Woman World Web

April 29th, 2009 by Mike Jones

Why are many women concerned about female facial hair? Probably the number one reason is embarrassment. They feel awkward when hair on the upper lip or chin, or even on the neck, is quite visible. It can even lead to lack of self-confidence and have an impact on their feelings of femininity.

We’ll start our consideration of facial hair removal methods by looking at electrolysis and laser hair removal. These are the two methods most understand to be permanent.

Number 1: Some would say electrolysis is the ONLY really permanent hair removal method. Each hair follicle is treated so the procedure is very thorough. Heat is used to destroy the hair growth mechanism. Even then, there may be some stray hairs that reappear.

Number 2: There seems to be a greater variation of viewpoint when it comes to the results of laser hair removal. Some find it works very well for them, others spend lots of time and money and end up disappointed. Make sure you go to a professional and you will of course want to see evidence of successful treatments. Testimonials from others are helpful and some clinics maintain a photo library showing before and after shots to give you some idea. It is essential to get a test done before signing up for treatments.

Number 3: Waxing and Sugaring. These are probably the most popular of all the methods. They are inexpensive and can be done easily in your own bathroom. Simply applying wax or a sugaring solution to the area to be treated and sharply pulling back removes the hair.

Hot wax or pre-coated cold wax strips stick to the skin and pull the hair out along with the top layer of dead skin cells when sharply pulled back. Sugar solutions stick to the hair, not the skin, so they generally don’t have such a harsh effect on the skin. However, after a waxing session the skin can feel very smooth due to the dead skin cells being removed during the procedure.

Number 4: Hair inhibitors. In the early 1990’s these solutions appeared on the market and now there is quite a variety to choose from. They may not work for everyone so testing is important and make sure there is a money back guarantee so you can try it without risk. The solution is rubbed into the skin after a hair removal session such as waxing or sugaring, or tweezing, methods which take the hair out by the root. The enzymes in the solution then go about disabling the hair growth mechanism.

Vaniqa is perhaps the most famous hair inhibitor. It comes as a prescription cream which is rubbed into the skin twice a day. As with all hair inhibitors, results are seen after two or three months.

Number 5: Depilatories are favoured by some women although this method can cause more noticeable skin reactions. Depilatories use strong chemicals to dissolve the hair so obviously it is going to take a toll on the skin. Some do not use depilatories on the facial areas at all but there are some preparations now on the market which are gentler and designed for the face.

Number 6: Tweezers and Epilators. Get yourself a good magnification mirror and a top quality pair of tweezers and simple grab each hair firmly and pull out by the root. This method obviously is for the women with a minor problem in this area or for handling the isolated facial hair. Electrical epilators are also popular and some double up for use on the body and face. Special settings can be used for facial hair. As with any method that pulls hair out by the root, pain is a factor. Use a numbing spray beforehand or follow up right afterward with an ice cube to calm down protesting nerve endings!

From the above overview, it can readily be seen that there is no perfect, ideal solution for the problem of female facial hair. Each one has its pros and cons. You need to evaluate your own need when it comes to expense, pain toleration, convenience, etc. and decide which will suit you the best. Many women would generally agree however that the effort is worth it. Having hairless facial areas gives them confidence and freedom to relax and enjoy all kinds of social occasions without any feelings of embarrassment.