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Facial Hair Removal Myths/Facts, Pros/Cons

Unwanted facial hair is a beauty concern just like brown spots and wrinkles. It’s unwanted by many because visible hair doesn’t seem socially acceptable to some people. So 85% of women remove the hair occasionally and some even take on the task EVERY day.

Consider talking about it with your Skin Care Therapist. Ask questions. Knowledge gives you confidence in making choices about safe hair removal. Believe me, it’s normal and common for women to experience facial hair growth and want it removed.

Some MYTHS and FACTS

MYTH: Facial hair grows back at a faster rate and becomes darker and thicker after being removed.

FACT: Your genes and hormones (not the hair removal) usually determines re-growth. Here’s the truth—if you remove a hair that is in its third stage of hair growth, the entire follicular unit comes out and it’s NOT coming back.

MYTH: Facial hair removal will make my skin rough and dry.

FACT: If this is what happens after a treatment, it’s probably due to the lack of regular exfoliation and moisturizing BEFORE the hair removal. If your skin is in good condition before the treatment, this will not be a problem. Consider pre-moisturizing BEFORE the treatment to protect the skin.

MYTH: Facial hair removal will leave my skin red and irritated.

FACT: It can be painful and there may be some irritation but much of that can be avoided by first of all using the right product for your skin type. Your pre AND post treatment of the skin is equally important for preventing redness and irritation and any other unwanted effects such as ingrown hairs. Exfoliate and moisturize regularly.

PROS and CONS of Hair Removal Methods

Shaving

Pros: It’s inexpensive, easy, you can do it anywhere at any time.

Cons: It requires regular maintenance. Hair may appear more blunt from the cut which can give the appearance that it is darker and thicker. This will not deliver a clean, stubble-free look. Risk of accidental cuts.

Creams & Depilatories

Pros: It’s inexpensive, and you can do it anywhere at any time. Job can be done in 10 minutes.

Cons: Can be harsh with a chemical scent with ingredients that can irritate the skin. If you choose this method, use a protective skin cream. Does not remove the root so will eventually grow back. Requires a time investment to do it regularly.

Waxing

Pros: Efficient and easy; most women get great results with smooth feeling skin. Over time, the area to be waxed has less and less hair as some hair (possibly 1/3) is removed permanently with each treatment. Other “root” hair removal methods including threading (performed by removing facial hair by twisting it between taut cotton thread) and tweezing. Results can last up to 6 weeks.

Cons: Can be painful and skin may get red. Can be messy, more expensive than shaving or creams, and also requires regular maintenance. It’s best to have a professional do this for you in which case it would be more expensive than doing it yourself.

Electrolysis or Laser

Pros: These techniques work toward permanent hair removal.

Cons: Expensive. Requires many visits before all hairs are permanently removed. Can sometimes be painful. Laser treatments require expensive equipment and medically trained personnel.

Bring up the issue with your skin care therapist and discuss the options. Your hair type (based on texture not color), how much time you have, your pain tolerance, expense, your goals are some of the concerns you will want to consider. A little zippity do dah and you may feel like a new women.

By Sharyn Madison, Licensed Aesthetician and Skin Care Therapist