It’s natural to have hair on your face, however an excess amount can cause embarrassment and might result in a loss of confidence. Different factors can cause facial hair to grow, ranging from genetics – for example, women with Mediterranean and Indian backgrounds may be more susceptible than Asian women – to hormonal imbalances or some medications.
Just as there are many different reasons for the growth of facial hair, there are also many hair removal methods. We explore the pros and cons of each method and offer some recipes for natural hair removal with ingredients you will have in your pantry.
Waxing
Pros: Easy to use and inexpensive. Can be done at a salon or at home. Long-lasting, as it removes the hair from the root.
Cons: Can cause skin allergies and infections of the hair follicles. Skin can become loose and saggy after repeated use.
Razors
Pros: Inexpensive and easy to use.
Cons: Can cause skin irritations and infections. Need to shave often to remain hair free.
Epilators
Pros: Inexpensive and easy to use. Minimal skin damage.
Cons: Removes only around 88 per cent of hair and does not remove small hairs. Faster regrowth.
Threading
Pros: Inexpensive.
Cons: Fast regrowth, needs to be performed every few days. Skin can remain red for quite some time.
Bleaching
Pros: Makes hair less visible.
Cons: Does not remove hair. The chemicals in the bleach can cause skin damage.
Hair removal creams
Pros: Easy to use and inexpensive. Able to use at home.
Cons: Needs frequent application, while prolonged use can cause skin irritation, darkening of the skin and allergies.
Laser hair removal
Pros: Permanent removal. Safe and effective.
Cons: Expensive. The procedure can be painful and is not effective for women with hormonal imbalances, or certain skin and hair colour.
Natural remedies
Pros: Safe and cost effective.
Cons: May take some time to show results.
- Turmeric has antibacterial properties and prevents skin infections. Make a paste with one teaspoon of turmeric and one of water. Apply to the area of your face that has unwanted hair and leave on for 10–15 minutes. Once the mixture is dry, wipe off with a wet cloth.
- Beat an egg white with one tablespoon of sugar and one tablespoon of cornflour to make a smooth paste. Apply to the area of the face that has unwanted hair, and once the mixture is dry, pull the mask off with the unwanted hair.
- Mix one tablespoon of sugar, one teaspoon of honey and a few drops of lemon juice in a microwave-safe dish. Heat until hot, remove from the microwave and mix well to form a paste. Allow to cool, and when slightly warm, apply to the face and then, using a strip of cloth, press down on the area and pull cloth off in the opposite direction in which your hair is growing.
Do you have a preferred method of hair removal? Or know of a natural remedy? Why not share your tips in the comments section below?
Also read: How to tint your eyebrows at home