Removing body and facial hair is almost a universal experience and yet, for someone with facial hair looking to feminise their appearance it can be particularly important. This section contains a range of hair removal techniques along with some tips which may be beneficial for a diverse range of people.
IMPORTANT Before trying any hair removal method or product, it’s advisable to conduct a patch test to assess skin sensitivity and minimise potential adverse reactions. Consult a licensed professional if you’re not sure.
Eyebrow Shaping
Coming soon! A section giving details about techniques and styles in on it’s way.
Groomed eyebrows with a well defined arch can be a great way to accentuate particular aspects of your facial shape and achieve a more feminine appearance. Many of the hair removal techniques listed below can be employed for this task and as such, it doesn’t fit into any particular category. Nonetheless, it is still an important aspect of feminine hair removal and deserves a section all on it’s own.
Common methods are:
- Plucking
- Waxing
- Threading
With the right specialist or the right tools, many hair removal techniques could be used to get the eyebrow shape you want, so this section is written more with a focus on how to get an appearance you like for your eyebrows, and less on the methods you might use for removal.
Semi-permanent options are available too. Due to the associated risks with using any potent hair removal treatment near your eyes and with such an impactful part of your appearance, it is recommended that you consult a specialist for permanent eyebrow shaping options.
Get The Most From Your Treatment
If you’re thinking of getting some form of permanent or semi-permanent hair removal in the future, it’s worth knowing that regular plucking and waxing may make it harder to remove them permanently in the future.
Not impossible, but just a bit more annoying!
Don’t let this put you off - it’s not a huge issue, but it may be worth keeping in the back of your mind so you can make an informed decision about when to start.
Why This Happens:
Semi-permanent or permanent methods work by using heat to destroy the blood supply of a hair follicle so it can’t produce new hair cells. During laser or thermolysis (more on those later) the hair needs to be in it’s growth phase so it’s got a good, healthy connection to the follicle’s growth cells and blood supply. This is so that when heat is applied (via whatever removal route you choose) it is conducted through the hair, into the growth cells and the surrounding tissue so it can be effectively destroyed.
Regular plucking hair will weaken those connections over time with repeated physical damage - while this can look great and means the hairs don’t grow so thick and fast, it can also make them harder to remove permanently due to this reduction in thermal conductance.
Temporary Hair Removal Techniques
Shaving
One of the shortest lived but most easily accessible options for hair removal, shaving is an effective way to remove body and facial hair. This section has more information about the ins and outs of shaving with a few pointers to get a person started if they haven’t shaved much before.
Waxing
Waxing removes hair from the root, leading to smoother skin for an extended period compared to shaving. While it can be done at home, professional salons offer this service. It’s essential to consider pain tolerance and skin sensitivity when opting for waxing.
Epilation
Epilation involves using an electronic device to grasp and pull out multiple hairs simultaneously. This method offers longer-lasting results than shaving, and with regular use hair may grow back finer. Various epilation devices are available.
Medicated Creams
Topical prescription creams can slow hair growth and reduce thickness. These creams often contain inhibitors that target specific hair follicle activities. It’s important to consult a healthcare professional before using these creams to assess their suitability and potential side effects.
Caution: Some hair removal creams may cause skin irritation. Conduct a patch test and seek medical advice if adverse reactions occur.
Semi-Permanent Techniques
Some sources refer to these as fully permanent, although it’s impossible to say for certain how every individual is going to react. Regardless, these techniques are highly effective and it is very unlikely to see recurring hair growth after a successful treatment.
Laser
Laser hair removal utilises laser technology to target and damage hair follicles, inhibiting regrowth. This method provides a more permanent solution, although multiple sessions are often required. It is crucial to consult with a qualified professional to determine suitability.
Intense Pulsed Light
Intense pulsed light, or IPL is a semi-permanent hair removal option that is available at home. It works similarly to laser hair removal but rather than using a laser, IPL relies on a series of bright flashes of light which heat up the root of a hair, effectively burning killing it’s growth cells at the root.
Electrolysis
Electrolysis is a method that involves destroying hair follicles using an electric current. It is considered a permanent hair removal solution, but, like laser hair removal, requires multiple sessions. Professional expertise is essential for safe and effective electrolysis.