The Best Way to Remove Facial Hair
Women who strive to get rid of embarrassing facial hair have a wide array of choices when it comes to the method of removal, from simple salon treatments to time-consuming and expensive semi-permanent and permanent methods that required the services of a doctor or skilled practitioner. Ultimately, the best way to remove facial hair may be the way that is gentlest to your pocketbook.
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Keeping it Simple
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Removing face hair can be simple and relatively inexpensive if you opt for a procedure such as waxing or sugaring, which is performed by an aesthetician or cosmetologist at a salon or day spa. These methods involve spreading a thin layer of wax or sugar gel over the skin, applying a cloth strip and quickly removing it. After waxing or sugaring, the cosmetologist will apply a soothing lotion on your skin to assuage inflammation.
This removes facial hair from the root and is considered the most effective way of removing all of the hair follicles at one time. Women can expect to remain hair-free for two weeks to two months, depending on how fast their hair grows. Waxing and sugaring is an attractive choice for women with dark facial hair, as they don't have to worry about a uniform hair growth "shadow" noted after using depilatory creams.
As of 2009, the average cost of a waxing or sugaring treatment is $8 to $20 for the brow area and $10 to $15 for the chin or lip area, excluding the tip to your cosmetologist. For those on a strict budget, the best way to have facial hair removed might involve a quick trip to your local salon.
Laser Hair Removal & Electrolysis
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Laser hair removal is considered a semi-permanent method of removing facial hair, while electrolysis is considered the most permanent method of getting rid of hair. These methods involve killing the hair root through laser light or electricity, respectively. Laser hair removal is safest and most effective when performed by a doctor, such as a dermatologist. Electrolysis is safest when performed by cosmetologist with numerous years of experience, because infection and scarring may result if you put your face in the hands of someone who is unskilled.
Laser hair removal is most effective on women with pale skin and dark hair, according to the Mayo Clinic. Women with white, fair or red facial hair won't get the results that they desire. Electrolysis, on the other hand, can be performed on any type of hair with effective results.
Removing facial hair using these methods is considerably more expensive than waxing or sugaring. A single laser treatment can cost anywhere between $150 and $350, with a minimum of three treatments required to see results of up to 70 percent hair loss. Electrolysis is charged by the hour and can range anywhere between $45 and $125. Removing hair from the upper lip can take as little as one hour. Although there will be some regrowth that needs to be retreated, if you have a small area of hair growth to address, such as the brow area or upper lip, electrolysis can be the most permanent and cost-effective way to remove it permanently.
Prescription Topicals
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There is a topical cream that inhibits facial hair growth designed just for women over the age of 12 called Vaniqa. This requires a prescription, so a visit to your doctor is necessary. Vaniqa can be a very hit-or-miss hair removal method. Clinical trials indicate that around 58 percent of women experienced success with Vaniqa while the rest did not. Because Vaniqa retards hair growth, most women will probably have to use another method of removing stray hairs, such as plucking.
According to Drugstore.com, as of 2009, a tube of Vaniqa costs $67. Because facial hair removal is considered a cosmetic procedure, your insurance might not cover the cost of your doctor's visit or this prescription topical. Vaniqa might be the perfect way for you to address facial hair, but consider your doctor's visit and the cream itself in your total costs.
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