How to fight your facial fuzz

Shaving is a good method, but it's a quick fix, and hair will grow back thicker, because anything that stimulates the skin's circulation "feeds" hair, encouraging it to grow stronger.

Shaving is a good method, but it's a quick fix, and hair will grow back thicker, because anything that stimulates the skin's circulation "feeds" hair, encouraging it to grow stronger.

Published Jul 10, 2014

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Question: What is the best and most effective hair remover for the upper lip area? I was originally brunette, then dyed my hair blonde but the hair on my upper lip is still dark. I don’t want to have to resort to a razor to get rid of the dreaded moustache!

Doreen, 73, Fife

 

Answer: Facial hair varies in colour, thickness and volume as we age and our bodies go through hormonal changes, but there are lots of ways to remove or disguise it. Skin around your mouth is sensitive and delicate, and although you want hair removed, don’t forget to be gentle with whatever you’re using.

Remington hair removal expert Dr Barbara Kubicka has a clinic in London that specialises in laser treatment.

“It’s not a ‘one size fits all’ system,” she says. “Safe and effective treatment depends on your skin type, along with the colour, thickness and amount of hair you want to remove.

“If hair is thick and there’s lots of it, it could be related to a hormonal imbalance, from conditions such as polycystic ovaries or the menopause. In that case, it’s best to seek advice from your doctor.

“IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) therapy uses high-intensity focused light to stop hair growing, after which is sheds naturally and regrowth is slowed. It is not a one-off permanent treatment, so you may need a few sessions, but it can significantly inhibit hair growth over time. It’s safe for most skin types and hair thickness, but isn’t always recommended for darker skins as the intensity of the light energy can burn.

“Watch out when using hair removal creams as they can contain high levels of chemicals that can irritate skin. Shaving is a good method, but it’s a quick fix, and hair will grow back thicker, because anything that stimulates the skin’s circulation “feeds” hair, encouraging it to grow stronger.

“I’d be cautious with waxing or plucking as it can result in ingrown hairs. However, if you don’t have a lot of hair growth, dyeing the hair is a good option - always use a dye specifically for use on facial hair and test it on a small area first to ensure you’re not hyper-sensitive to it.”

 

If you’re planning on plucking hair, ensure your skin is exfoliated and clean, and use tweezers sterilised in boiling water to prevent infection.

And use witch hazel or aloe vera afterwards to soothe the top- lip area. - Daily Mail

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