Let’s just put it out there: everyone has facial hair, some more than others. While there’s nothing wrong with having a little peach fuzz on the face, many find it an issue and try several ways to achieve a smooth, hairless face. Unlike removing body hair, which is arguably a lot easier to manage, removing facial hair is a whole other ballgame as the skin on our face is a lot more delicate. From unruly brows to sideburns and the pesky upper lip area (or moustache, as some may call it), removing facial hair would naturally require different approaches as each part of the face carries its own unique set of challenges.
There are quite a few tried and tested facial hair removal methods out there, with some that can easily be done in the comfort of your own home. Some popular options include:
1. Shaving
Shaving is one of the fastest and easiest ways to remove facial hair. Whether it’s a disposable blade, one that comes with fancy moisturizing properties or an electric shaver, shaving lifts and cuts hair at the skin’s surface and can work on different parts of the face, from your chin to upper lip. However, results from shaving are not permanent or long-lasting. Ingrown hairs might also grow as a side effect. Ingrown hairs lead to small rough bumps, which isn’t really ideal as we’re talking about the delicate skin on your face.
2. Tweezing
Tweezing is another inexpensive and efficient way to remove facial hair. Unlike shavers, tweezers are tiny metal-like objects designed to pull or pluck hair from the roots. Tweezing is particularly useful when trimming and shaping your brows, especially for tiny standalone hairs. Results of tweezing last for about 3 to 8 weeks. However, outside of brows, we don’t recommend using tweezers for other areas of your face as you’re more likely to pinch more skin than hair. Using tweezers can also be painful and hard to tolerate for some.
3.Threading
Threading is another popular option in Singapore for shaping eyebrows and removing unwanted hair on the upper lip, chin and side of the face. This method uses a thread to pull and twist hair out until it lifts from the hair follicle. Threading does not cause ingrown hair and can last longer than shaving and tweezing. There are also no chemicals involved, so there’s no risk of a skin reaction. Threading requires skill, so visiting a good cosmetologist or aesthetician is usually necessary.
4. Epilation
Epilation works by grabbing multiple hairs at the same time and removing them from the root. In a way, epilation is a lot more time-efficient. But this method can be painful, and we recommend taking the extra step to exfoliate a few days prior to help soften skin and reduce the risk of ingrown hairs.
5. Waxing
Waxing is one of the more effective and pragmatic ways to remove facial hair. While waxing is not considered a permanent hair removal treatment, studies have shown that waxing retards hair growth significantly (about 70-80%) as the damage caused by yanking out hair with a wax damages hair follicles. This prevents hair from growing back for a considerable period of time. There are currently two types of waxing kits: wax strips that you warm between your hands, and wax that’s melted in a warmer and applied with a stick. Most waxing treatments offered in Singapore adopt the latter.
How about IPL and laser hair removal?We’ve already shared our stance on IPL vs lasers for hair removal in a previous article. The same applies for facial hair removal treatments. No doubt the literature shows that IPL and lasers only have a statistical difference of about 5%, but we still believe that lasers are the gold standard for removing hair, including facial hair.
In fact, when it comes to facial hair removal, the advantages of laser hair removal matter even more since our faces are what we present to others every day.
For one, lasers are able to focus on target areas a lot more efficiently and precisely and do not expose other areas to unnecessary light radiation — this aspect of laser hair removal is highly important since the surface area on our face is smaller with hard to reach places.
Darker-skinned individuals should most definitely consider lasers for facial hair removal as well — this hair removal method works on all skin types, unlike IPL that works only on fair skin. So if you’re looking for a more permanent (laser hair removal effectively reduces hair by about 70%) and safer way to remove those pesky facial hairs, lasers might be the right treatment for you.
The best option for you mostly depends on your budget and how much your facial hair bothers you. If you’re willing to spend more for a close to a permanent fix, laser hair removal could be your answer. Granted, it is more expensive compared to conventional facial hair removal methods, but due to its efficacy, you actually don’t need so many sessions — so this method might actually turn out to be more cost-effective in the long run!
Otherwise, we’d pick waxing as the next reliable option for removing facial hair. Not only is this method safe and economical, but a good waxing session can also keep unwanted facial hair away for as long as 6 weeks. Many patients have also found that hair that grows back is a lot smoother and finer. Furthermore, waxing doesn’t leave any cuts and bruises, which means it’s a suitable procedure for those with skin that’s susceptible to discoloration.
Waxing does not result in ingrown hair and stubble, which is exceptionally important for females especially. Our waxing services are pain-free and some clients even fall asleep during the process!
Leaving your face fuzz-free is an important personal choice, and we encourage everyone to do thorough research before committing to a facial hair removal treatment.
