Top 7 Effective Facial Hair Removal Hacks to Try at Home

From a small peach fuzz to thick areas of growth, everybody has at least a bit of unwanted hair to deal with. While it’s perfectly normal to leave the hair alone, it’s also okay if you’re uncomfortable with the hair and want to remove it. And if you want to remove it, you'll be pleased to know that you have plenty of options. Below, we provide seven simple ways to remove facial hair at home.

7 tips on how to remove facial hair at home

Although facial hair is a natural aspect of the human body, it may be bothersome to some people. One study showed that unwanted facial hair can cause embarrassment, which results in emotional burden. If you’re bothered by facial hair, you may try following these simple tips to remove it.

1. Shaving

With shaving, all you need is a good facial razor. It’s definitely one of the fastest and most popular at-home hair removal methods. For the best results:

1. Wash your face first
2. Pat dry
3. Apply a shaving product
4. Glide the razor over your face in the direction of your hair growth

Keep in mind that although shaving is easy and painless, it does not remove hair from the root, so the hair will grow back within a few days. And while shaving is relatively safe, ingrown hair can be a side effect.

2. Tweezing

Tweezing is an easy and inexpensive method of removing unwanted hair. Tweezers usually pluck a single hair at a time, so it can be a bit more time-consuming. This makes it best for small areas like your eyebrows. Since you’re removing the entire hair from the root, the results can last for three to four weeks. Always make sure you disinfect your tweezers before and after plucking your hair.

3. Sugaring

Sugaring is very similar to waxing but with one major difference. While you apply wax in the direction of hair growth, you apply sugar paste against hair growth. To make the paste, you’ll need water, lemon, honey, and sugar. Heat all the ingredients together until you get a sticky paste. Once the paste cools, just apply it against your hair growth. After it completely dries, remove it in the direction of hair growth. Because sugaring removes hair from the root, you can enjoy that hair-free look for three to four weeks.

4. Epilation

An epilator is a small electrical device designed to pull hair from the roots. It grasps multiple hairs simultaneously and pulls them out. It might be a bit painful but can eliminate unwanted hair for up to four weeks. An epilator is a great choice if you’re always busy and don’t want to shave every few days. Always make sure that you follow the instructions of the epilator as directed.

5. Depilatory creams

Depilatory creams are pain-free options for removing unwanted facial hair. Most creams contain chemicals that break down the keratin protein in your hair shaft. Simply apply the cream on your face for a few minutes, then wipe it off painlessly. Although they are generally safe, the chemicals in depilatory creams can cause irritation. Therefore, perform a patch test on a small area to ensure your skin doesn't react badly.

6. At-home lasers

At-home laser removal has become very popular. Laser hair removal usually works with the help of intense pulsed lights (IPLs) or high-heat lasers. They dissolve hair and temporarily disable the hair follicles. That way, the hair follicles will not be able to produce new hairs for up to a few weeks. Over time, it can destroy the hair follicles, so the hair does not grow back. The only downside is the tool can be quite expensive. Remember to choose only FDA-approved devices for safe at-home treatment.

7. At-home waxing

This method can be done at home with either cold wax strips or warm wax. For the best results, it’s recommended you spread the warm wax in the direction of hair growth, allow it to dry, and then quickly tug it to pull the hair. Since it removes the hair from the root, the results usually last three to four weeks. At-home facial waxing is not recommended due to the high potential for irritation, ingrown hairs, and burns. You should only consider this method as a last resort.

How to prepare your face for removing hair

Before removing facial hair, it's important to prepare your skin in order to prevent skin irritation.

1. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt and oil.
2. Exfoliate to remove dead skin cells and prevent ingrown hairs.
3. Steam your face using a facial steamer or holding your face over a bowl of hot water to soften hair and open pores (optional).
4. Pat your face dry with a clean towel, then go ahead with the procedure.

Risks to be aware of

While most at-home hair removal methods are generally safe and effective, each comes with its own potential side effects. Skin irritation is one of them. This is the most common side effect, regardless of the method you use. Shaving, waxing, and depilatory creams can cause redness, bumps, itching, hyperpigmentation, and stinging, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Another side effect to be aware of is ingrown hair. This is mostly common with methods like shaving and tweezing. Using improper technique or even shaving against the grain can trap hair follicles under the skin. These tiny bumps usually develop when the hair grows back into the skin. Ingrown hairs often improve on their own within a few days.

Some hair removal techniques like depilatory creams can also cause allergic reactions. Given the different ingredients in these products, not all of them will suit your skin type. So always try to do a skin test on a small area to see how your skin will react.

Considering the risks, there are many ways to remove hair from your face, so you can choose whichever method works best for you and your skin. Depending on the method you choose, you can get rid of facial hair for days or even weeks. Nonetheless, always be careful because every method of removing hair can strain your skin; it's advisable to consult a specialist before undertaking new skincare methods.