Facial Hair Removal

Facial Hair Removal is the process aimed at removal of unwanted hair on the face. This article tries to explore different methods of facial hair removal with their level of effectiveness and side effects.

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There are many reasons that women grow hair on their face. Some women (10%) suffer from a reproductive disease called Pollycystic Ovarian Syndrome. One symptom for approximately 75% of those with this disease is excess facial hair (usually a "mustache" on the upper lip or on stray hairs the chin).

Other causes are the regular hormonal changes that take place during menopause, and side effects of certain drugs for example Dilantin-used for Epilepsy treatment. One other cause that some people don’t think of very often is hypothyroidism, while on the one hand it does cause scalp hair to fall out, it also causes excess facial hair.

Most of the society considers facial hair to be a manly trait and thus unattractive on women, thus the reason many women seek a method of facial hair removal. There are many methods available with varying levels of ease, effectiveness, and side effects. Most methods are not state regulated and therefore caution should be used.

Methods of Facial Hair Removal

Epilation/Plucking or sometimes called "tweezing" as it is done with tweezers. Although this is the all-time safest method to use it definitely is not painless. Although there are those who insist that one can "get used to the pain", this author (and probably many with extremely sensitive nerve endings) certainly disagrees and prefers other painless methods. Side effects: pain, ingrown hairs, redness, irritation, scarring. Effectiveness: two to eight weeks

Bleaching - Bleaching is the quickest and simplest method. Also it has the least side effects and is painless. There are bleaching kits available that are inexpensive. While it is certainly among the safest, if the skin is irritated then it should be avoided.

Shaving -Although shaving might be appropriate for a woman’s legs, the facial skin is a bit more delicate and should be treated with additional care. In addition, shaving may leave a portion of the hair follicle that extends above the surface of the hair (commonly known as "stubble") and give away the fact that you shave to people you probably would not want to know (like the guy you’re dating.) Side effect-minor cuts, ingrown hairs, chemical dermatitis. Effectiveness: eight hours to three days.

Depilatory creams: These creams contain chemicals that dissolve the hair follicles. This method used correctly (do not leave on longer than usual) is usually painless. However, much like getting a perm, there is a horrible smell afterwards. While the smell (the result of sulfur, a byproduct of the chemical reaction used to dissolve the hair follicle) does not last as long as it does with a perm, it is definitely there! Side effects: Both allergic and chemical dermatitis (test on hidden spot on skin beforehand). Effectiveness: up to two weeks.

Laser - This method is best used by fair skinned women with dark hair, because the laser beam is attracted by the dark pigment (melanin) in the hair and then destroys it. Grey hair and white hair are not affected by the treatment. In addition, a person whose skin tone is darker will "distract" the laser and not only will not as much hair be removed, but it could burn the skin. Side effects: swelling redness, pain, either increased or decreased skin pigmentation. Effectiveness: at least three months. This is also the most expensive treatment.

Electrolysis - This method is the least tested and the practice has the least standards. It is also requires the most patience, and the highest pain tolerance as it is done one hair at a time. A needle is put next to the hair follicle and electricity is shot through the hair and then it is plucked using tweezers. Side effects: not possible for use with patients who have pacemakers, swelling, redness, pain, scars, pigment changes, keloid formation. Effectiveness: depending upon provider and method used it is thought to be permanent. This procedure can be quite expensive.

These are the main methods of facial hair removal, however, there are always new methods on the market for example there is a new prescription oral medication that has been researched recently, and another topical facial hair removal just for women. Others soon may be on the market also.

Facial hair removal can be painful and expensive so a woman needs to take care in finding an appropriate method for herself. When choosing laser or electrolysis she needs to take care to look for a professional who follows a high standard and who is well known for good results on other clients.

If, for some reason, these methods and products do not work for you, or if you are concerned that there is some other underlying cause for your unnatural hair grown then be sure to ask your doctor. Generally, this is a topic that doctors do not think to bring up, so don’t be afraid to ask your doctor about.