What to Do to Get Rid of Female Facial Hair

Excessive facial hair on women can be a result of hormones, genetics, aging or medical conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome. Many women consider facial hair unsightly or embarrassing. Methods for getting rid of female facial hair include bleaching, shaving, plucking, waxing, depilation, laser hair removal and electrolysis. These methods vary in side effects, cost and effectiveness. For sudden, thick growth of female facial hair, you should consult your doctor.

Hair Removal Options

• Bleaching is often the first step for women who have mostly fine hairs that are a little dark. This is not a hair removal method, but an easy way to disguise the hairs and make them less noticeable. Bleaching can be done for less than $15 and will generally cause minimal skin irritation.

  Shaving is another easy hair removal method, but is not popular for women with facial hair. Despite the myth, shaving does not make hair grow back faster or thicker, according to American Family Physician. This hair removal method can be done for less than $10, and side effects can include minor cuts, ingrown hairs and skin irritation.

  Plucking is probably the least expensive hair removal method and the results last up to eight weeks. This method uses tweezers or other devices that pluck several hairs at the same time, but is not best for larger areas. Waxing employs the use of hot wax spread over the skin. The wax hardens around the hair and is pulled off in the opposite direction of hair growth, pulling the hairs from their follicles. Waxing can cause skin burns, irritation, ingrown hairs and in extreme cases, scarring.

  Depilation uses a chemical cream to dissolve hairs. The results last up to two weeks. Use special formulas especially for female facial hair to minimize irritation. The most common side effect is chemical burns from leaving the cream on too long. Most creams cost $10 or less.

  Laser hair removal is a newer hair removal method, using low-intensity lasers to remove up to a hundred or more hairs at a time. Laser hair removal can take several treatments for the hair removal to become permanent. The price of laser hair removal depends on the area and number of treatments, but can range from $150 for a single treatment to thousands of dollars for several.

  Electrolysis uses a needle to insert an electric current into the skin and kill the hair follicle, according to American Family Physician. The hair is then removed with tweezers. The process is slow and done by one hair at a time. The pain level is also higher with this hair removal method. The cost depends on the professional's hourly rate and how long it takes for the area receiving hair removal.

Considerations

• You should consider the various hair removal methods, their side effects and costs before deciding which method is right for you. It's best to start with a less expensive method, like shaving or depilation, and gauge its effectiveness before moving on to more expensive and permanent methods.