Excessive facial hair on women usually occurs as a result of a hormonal imbalance. Occasionally it is genetic. Facial hair removal can be an uncomfortable procedure. Waxing, threading and even laser treatment – a permanent removal process – can be very painful. Shaving and depilatory creams may encourage new growth. It is never advisable to shave or depilate excessive facial hair growth on young girls’ or teenage skin. Homemade and natural methods of hiding facial hair give mixed results but provide an inexpensive, temporary solution to a personal problem.
Lemon
Citric acid in lemon juice gradually reduces the color tone of hair. Rub a wedge of lemon directly over the hair and allow it to dry in sunlight. The concentrated acid could irritate some skin. A paste of lemon juice and honey or a face mask mixture of lemon juice and oatmeal is gentler on the skin. Honey also has a mild lightening effect on hair. Leave for 10 to 15 minutes and rinse.
Tomato
The acid content in tomatoes is milder than that in lemons and also lightens facial hair. Cut a tomato in half and apply the juice from it directly to the skin. Leave for five minutes and rinse.
Chamomile
Infusions of freshly picked chamomile flowers are traditional remedies for colds and chills throughout the northern hemisphere. Chamomile infusions lighten hair gradually when rinsed through but cause dryness and frizz. The infusion works well on thin and fine facial hair that is not prone to frizz. Apply with a cloth or cotton wool ball and allow to dry.
Papaya
Papaya is one of the most valuable tropical fruits. It aids digestion, alleviates altitude sickness and helps skin disorders. Shampoo with papaya extract is popular worldwide. Extract the flesh of a papaya fruit and mash it to a pulp. Add a little milk to form a paste and rub into the face. Leave for five to 10 minutes and rinse.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a common spice with special properties that is used in Asian and especially Indian cooking. It aids digestion, controls body weight and inhibits hair growth. Mix turmeric powder with chickpea flour and yogurt to form a thick paste. Apply to the facial hair region and leave to dry completely for about 15 to 20 minutes until the dry paste tightens the skin. Rinse off the paste with warm water. Apply the paste three times a week. This is one of the most effective ways of lightening facial hair naturally.
Writer Bio
Based in London, Maria Kielmas worked in earthquake engineering and international petroleum exploration before entering journalism in 1986. She has written for the "Financial Times," "Barron's," "Christian Science Monitor," and "Rheinischer Merkur" as well as specialist publications on the energy and financial industries and the European, Middle Eastern, African, Asian and Latin American regions. She has a Bachelor of Science in physics and geology from Manchester University and a Master of Science in marine geotechnics from the University of Wales School of Ocean Sciences.