Are you continuously trying to de-fuzz your facial hair? Facial hair is a common complaint among women. If you, like many women, would like to join the Dermspotlight quest for ways to consider how to remove facial hair, follow along. We will consider both short-term and long-term options, including: over-the-counter, spa, and medical options, that help you remove facial hair and give your face that smooth skin glow.

Facial hair, although annoying, is completely normal. Yes, even your favorite celebrities consider hair removal options. Keep in mind if you are concerned about excessive facial hair to seek medical advice. There are medical conditions that may contribute to excessive hair growth, called Hirsutism. Hirsutism is an increased amount of terminal facial hair in women, that is caused by an elevation of male hormones and often polycystic ovarian syndrome as discussed in this study [1], published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.

Keep reading to learn–13 ways to remove your peach fuzz and consider facial hair removal.

how to remove facial hair
How to Remove Facial Hair: Your Ultimate Guide. Image/Dermspotlight

How to Remove Facial Hair – Short-term Hair Removal

  1. Tweezing

  2. This is the most common go-to method our mothers or grandmothers taught us over the years to tame our eyebrows or de-fuzz your chin, brow, or lip hair. This is best for small areas. It is the easiest and cheapest option. We recommend cleaning your tweezers with alcohol. (Tweezerman tweezers are a tried and true option Slant razor- Amazon $16.49 The pink one is a personal favorite).

  3. Waxing

  4. Another common over-the-counter and cheap method is waxing. Wax is available as soft wax, hard wax, or wax strips. This method may cause ingrown hairs or chemical, heat irritation for sensitive skin. Waxing can be performed in a spa, salon, or using an at-home kit. (Bliss hard wax kit- Amazon, Nad’s Facial Wax Strips, fragrance-free- Amazon $5.88, Glee Strips- Walmart, No Mo-Stache strips- Ulta $12.00).

  5. Dermaplaning

  6. This method makes shaving your face result in a red-carpet smooth glow. Typically performed in a spa by an aesthetician, this method removes even the peach-fuzz from the facial area, exfoliates the skin, and allows makeup to glide nicely over the face. Many spas offer dermaplaning with a facial. It is a common myth that hair will grow back thicker. Another recommendation is to apply a fragrance-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer after finishing, such as over-the-counter- Cerave PM or Cetaphil lotion. Medical grade options- Skin Better Science– Trio Rebalancing Moisture Treatment, Alastin- Ultra Nourishing Moisturizer, or Neocutis Bio Serum. There are some home-use online options, that seem to work almost as nice as a spa visit. One of my favorite cost-effective at-home dermaplaning tools is the (Tinkle eyebrow razor pack- Amazon $5.23. Other online options include: Silk touch-up Dermaplaning tool by Schick- Amazon $4.99, Lumina Personal Hair Removal- Finishing Touch, Ulta),

  7. Dermaflash- 2.0 Luxe Facial Exfoliation & Peach Fuzz Removal

  8. This is a more expensive option however, it claims to exfoliate the face and remove peach fuzz from the facial area. This over-the-counter product, claims to be inspired by dermaplaning, in the comfort of your own home. Result? A peach fuzz-free face with a red-carpet-ready glow. This luxe product Dermaflash has a patent sonic technology- Nordstrom, Amazon $199.00 )

  9. Coil Hair Removals

  10. This option is a bit intimidating by the looks of it. You grab the ends of the tool and roll the coils over the unwanted hair. This tool is able to remove the hair from the follicle and not irritate the skin. (Bellabe Amazon $17.99)

  11. Threading

  12. This method is for eyebrow shaping, removing unwanted facial hair of the face. Threading originated in eastern cultures in India and Iran. It involves a thread that twists and turns “threading” to remove the hair from the follicle. This requires a trained esthetician or cosmetologist.

  13. Sugar waxing

  14. Sugar waxing according to [2], SELF magazine, is “an all-natural paste to pull the body hair out.” It consists of sugar, lemon, and water. SELF notes it is a gentler experience than waxing. The paste attaches to the hair and does not stick to the skin. (Nad’s Natural Sugar Wax Amazon- $13.00).

  15. Epilation devices

  16. Epilation devices pluck out several hairs at a time (think faster than tweezers with multiple hairs removed). This technique is great for the chin, side of the face, or nasal area. The pain is similar to the threading technique. (Gillette Venus Face Perfection Women’s Hair Removal Amazon-$13.43)

  17. Depilatory Creams

  18. Depilatory Creams work as an alkaline product, dissolving the hair on the skin surface area. It is recommended to try a test spot to make sure you are able to tolerate a depilatory cream. This may not be the best method for sensitive skin. The time is usually 5-10 minutes. (Nair Face Cream Amazon- $3.68).

  19. At-home laser hair removal

  20. One at-home laser removal option, Tria is the first at-home FDA-cleared hair removal laser. The device uses pulsed light that targets the melanin at the hair follicle for a reduction and eventually removal of facial hair. (Tria hair removal laser precision triabeauty.com- $329).

    How to Remove Facial Hair – Long-term Hair removal:

  21. Electrolysis

  22. Electrolysis works by a probe placed in the hair follicle, followed by a shortwave radiofrequency. According to the FDA [3], electrolysis is a “permanent hair removal method, since it destroys the follicle.” Like all facial hair removal methods, it requires a series of treatments to achieve long-term hair removal.

  23. Prescription Hair removal creams

  24. A prescription cream Vaniqa [4], helps to reduce hair growth. The cream however only works when using the cream, or the hair will grow back. This is also a nice adjunct to assist in the various hair removal methods.

  25. Laser Hair Removal

  26. Laser Hair Removal is used in Dermatology offices safely and effectively, as an option for long-term facial hair removal. A precise laser pulse targets the hair follicle. The light is absorbed and targets the hair follicle. According to the AAD [5], the results can last for months to years. Maintenance treatments may be needed to remain hair-free. Multiple sessions are required to achieve facial hair reduction and removal. (Lumenis, LightSheer® in-office treatments, Nood Hair Removal).

Conclusion

Now that you have learned 13 ways to consider Facial Hair Removal methods, start today to achieve that smooth skin fuzz-free facial glow. Regardless if you choose an at-home or in-office facial hair removal option, we hope that you enjoy the way your makeup glides over your skin.

Up Next: Jennifer Aniston’s Salmon Sperm Facial

Collette Utley, DNP, FNP-BC, PNP-BC

By Collette Utley, DNP, FNP-BC, PNP-BC

Dr. Collette Utley is a Doctor of Nursing Practice and Nurse Practitioner in dermatology with Dr. Michael Gold, at Gold Skin Care Center in Nashville, TN.

References

[1] Martin KA, Chang RJ, Ehrmann DA, et al. Evaluation and treatment of hirsutism in premenopausal women: an Endocrine Society clinical practice guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2008;93(4):1105–1120.
[2] Rekstis, E., 2021. I Tried Sugaring and I'll Never Get Waxed Again. [online] SELF. Available at: https://www.self.com/story/sugaring-hair-removal [Accessed 3 March 2021].
[3] Electrolysis | Cleveland Clinic: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/8306-electrolysis
[4] Allergan. Vaniqa®. prescribing Information.
[5] Aad.org. 2021. Laser hair removal: Overview. [online] Available at: https://www.aad.org/public/cosmetic/hair-removal/laser-hair-removal-overview [Accessed 4 March 2021].