Many women struggle with unwanted facial hair. While facial hair is normal, excessive hair growth can be embarrassing and difficult to deal with. Here are some of the main ways a female can stop facial hair growth and deal with unwanted hair on the face.
Understanding Facial Hair in Females
Before looking at ways to stop facial hair growth, it’s important to understand why some women grow more facial hair than others.
All women produce some testosterone, the male sex hormone. Those with higher levels may experience increased body and facial hair. Hirsutism is a condition marked by excess body or facial hair growth in women. It affects around 5-10% of women.
Common causes of hirsutism include:
- Genetics – family history of increased hair growth
- Medical conditions like PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome)
- Medications like steroids
- Menopause
Facial hair can appear at any age after puberty. It often develops gradually and may be triggered by hormonal changes. Areas like the upper lip, chin, sideburns, and chest are most commonly affected.
While socially unwelcome, facial hair itself is harmless. The amount and rate of growth varies significantly between individuals. Treatment is often sought for cosmetic reasons.
Methods to Remove Facial Hair
There are many ways women can remove unwanted facial hair. Both temporary and long-term solutions are available.
Shaving
Shaving is a simple, inexpensive way to quickly get rid of facial hair:
- Use a clean, sharp razor meant for sensitive areas
- Shave in the direction of hair growth
- Rinse the razor often to avoid irritation
- Moisturize after to prevent ingrown hairs
Results only last 1-3 days before hair starts growing back. Frequent shaving can also make hair feel coarser over time.
Depilatory Creams
Depilatory creams dissolve hair at the skin’s surface so it can be wiped away. They are applied for 5-10 minutes before being removed.
- Softens and weakens hair for easy removal
- Results last around 1 week
- Can cause skin irritation
- Some odor
These creams are relatively inexpensive and available over-the-counter. They provide longer lasting, though temporary, results compared to shaving.
Waxing/Sugaring
Waxing and sugaring involve applying a sticky substance that adheres to hair and pulls it out from the root when removed. This provides longer lasting results of around 3-6 weeks.
The process can be painful at first. Over time, hair may grow back thinner and softer. Waxing and sugaring kits are available, though professional services provide the best results.
Epilation
Epilators are electric devices that tweeze out multiple hairs at once from the root. Advantages include:
- Hair regrows slower and finer
- Can be used at home
- Provides weeks of smooth skin
The process can be uncomfortable, especially at first. Pain levels vary between individuals. Using an epilator properly minimizes discomfort.
Threading
Threading uses cotton thread to pull out hair directly from follicles. It’s a precise method commonly used for shaping eyebrows and removing facial hair such as upper lip hair.
- No chemicals used
- Long lasting results
- Takes skill and practice
Those new to threading may prefer having it done professionally. With practice, a threading kit can provide months of smooth skin between visits.
Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal uses pulses of laser light to destroy hair follicles, stopping future growth. It is a cosmetic procedure that requires multiple treatments over weeks or months. Benefits include:
- Long-lasting reduction in hair growth
- Hair regrows finer and lighter
- Works on most skin tones
Laser hair removal is more expensive than other methods but results are permanent. It works best for individuals with dark hair and light skin. Several sessions are required for optimal effectiveness.
Electrolysis
Electrolysis is a hair removal method that uses an electric current to permanently destroy individual hair follicles. Features include:
- Considered the only truly permanent method
- Effective on all skin and hair types
- Usually requires multiple sessions
Results are long-lasting after a series of treatments. As with laser hair removal, electrolysis can be pricey but is a permanent solution for facial hair removal.
Slowing Future Facial Hair Growth
In addition to removing existing hair, some methods can slow the regrowth of facial hair over time:
Prescription Medications
Medications like spironolactone or birth control pills can treat hormonal imbalances leading to excess hair growth. They help regulate androgen hormones.
- Effective for hirsutism or PCOS
- May take 3-6 months to see results
- Can have side effects
- Requires doctor supervision
Medications do not remove existing hair but can reduce new growth when used long-term. Treatment should be monitored by a doctor.
Eflornithine Cream
Eflornithine hydrochloride is a topical prescription cream that can slow facial hair growth. It may take several months to see results.
- Slows hair growth by up to 50%
- Helps improve results of other methods
- May cause irritation
- Requires twice daily application
Using eflornithine with other hair removal techniques may enhance their effectiveness. The medication can reduce the speed and thickness of new growth over time.
Light-Based Therapies
Laser, intense pulsed light (IPL), and other light therapies can slow hair regrowth after a series of treatments. Benefits include:
- Damages follicles to inhibit regrowth
- Can be used on all skin tones
- Multiple sessions needed
Light-based hair reduction provides long-lasting but not permanent results. Several sessions are required initially, with touch-up treatments recommended periodically.
Herbal Remedies
Some natural substances may inhibit facial hair growth when used consistently. These include:
- Spearmint tea – contains anti-androgens
- Turmeric – reduces hirsutism
- Green tea – decreases DHT hormone
- Saw palmetto – blocks testosterone production
Research is limited on herbal remedies for hair growth. While generally safe, they may interfere with other medications. It’s best to consult a doctor before using herbal supplements.
Other Tips for Managing Facial Hair
In addition to removal methods, the following tips can help keep facial hair under control:
- Tweeze stray hairs between other treatments
- Use a facial razor for peach fuzz in between sessions
- Avoid hair removal methods that break the skin
- Exfoliate regularly to prevent ingrown hairs
- Keep skin moisturized before and after hair removal
Proper skin care and maintenance helps any hair removal method be more effective. Avoiding dryness, irritation, and ingrown hairs improves results.
Finding the Right Facial Hair Removal Methods
Choosing suitable hair removal techniques involves considering:
- Amount and coarseness of hair growth
- Skin type and sensitivity
- Time commitment and convenience
- Permanence of results
- Budget and affordability
Those with minimal fine hair may prefer shaving or depilatory creams. For coarse dark hair, electrolysis and laser treatments provide longer lasting relief. Professional services are ideal but cost more.
It often takes trying different methods to find an optimal facial hair removal regimen. Underlying hormonal causes should be addressed as well. Working with a dermatologist or endocrinologist provides medical expertise.
Dealing with Facial Hair as a Woman
Here are some important points for women dealing with excess facial hair growth:
- Facial hair is common and many women struggle with it
- There are options available to remove hair temporarily or permanently
- Underlying causes like PCOS should be diagnosed and treated
- Results take consistency and patience over time
- Support groups can provide community and helpful advice
Although socially undesirable, facial hair is a medical condition that can be successfully treated. Being gentle with skin and consistent with methods brings optimal results over time.
When to Seek Professional Help
Consult a doctor or dermatologist if you experience:
- Sudden increased facial hair growth
- Hair growing in new places like cheeks or chest
- Other masculine signs like deepening voice or acne
- No improvement with self-treatment after 6 months
- Redness, bumps, or skin irritation from hair removal
A medical evaluation is recommended to check for underlying causes like hirsutism or hormonal disorders. Blood tests can help diagnose conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome.
Dermatologists or endocrinologists can provide prescription treatment options to address the root cause of excess hair growth. They can also perform permanent hair removal methods safely and effectively.
Conclusion
Facial hair can be distressing for women but there are many ways to successfully manage it. From shaving and epilating to laser treatments and prescription creams, both temporary and permanent solutions exist.
Finding the right hair removal strategy takes some trial and error. Being consistent with methods and seeking medical advice when needed gives the best results. Although a nuisance, facial hair can be controlled with the right game plan.