Have you recently noticed an increase in facial hair that you didn’t previously? Or is that one chin hair now five? Regardless, genetics and hormonal fluctuations play a part in how visible and dense that facial hair may be according to double board-certified dermatologist Maya K. Thosani M.D. FAAD of Modern Dermatology.
As we age, hormone shifts may result in hair growth on areas like the upper lip, chin and jawline. About one out of ten women will develop hirsutism – an extreme form of facial hair growth caused by excessive dark or coarse growth – often as part of natural aging process. Facial hair may simply be cosmetic issue but if more or darker facial hair appears suddenly you should consult with healthcare provider immediately.
Unwanted facial hair can be easily and safely eliminated, and here’s everything you need to know about the various methods for doing it.
How Does Facial Hair Waxing Work? Waxing involves applying hard or soft wax directly onto the skin in order to extract hair follicles. Soft wax requires applying a strip over top of each individual strand before being pulled off quickly while hard wax adheres directly to the shafts and can be pulled directly off by hand; both methods enable an esthetician to dab wax into specific areas instead of generalizing removal across large areas; hair must measure between one-fourth and three-fourths inches before removal is possible and should return within three to six weeks of removal.
Waxing offers women many advantages, and waxing is far less painful than threading. DIY kits make waxing at home even more cost-effective than the alternative; Thosani noted, however, that some may find the wax material sensitive or cause allergic reactions; therefore it should not be recommended if someone has sensitive or easily sunburnt skin, an allergy to any ingredients contained within the wax, or recently taken isotretinoin medications within six months.
How Does Threading Work? Threading, when performed by a certified esthetician, involves pulling cotton thread along unwanted hairs to pull them out at their roots. According to Brendan Camp, M.D. from Medical Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery in New York, threading can also be an efficient method to rid facial hair permanently without leaving behind harmful residue. He noted it as “natural and hygienic as its use only requires thread which will then be discarded after each application.” Hair typically grows back within four weeks making this method especially suitable for people with dry or sensitive skin who might otherwise experience irritation from waxing.