Facial hair removal has been practised forever. People have been using homemade remedies and applying ingredients from their daily lives. Have you ever wondered what is the best way to remove facial hair? Can they be removed permanently? Are there any side effects?
Worry not! because we are here for you.
The Best Way To Remove Facial Hair
There are quite a few methods available if you are looking to remove facial hair permanently. While waxing, threading and shaving are some common temporary methods, some permanent methods include
Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal has been a trend for the past few decades. Nowadays it is very accessible and so common that almost every other person is getting it. In laser hair removal, laser beams target and destroy hair follicles. When follicles are destroyed, it prevents future hair growth. This may need a few sittings from a treatment provider. The laser’s heat damages the follicle and if you have thick hair, it will take time to remove them permanently.
If you are going for laser treatment, you better get prepared. Avoid any sun exposure, waxing or threading. All these things make your skin condition fragile for a temporary period. That is why cooling gel is applied and then laser beams are passed over the treatment area. For multiple sessions, each session must be 6 weeks apart. For most people, 6 to 8 sessions do the job!
Benefits
- You get facial hair removed permanently.
- It is suitable for most skin types and hair types.
- Even if it doesn’t “vanish” hair completely in the first session, it will reduce the growth visibly. So we can say it is very effective.
- It’s less discomfort and an effective solution to facial hair growth.
Not So Benefits!
- It can be out of budget for some people.
- If you require multiple sessions, better check your pocket first.
- Some people may experience redness and swelling.
- It rarely has severe side effects like burns or pigment changes in the skin.
- There is a theory that it doesn’t work well on blonde-coloured hair.
Electrolysis To Remove Facial Hair Permanently
Technology is getting more advanced day by day. Electrolysis is one fine addition to that. You get to kill your facial hair with an electric current. The electric current destroys the hair follicle growth centre thus eliminating the future growth possibility. This is for all hair types and hair colours.
For electrolysis, your skin must be free of all oils and lotions or any other chemical product. A fine probe will be inserted into each hair follicle and then current is applied. Usually, you will need to sit every two weeks and depending on your hair growth cycle, it can take up to 30 sessions, to completely remove facial hair. Don’t worry because the method is FDA-approved!
Benefits
- The results are permanent.
- It works well on all hair and skin types and colours.
- As it targets individual hairs for precise hair removal, the result is fine and permanent.
Not So Benefits!
- This is a very time and focus-taking method.
- It can cause skin irritation.
- The cost can be high.
- It is more painful than laser treatment.
IPL To Remove Facial Hair
IPL is like a laser treatment advanced version. Unlike laser treatment, it uses multiple wavelengths of light to target hair follicles.
If you are going for IPL, you are to avoid sun exposure or waxing. The procedure is quite similar to a laser session where cool gel is applied and then an IPL device is passed over the skin. In 6-8 sessions, your hair will be completely gone.
Benefits
- It can target large skin areas in less time.
- It is less painful than both laser and electrolysis.
- It can also treat issues like skin pigmentation or broken capillaries, improving your skin.
Not So Benefits!
- If you have very thick and dark hair, it might not be effective. So in general, this method may not be very effective for men.
- It doesn’t work well with very dark skin tones, making it a limited option.
- The process is costly.
- There are temporary side effects like redness, swelling and discomfort.
How To Choose Best Method To Remove Facial Hair?
Here is what you need to decide what method is more feasible for you.
- If you have dark hair and medium to light skin tone, go for laser hair removal. Also, it causes mild discomfort. Many new devices are better equipped with cooling gel.
- Electrolysis is for all skin and hair types because every single follicle is targeted so this may be suitable for everyone. However, this also makes it painful. Electrolysis is costly among all three methods as the number of sessions required is more than laser or IPL. Also, electrolysis is a very time-consuming method and needs precision.
- IPL also works on people who have medium and light skin tones and dark hair. It may require fewer sessions than electrolysis but still needs multiple treatments over several months.
- In terms of results, Electrolysis is the only approved and proven method for permanent hair removal. Laser or IPL are effective for long-term results but hair can grow back. Although the hair growth will be less it can still occur. Few people also experience permanent hair removal.
What Is Pre- and Post-Treatment Care Needed?
Before going for any of the above methods, do the pre care to avoid side effects.
- Avoid going directly in the sun.
- Don’t wear chemical products.
- Don’t wax the area as it will take out hair follicles and these treatments need hair follicles to work.
- Instead, shave the area a day before treatment so the procedure can directly target the hair follicle.
Post Treatment Care Includes
- Avoid going directly in the sun to protect treated areas from irritation and hyperpigmentation.
- Keep your skin hydrated and moisturised after the treatment.
- Don’t go in hot showers like saunas for a few days as it opens the pores.
- Avoid any intense physical activity that can cause sweating.
- Always follow the advice of your treatment provider.
In short, if you are looking to permanently remove facial hairs, the above three methods are your go-to solution. Carefully analyze and choose the one that fits you best.