How to remove unwanted feminine facial hair. Seven top tips that really work.

Like it or not, the vast majority of women will have to cope with the removal of unwanted facial hair at some time in their lives, it is just one of those things sent to try us. From the odd stay whisker to a pretty impressive moustache, it happens. I know the first time that I found an unwanted hair growing on my upper lip a few years ago I was horrified, I felt like a freak - which was pretty stupid I’ll be the first to admit. I couldn't wait to remove it. It sat there taunting me, I could feel it tickling my lip, I couldn't stop running my tongue over it.

I felt less femine, somehow. I tried to hide my face by putting my hand in front of it, which just drew attention to the hair. When I was taliking to people I imagined that they were looking at the hair, it really started to effect my social life. All that because of some tiny hair that in all likelihood only I could see. I was loath to pull it out at the time because I had always been told that for every one hair you remove two grow back in its place. Something I now know to be just an old wives tale.

I also felt old, which was also pretty darn stupid. I guess I had a picture in my head of my grandmother, a women who had a very strange assortment of stray hairs all over her face. Over the years my own little stray hair has acquired quite a few friends and I have acquired a bit of knowledge on dealing with them that I felt might be helpful to pass on.

1.) Shaving.

This is a quick fix solution only. If you are ready to leave the house and notice the odd stray hair then by all means reach for the razor. Always remember to use a shaving cream or soap, never ever dry shave. It really is worth taking that little bit of extra time, unless you want to go out with a case of razor burn. Razor burn is one of those things that you just can't believe how painful it is unless you have experienced it first hand, you might end up thinking that leaving the hair was a better option.

2.) Wax.

This is a more long term solution than shaving, if you are going to wax, then remember two things, it hurts and wax at least six hours before you are going to appear in public. Waxing can leave the skin reddened for quite some time. This effect can be reduced by holding a cold flannel against the skin for five minutes after waxing.

When I say it hurts, I am talking childbirth pain here not the odd little sting, then again, I am a well known baby when it comes to some types of pain so you’ll just have to try a small patch for yourself. Do not be tempted to spread hot wax over your entire upper lip and then rip off the strip in one pull, I think they heard my scream two streets away!

3.) Tweezing.

This method is best if you only have the odd stray hair to deal with as repeated plucking can cause damage to the skin and the hair will grow back darker and coarser. Use a warm face clothe and lay it over the area you want to tweeze for a few minutes. This opens up the hair follicle and makes it easier and less painful to yank out. When you have finished tweezing use the same clothe with cold water to close up the pores again and reduce any reddening of the skin.

4.)Electrolyse.

This is probably the best permanent solution to unwanted hair. It can be quite expensive but is worth it if you want to say bye bye to that moustache forever. Always use a registered technician, having an electrical charge run through a fine needle into your face isn’t something you want done by an amateur. You can even ask your doctor for a recommendation, if the facial hair is very bad, and you live in the UK, the treatment might be free.

5.) Hair minimising creams.

There are some pretty good creams out there, always do a small test patch first as they can irritate the skin. They don’t remove the hairs but they do make them finer and far less noticeable. This is a long term process and it can take quite some time to notice a difference, but it is worth sticking with it as the results can be very good.

6.) Laser hair removal.

Like electrolyse this is a permanent solution but is expensive, it should only ever be carried out by a fully qualified professional. Ask your doctor for a referral if at all possible.

6.) Bleaching.

If the hairs are fine but dark then bleaching might be a good solution for you. Always buy facial bleach, if you are in any doubt ask your chemist or pharmacist for advice. Always do a skin patch test first, bleach doesn't agree with everyone, leave at least forty eight hours between the test and using the bleach on the delicate skin of your face.

7.) A good alternative,

Homemade way to remove facial hair is to make a paste using equal amounts of turmeric and chickpea flour, both of which are readily available in most decent sized supermarkets, and a little water. Apply this paste to the hairy area, leave to dry and then gently rub off. This really does work quite well but it can leave the face a little red for a short while. If your skin does go red then try holding an ice cube wrapped in a soft cloth against the area for a short while. Never use ice directly on the skin, it can leave a freeze burn which will be far worse than a few stray hairs.

A word of warning about facial hairs that are based in moles, never attempt to do anything with them yourself. Take advice from your physician. Hairs in moles are very common but moles are not the type of thing you want to mess with, always, always speak to your doctor first before touching them.