Facial hair removal for women has long been a highly debatable topic. Is it safe to do? What are the side effects? What does the aftercare look like, and most importantly, is it even necessary?  

Experts say that the hair on your face bleaches itself after a while, either by sun exposure, various creams or bleaching. So, it appears lighter, gold and merges with your skin. But for skincare enthusiasts, facial hair removal has found new ground for being relevant.  

The benefits of removing facial hair include; 

1. It eliminates pesky dark hairs giving your skin a smooth, glowing look. 
2. Makeup glides on easily and looks less cakey as your skin would be clear of peach fuzz. 
3. It exfoliates the skin by removing dead skin cells from the surface of your skin.
4.  Promotes clear skin; It is much harder for dead skin to build up over time and cause breakouts. 
5. It enhances the effects of skincare. Removing the dead skin cells from the surface of your skin allows skincare products to delve deep into your skin and rejuvenate it using all the beneficial ingredients in the product.

One of the most commonly asked questions about facial hair removal is, Will my hair grow back thicker?  

If you opt to shave, the new hair growth does feel pointy as the hair gets cut and the stem starts to grow out, but it does not make it thicker. The feel of the hair goes back to normal after it grows out a bit; shaving has no impact on the colour of the hair as well. 

But if you opt for a hair removal method that pulls out the hairs from the root. The new hair growth will not feel pointy or sharp. Your hair will start growing back thinner. 

Here are four facial hair removal methods 

Shaving: –

Many women shave their face to remove the facial hair, debris, excess oil and dead skin on the skin. It mimics exfoliation and makes the skin brighter. When it comes to being a means of hair removal, you have to do it quite often. Hair on your face will come back much faster than threading, waxing or permanent hair reduction. It is a temporary and quick fix. 

Experts recommend shaving only on a well-hydrated face. Wash your skin with warm water and a cleanser. Then use facial oil so that the blade glides properly. Always shave in the single direction of the hair growth and make sure to keep your skin gently taut to avoid snagging the edge on the hair. 

Facial shaving aftercare is all about letting your skin rest and relax for a while. Follow up your shaving routine with a gentle moisturiser. Steer clear of harsh ingredients like AHAs, BHAs, and retinol for a day or two. Using any makeup immediately after shaving can block your pores. 

Using an Epilator: – 

When using an epilator, you should weigh out the pros and cons of the epilator based on your skin type; if you have sensitive skin: Choose one with a gentle roller action that massages and helps stimulate the skin, prepping it for removing the hair, if you want to use this in the bath or shower: Look for labels on the packaging staying wet or dry 

This device has the added benefit of being safe for facial hair removal: it quickly removes peach fuzz without any nicks and cuts. Skin remains smooth and hair-free for at least two weeks until your next touch-up. 

While using an epilator, skin preparation and hydration is essential. Be sure to take a warm shower to open up your hair follicles, and thoroughly exfoliate to prevent ingrown hairs and make sure to hydrate after you use your epilator to replenish your skin with moisture. 

Threading: – 

Threading removes unwanted hair by trapping and pulling out unwanted hair using a cotton thread. Keep in mind that this is not a hair removal method that you should do yourself. It is a skill and is difficult to do correctly at home without sufficient practice. So, it is best performed by professional technicians. 

Threading has long-lasting effects and can also remove tiny hair with great precision.  

Skin prep before getting your facial hair threaded is minimal. Make sure you don’t have any makeup on your face. 

Waxing: – 

Facial wax treatment keeps the skin smooth from two to six weeks. It is a skill that should be performed only by licensed practitioners. 

After each wax treatment, the hairs grow thinner and less dense. The progressive attack on the follicles can eventually stop hairs from growing altogether, extending the period between sessions even more. 

People with skin conditions and sensitive skin must be careful as irritation, rashes, and redness are always a possibility. Dirt, sweat, and creams make it harder for the wax to adhere to the skin and grab the hair. Hence it is necessary to have a clean face before waxing.