Hair on your face is totally normal, but if you want to remove it, you’ve got a lot of options.
We cover the 12 best (with a few cautions and recommendations) to help you get that silky skin you want.
12 Effective Facial Hair Removal Options
10. Go to a laser hair removal pro
What are the most natural ways to remove facial hair?
1. Get an IPL device
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) devices like The Flasher 2.0 have gained popularity for at-home facial hair removal. These handy gadgets offer several benefits:
- They emit a broad spectrum of light that targets the pigment in hair follicles.
- They reduce hair growth, leaving you with smoother, more refined skin.
- IPL devices are user-friendly and eliminate unwanted facial hair for most skin tones and hair colors.
IPL is less effective for darker skin or very light hair (like grey, blonde, or red). You’ll get the best results if you exfoliatefirst and moisturize after. (And did we mention that exfoliating helps you avoid ingrown hairs?)
Follow the manufacturer's instructions and perform a patch test on a small area before diving into an entire treatment session.
While IPL devices can significantly reduce hair growth, they may not provide permanent hair removal. Occasional maintenance sessions may be necessary to maintain your smooth and hair-free complexion.
2. Shave it (dermaplaning)
Shaving your face might seem like it’s just for the guys, but it's also a viable option for women seeking a quick and painless solution to facial hair removal. Say goodbye to that peach fuzz and hello to smoother skin!
Don't even think about repurposing the razor from your shower when shaving your face.
Instead, opt for smaller razors like eyebrow razors specifically designed for facial hair removal. These handy little tools are perfect for tidying up your eyebrows and gently removing unwanted peach fuzz.
Remember that shaving results won't last as long as other hair removal methods, like waxing or threading. However, the convenience and pain-free aspect makes it a popular choice.
Plus, shaving your face (also known as dermaplaning) helps your makeup look smoother and more flawless! Dermaplaning with facial razors eliminates dead skin cells that can clog pores.
As always, take care when using a razor on your face, and cleanse and moisturize afterward to keep your skin happy and healthy. Happy shaving!
3. Tweeze it
Ah, tweezing — a classic method for facial hair removal that's as effective as simple. This is what many of us try our first time to get rid of facial hair. If you've got a few stray hairs here and there that are making you frown, tweezing can be your trusty friend.
From unruly eyebrows to the occasional chin hair, tweezers are an excellent tool for precise hair removal.
You already have a pair of tweezers in your beauty arsenal, just waiting to be used. Just hold your skin taut and pluck those pesky hairs individually to make the most of this handy-dandy tool. It's like a satisfying game of hair removal whack-a-mole.
Tweezing is ideal for targeting a small number of hairs, but it might not be your go-to method for larger areas. However, tweezers are a winner when it comes to precision and simplicity.
Post-tweezing, give your skin some TLC with a gentle cleanser and moisturizer to keep it looking and feeling its best. Happy plucking!
The Reviver
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The reviver contains our custom formulation of aloe vera, lavender, azulene, and green tea extract to soothe and protect your skin after your IPL treatment. Aloe and Azulene soothe and reduce irritation due from sunburn, chemical peels and IPL treatments. Lavender essential oils… read more
4. Wax it
Waxing isn’t exactly a walk in the park, but the results are (generally) worth it. Waxing is a popular way to remove unwanted facial hair, especially when tackling larger areas, like your upper lip or sideburns, in one quick yank.
Waxing works by applying hot wax to the skin, which adheres to the hair, and then swiftly pulling it off and taking it with it. While it might not be the most comfortable experience, waxing results can last several weeks, leaving your skin smooth and hair-free.
A word of caution: If you're new to waxing, booking an appointment with a professional is best, as attempting a DIY waxing session can quickly become sticky. You can also try waxing kits, but again, proceed with care.
If you use retinol in your skincare routine, the American Academy of Dermatology suggests you avoid waxing for 2-5 days prior. Retinol can make your skin more sensitive, potentially leading to irritation or even tearing off strips of skin (ouch!) when waxing.
Once you've braved a wax, pamper your skin with a soothing, hydrating moisturizer to help it recover. Get ready to flaunt that silky smoothness!
5. Thread it
Threading is an ancient hair removal technique that's been making waves again, and it's no wonder why! This precise method is perfect for sculpting eyebrows and tackling other facial hair, like pesky upper lip or chin hairs.
The threading process involves using a twisted cotton thread skillfully maneuvered to catch and remove individual hairs from the root. The result is a clean, defined look that lasts for several weeks.
One of the key benefits of threading is that it's gentle on the skin — even for those who use retinol-based products. Since the thread glides over the skin without sticking to it, there's less irritation and redness compared to waxing.
But don’t let the fact that it’s gentle fool you. Threading is pretty painful. Think: Tweezing, but everything, everywhere, all at once.
Although threading sounds like an intricate art, it's pretty quick once you find an experienced professional.
If you're intrigued by this ancient hair removal method and seek an alternative to waxing or tweezing, it might be time to give threading a go. Who knows? You might find your new favorite way to keep your facial hair in check.
6. Get an epilator
Is it just us, or do you get a tiny thrill from removing multiple hairs in one go? If so, it's time to meet your new BFF: the epilator. This little piece of technology removes hair from the root, making your skin feel silky smooth for longer.
Epilators come in all shapes and sizes, but the facial epilator is the one you want for those stubborn chin or cheek hairs. These are designed for delicate facial areas and can remove even the tiniest hairs.
But let's be honest, it can be a bit painful, especially for first-timers. Hey, beauty is pain, right?
Just remember, don't confuse facial epilators with the ones meant for your underarms or legs. Stick with the devices that are specifically designed for facial hair removal, as they're gentler on your skin.
Once you've mastered the technique, you'll be epilating like a pro and enjoying longer-lasting, hair-free results.
7. Use a depilatory cream
If the thought of yanking out hairs or enduring hot wax makes you wince, we've got your back — depilatory creams are here to save the day.
These hair removal creams break down the protein structure of your hair, leaving it weak enough to be wiped away with a simple swipe of tissue or washcloth. Sounds like a dream, right?
Depilatory creams are perfect for sensitive souls not keen on more aggressive hair removal methods. Just make sure to choose a cream specifically designed for facial use, as the skin on your face is more delicate than other areas of your body.
The most common depilatory cream your dermatologist will recommend is probably Vaniqa.
Before slathering it all over your face, do a patch test on a small area of your skin to ensure you don't have an adverse reaction. If all goes well, you can say goodbye to those pesky facial hairs in minutes!
However, remember that the results are shorter than other methods, so you'll have to reapply the cream every couple of weeks.
8. Sugar wax it
Sugar waxing (slightly different from sugaring) is a natural alternative to traditional waxing.
This eco-friendly hair removal method uses a mix of sugar, water, and lemon juice to create a paste. Apply the paste to your skin and quickly remove it, pulling out those unwanted hairs.
Sugar waxing has a few advantages over traditional waxing:
- It's gentle on the skin, making it perfect for sensitive skin or allergies.
- The sugar paste only sticks to hair, not your skin, which translates to less pain and irritation for you.
- It's water-soluble, so cleaning up is a breeze (no sticky residue here).
You can DIY your sugar wax at home or head to a professional salon for a more polished experience. Practice makes perfect, so don't be discouraged if you don't get it right on the first try — sugar waxing is an art worth mastering.
9. Try sugaring
Hold up! Didn't we just cover sugar waxing? Yes, we did, but sugaring is a slightly different technique, and we want you to know all the deets.
Like sugar waxing, sugaring is an ancient hair removal method that uses a natural paste made from sugar, water, and lemon juice. But the way it's applied and removed is where things get a bit different.
Here's how sugaring works:
- The sugar paste is warmed up just a tad, so it's soft and pliable.
- It's then applied to your skin in the opposite direction of hair growth.
- Once the paste has cooled and firmed up, flick it off toward your hair growth (as opposed to waxing, when you pull the hair away from the natural growth).
Sugaring has some sweet benefits, too:
- It's less painful than waxing because it removes hair in the direction of growth.
- Sugaring is suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive ones.
- The paste is all-natural and eco-friendly, a win-win for your skin and the environment.
Give sugaring a go at home, or visit a salon to work with a pro. It may take a few tries to get the hang of it. But once you do, you'll be basking in the silky-smooth results.
10. Go to a laser hair removal pro
Laser hair removal works by using concentrated light to target and damage hair follicles to reduce hair growth. When an experienced pro does it, a laser can stop virtually all hair growth on your face.
It works best if you have lighter skin and darker hair, as the contrast lets the laser easily target the pigment in the hair.
It’s not all sunshine and rainbows, though — laser hair removal has a few downsides. For one, it’s pricey and requires multiple sessions for optimal results.
It's normal to feel some discomfort or a little bit of pain during the procedure, but a good laser technician will help minimize the side effects. The experts (us) recommend you get with a board-certified dermatologist or esthetician to make sure you're a suitable candidate for the treatment.
You’ll need an occasional follow-up once every 3-12 months or so.
11. Get electrolysis
Electrolysis is the only FDA-approved method for permanent hair removal, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a long-lasting solution to facial hair woes.
Electrolysis works by inserting a tiny needle into each hair follicle and delivering a small electrical current that destroys the hair root. As hair grows in cycles, you'll need up to 30 sessions a few weeks apart to get permanent results.
The benefits of electrolysis include permanent hair removal — no more worrying about regrowth — and effectiveness for all skin tones and hair colors, unlike some laser treatments. However, it can be time-consuming, as each hair follicle must be treated individually.
Some people may experience discomfort during the procedure, and the cost can be high, depending on how many sessions you need to do and the size of the area being treated.
12. Bleach it
Let’s be honest: Not every facial hair needs to be plucked, shaved, waxed, or removed. Body hair, even on the face, is totally normal.
If you're okay with the appearance of practically transparent peach fuzz, bleach the hair on your face. It’s not exactly a “natural” solution, but it’s way less painful than the alternatives tend to be.
Hair removal products for bleaching your facial hair typically include the bleach solution, an applicator, and instructions for rinsing and cleansing your skin.
You’ll need to bleach again every few weeks to keep up with the results.
What are the most natural ways to remove facial hair?
The most natural ways to remove facial hair are shaving, tweezing, threading, epilating, and sugar waxing. These hair removal options use no chemicals or special devices to get rid of your unwanted facial hair.
Is there a way to get rid of facial hair permanently?
Technically, electrolysis is the only fully permanent hair removal treatment. But IPL (our fave, obviously) and laser hair removal are pretty close — they just require very occasional follow-up treatments.
Not just another hair removal device.
The Nood Flasher 2.0 isn’t your momma’s at home laser hair removal — we use cutting-edge, FDA-approved technology to give you hairless, smooth skin without side effects.
The Flasher™ 2.0
$199.00
Safely remove unwanted hair with The Flasher 2.0 by Nood. Works everywhere that hair grows, including bikini, Brazilian, underarms, legs, and face. Start seeing results in 2-3 weeks and permanent hair removal in 6-8 weeks. … read more
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