Contrary to popular belief, hair removal is an old practice, but it has witnessed a phenomenal growth in recent times. Nowadays, removing undesirable facial hair is not just a concern for women, as men are also showing a growing interest in hair removal.
Unwanted hair on the face or facial hair, is perhaps one of the most annoying problem for women, but is not such a big issue for men. Still, some men prefer a clean-shaven look, and want to get rid of undesirable facial hair. In recent times, we have seen a surge in the popularity of some hair removal techniques, which are discussed in this article.
Ways to Remove Facial Hair
Shaving, threading, waxing, laser, and electrolysis are some of the popular techniques employed for removing hair from the face, of which some can remove facial hair only temporarily. However, a few procedures can give permanent results, though these can be a bit expensive.
Shaving
Shaving is perhaps one of the most popular and the oldest methods of hair removal for men. It is quite simple, less time-consuming, and does not involve any major risks. You can use an electric razor, a straight razor, or a disposable razor for this purpose. Shaving is also the most inexpensive method, but it cannot remove hair permanently. However, it is not a preferred option for women, as it can cause redness and skin irritation.
Chemical Depilatories
Chemical depilatories, commonly known as hair removal creams, can also be used for removing facial hair. They usually contain chemicals, like calcium hydroxide, and sodium or calcium thioglycolate that dissolve hair without affecting the roots. So, these creams can remove facial hair only from the surface, and the hair generally grows back within a few days. Sometimes, these creams can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. Therefore, it is advisable to apply the cream on a small patch of skin before applying it on your face. If the cream causes skin irritation, then it should not be used for hair removal.
Threading
Threading is a popular method for hair removal, but it is usually employed for removing unwanted facial hair only from a small patch of skin. As women do not have hair on their entire face, this method is more effective for them. The process involves the use of a cotton thread that is twitched and then rolled over the hair to pull them out from the roots. However, this process can be painful, and hair grows back within a very short period of time.
Waxing
Waxing is another method that can remove hair from the roots. For this, a sticky wax is applied on a small area, and a piece of cloth or a paper strip is placed over the area. Then the cloth or the paper is pulled off with a quick movement in the opposite direction of hair growth. The hair removed in this way usually takes a longer time period to grow back, as compared to shaving, threading, and the application of depilatories. However, waxing can cause several side effects, like skin rash, ingrown hair, inflammation and infection of the hair follicles, minor bleeding, and allergic reactions.
Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is one of the permanent hair removal systems, which uses laser beams for destroying the hair follicles. The melanin pigment present in hair attracts the laser beams, which burn down the hair follicles. Therefore, this method is suitable for individuals with dark hair and light skin, but not for those with dark skin and light hair. If used on dark skin, laser beams can cause burns and pigmentation. On the other hand, as light hair does not contain enough melanin to attract the laser beams, this technique is ineffective for removing such hair. This technique can remove hair permanently, or at least reduce the growth of hair significantly.
Electrolysis
Electrolysis is a comparatively less expensive procedure than laser hair removal, and is suitable for anyone irrespective of their skin or hair coloration. It involves the application of electric currents through a metal probe or needle inserted into the hair follicles. The electric shock produced by the current destroys the hair follicles. This procedure is quite time-consuming, and requires multiple sessions, as each hair follicle has to be removed individually. But it is considered the best way to remove facial hair permanently. However, electrolysis can be a painful procedure, and it can cause scarring at times.
Before opting for any of the hair removal methods, it is important to consider the various aspects, like the cost, time, risks, and the side effects involved in the process, and also its effectiveness. Further, the sophisticated methods of hair removal, like laser and electrolysis, should be done only under the supervision of a certified professional.