Facial Hair Removal Process

Introduction to the Facial Hair Removal Process

There are several methods that can be used to remove facial hair from the body.   These methods are shaving, plucking, waxing, depilatories, electrolysis and laser beam treatments.  There are medicines that have proven to be very effective at inhibiting growth on the facial area. 

Shaving - Uses a sharp edge applicator to scrape facial hair from the surface of the skin.  This process is not permanent, and people can expect hair to start growing back with a 24-hour period.  Nicks and cuts to the skin are possible, and infections can occur in the cuts in the skin.

Plucking - Hair is removed using tweezers or other gripping forms of hair devices.  Plucking hairs is quite painful, because the hair follicles must be removed from the pores, one at a time.  This treatment is not permanent, although the re-growth of hair is extended to start in 5 days or more.

Waxing.  There are hot and cold forms of waxing treatments that can be used to remove facial hair.  All creams and lubricants should be removed from the surface of the skin.  The hairs will have to be long enough to where the wax can adhere to them.  Hot wax is placed in small patches on the skin, and will need to harden before it is removed in a quick motion.  The quick motion is done simply to provide a quick method of side-stepping the pain process that waxing involves. Waxing is simply a method that will remove many hairs from the skin at one time.  Reddening will occur in the areas where waxing has occurred.   Waxing is not a permanent form of hair removal.

Depilatories.  This form of hair removal involves a chemical process to remove the hair from the surface of the skin.  The chemicals literally dissolve the hair follicles.  This process is not painful, unless the chemicals are left on the surface of the skin for too long, then there may be reddening due to chemical burns. This is a temporary form of hair removal.

Electrolysis.  This form of hair removals requires that a metal probe be inserted into the hair follicle opening in the skin.  An electric current enters the skin, and extends down to the hair root, where it destroys the base.  With no base available for further hair to grow the skin will remain hair free after this treatment is completed.  Thick scars can form from electrolysis and are called keloids.  The skin where electrolysis is used can change colors in some people.  This form of hair removal treatment is permanent.

Laser.  This form of hair removal requires the services of a dermatologist, who has been thoroughly trained in laser hair removal.  Lasers are beneficial because they use laser lighting to destroy the base of the hair follicle.  It is probably the most expensive form of hair removal offered.  It will leave the facial area red, and ice packs may be necessary to reduce swelling in the area that the laser is used.  Skin discolorations sometimes occur from laser hair removal treatments.

Medication.  There is a prescription cream that can be used to decrease hair growth, by the name of Vaniqa.  It requires application to the hair removal area twice a day.  This provides a temporary method of hair removal and may cause acne in some users.