisticated methods of hair removal like laser and electrolysis, should be done only under the supervision of a certified professional.