Facial Hair Removal - What is the best option for you? See our beauty tips.
10th Aug 2015
Well, I have done some research and have finally decided on my least and most favourite hair removal options, and here they are, from the worst in 10th place, to my absolute favourite in 1st.
10. Bleaching
Personally, I have never bleached my facial hair, since I have very fair hair. It is a popular choice for people with darker hair since it makes the hair less obvious, however, in the sunlight, you can still see all of the hair, almost as clear as before so there really isn’t much point spending time doing this. Also, keep in mind how sensitive the skin on your face is, and the amount of harsh chemicals used to bleach the hair cannot be good for you.
My Rating - 1 star
9. Shaving
I know it sounds strange for women to shave their faces, but in fact, it is something that many people have tried at least once. Now in my opinion, this has got to be the worst option of the lot and not just because of stubble rash. Think about the first time you ever shaved your legs, there was barely any hair and you probably couldn’t see it anyway. But now, after years of shaving, it is thicker, darker and more noticeable than ever. Well, that is what shaving does to your facial hair too. It is also pretty depressing to do as it does not feel very feminine.
My Rating - 1 star
8. Electric Tweezers/ Facial Epilators
The Electric Tweezers are not too bad, similar to the epilators you get for your legs, just a lot smaller to accommodate for the smaller areas of your face. They’re not actually that accurate at targeting the hairs, but when they do, they actually pull them out from the root instead of snapping the hair at the base. Yes it does hurt, but any effective hair removal will. Another issue with this, is that you either need a power source or batteries, so it’s not as travel friendly as some of the other options. I have found that it takes ages as it does not pull them all out so you have to keep going over the area again and again. I think waxing is better. Please let us know if you have found one that is amazing.
My Rating - 2 stars
7. Plucking
Plucking would be a fantastic option, if it didn’t take so long. Tweezing is definitely the most accurate option, and the most effective since you can pull each hair out one by one from the root, however, since you will only be pulling one hair at a time, it can take forever. It is perfect for a quick ‘top up’ though, and fantastic for smaller areas and shaping (eyebrows). This is not a solution for removing hair on the whole face as it would take forever! We have two inexpensive options available on our website; Slant Tip Tweezers and Straight Tip Tweezers.
My Rating - 2 stars for full face, or 5 stars for eyebrows and stray hairs
6. Hair Removal Cream
Hair removal cream in my opinion would be 4 stars for legs, however, on the face, I think the chemicals are not great, especially on such a sensitive area. It does effectively remove the hair (not always from the root as it claims) but it does last a while. Another issue is the smell, it doesn’t smell that great, and even after washing it still smells.
My Rating - 2 stars
5. Waxing
Waxing is great; it removes hairs in one go, provided you can handle the pain. It can last for up to 4 weeks as it pulls the hair out from the root. There are a couple of issues with this method though. It can leave a red blotches on your skin, which can’t be covered up with foundation (as I found the hard way) so if you are planning to go out, do it at least a day before. The other issue is that it can cause lots of pimples when the hair grows back from ingrown hairs. You can reduce this risk by exfoliating regularly. You can wax yourself, or it will cost you approximately £30 for full face at a salon. For eyebrow waxing, we offer a low cost option that is quick and easy, with barely any clean up after. Try Eylure's Brow Shapers for pre-shaped wax strips perfect for eyebrow hair removal.
My Rating - 4 stars
4. Electrolysis
Electrolysis (as far as I have heard) is fantastic. It kills the hair follicles, so the hair stops growing. It only takes a few sessions, and the hair is much finer and more sparse. Fantastic for thicker lip/chin hair. The only downside to this is the cost, it is expensive, but if you think about how much you will spending on a wax session, or hair removal cream in your lifetime, it may just be worth it. For 25 mins of Electrolysis it will cost about £25. An electrical current is used to kill the hair.
My Rating - 4 stars
3. Laser Hair Remover
Laser treatment is great option for hair removal, as it can (with a course of treatments) be permanent. It is also virtually pain free. The reason this is not number 1 on my list is because of the price. You can pay around £80 for a session, and then you have to go back for several more sessions. You can buy your own laser hair removers to use at home but the good ones are expensive and you need to be careful not to burn your skin. Another thing to consider is that laser hair removal does not work well for fine/ blonde hair and it is best for thicker, darker hairs. The is an amazing solution for darker haired ladies.
My Rating - 4 stars for dark hair, 1 star for blonde hair
2. Threading
Threading is another of the greatest things ever invented. It removes hair quickly and easily, and uses no chemicals so is not harsh on your skin, it even gets all the finer hairs that you can’t get with waxing. There are only a couple of downsides with this. It is very difficult to do it yourself, and takes a long time to get the hang of it, so you pretty much always have to get it done professionally, but again, it is definitely worth the money, since it lasts for up to 4 weeks, and can help reduce future hair growth. Approx £30 for full face.
My Rating - 4 stars
1. Epilator Stick
The Epilator Stick (also known as a threading stick/ threading spring) is by far superior to any of the above options and you can do it yourself. The epilator spring is amazing for upper lip hair removal. It pulls out hair from the root so it will last up to 4 weeks, it is small and flexible so it will fit easily in your makeup bag, it has no accessories or replaceable items with it so you are only paying for the item with no need for extras, there are no chemicals used so it is great for people with sensitive skin, you do not need a mirror the use it, it pulls out even the tiniest of hairs, can be used anywhere and everywhere and it is made from plastic and metal and therefore can be cleaned really easily. The only issue is that it is not good for precise hair removal, like shaping eyebrows, but coupled with a pair of tweezers you have everything you need for a perfectly smooth, hair free face. I love the epilator stick and for only £9.99 from Undercover Glamour it is a steal.
My Rating - 5 stars
Don't take my word for it, try it for yourself. Whichever option you choose for eyebrow shaping, I would highly recommend using Eylure's Eyebrow Stencils to shade in the eyebrows before removing the hair... just to make sure you aren't removing the wrong bits.
