Buzz
Unwanted hair above the lip can often make many women feel self-conscious, whether it's just a few dark strands or a full mustache. To effectively remove this hair, it's advisable to avoid shaving and instead opt for longer-lasting methods such as waxing, applying hair removal creams, electrolysis, or laser hair removal. Additionally, you can lighten the appearance of facial hair by bleaching it.
Steps
Use Hair Removal Cream
Choose hair removal cream if you prefer a painless method. Hair removal creams work by dissolving hair at the skin's surface. When used correctly, these creams are painless, making them an ideal choice for those who want to avoid the discomfort associated with waxing or plucking.
Find a hair removal cream suitable for facial skin. The chemicals in hair removal creams are quite strong, so you need to use a product specifically designed for the delicate skin of the face. Visit cosmetic stores and look for creams made for facial hair removal. If unsure, ask a salesperson for assistance.
Test the cream on your skin first. Apply a small amount of the cream to a sensitive but safe area, such as the inside of your wrist, to check for any adverse reactions. Leave it on for the recommended time (usually 5 minutes), then rinse thoroughly. Wait an additional 10-15 minutes to ensure there’s no itching or redness.
Apply a thick layer of cream above the lip. Wear disposable gloves and squeeze a pea-sized amount of cream onto your finger. Start applying just below the nose, spreading it outward across the area above the lip. Ensure the cream covers the entire mustache area evenly.
- If the cream accidentally spreads to your cheeks, wipe it off immediately with a damp cloth.
- Many products come with an applicator tool, which you can use to spread the cream.
Leave the cream on for 3-6 minutes. Follow the instructions carefully. The recommended time is usually 3-6 minutes, but for your first use, opt for a shorter duration. If you feel a tingling sensation, remove the cream immediately.
Test a small area to see if the hair comes off. Use your fingertip or a cotton swab to gently rub a small section of the treated area. If the hair comes off, proceed to wipe off the cream. If not, wait until the maximum recommended time has passed.
- Never leave the cream on longer than advised, as this may cause skin irritation or burns.
Wipe off the cream with a damp cloth. Use a damp cloth or tissue to remove the cream from your skin. Alternatively, you can rinse it off under a shower using your hands.
Thoroughly wash the skin with soap and water. Lather soap in your hands and gently scrub the area above the lip to remove any remaining cream. Finish by splashing water on the skin for a final rinse.
Apply a gentle moisturizer after hair removal. If your skin feels dry post-treatment, use a mild, fragrance-free moisturizer or lotion. Reapply the cream the next day and beyond if necessary.
Repeat this process every 3-5 days. Hair removal creams offer a temporary solution, as hair typically regrows within 3-5 days. You can reapply the cream after 3 days, but stop immediately if you experience itching, redness, or irritation.
Waxing for Facial Hair Removal
Opt for waxing if you prefer a longer-lasting solution. This method removes hair from the root, with results lasting two weeks or more. However, waxing can be painful, so consider visiting a salon if you're unsure about doing it yourself.
Wait until the hair grows to about 0.5 cm in length. Waxing is only effective if the wax can adhere to the hair, so allow the hair to grow beyond 0.5 cm. If you prefer not to let the hair grow this long, consider alternatives like hair bleaching.
Look for wax designed for facial hair removal. Visit a cosmetics store or pharmacy to purchase an at-home waxing kit, ensuring it’s suitable for facial skin. You can choose between traditional wax that’s applied to the skin or pre-coated wax strips, which are neater but sometimes less effective.
Exfoliate your face with a scrub to minimize pain. Cleansing your pores and removing dead skin cells helps the wax grip the hair more easily. Use an exfoliating face wash or a regular cleanser with a washcloth to scrub your skin.
- Other pain-reducing tips include applying a numbing cream, taking a hot shower before waxing, and avoiding alcohol and caffeine on the day of waxing.
Heat the wax in the microwave if required. Most waxing products need to be heated, though pre-coated strips may be an exception. Heat the wax container in the microwave for the recommended time, following the instructions carefully to avoid overheating and burning your skin.
Apply the wax to the mustache area. If using traditional wax, use the applicator provided in the kit to spread the wax above the lip. Apply it in the direction of hair growth, ensuring the layer is thick and covers the entire mustache area. Avoid applying wax to the delicate skin on the lips or inside the nose.
Press the waxing strip onto the area above the lip. Whether using traditional wax or pre-coated strips, firmly press the strip onto the targeted area. Start from one side and smooth it toward the center. Stretch the strip as you press it down, ensuring no air bubbles are trapped underneath.
Wait for the recommended time. Follow the product instructions for how long to leave the wax on your skin. Removing it too soon reduces effectiveness, while leaving it on longer doesn’t improve results.
Pull the strip off with a quick motion. Hold the skin taut next to the mustache area with one hand. With the other hand, grip one end of the strip and pull it off swiftly and smoothly. Avoid pulling slowly, as this can increase discomfort.
Wash the skin with soap and water. Lather soap and water in your hands and gently cleanse the area above the lip. If any residue remains, use a damp washcloth to wipe it away until the skin is completely clean.
Apply cortisone cream to reduce redness. Purchase cortisone cream from a pharmacy and apply it to the waxed area. Use it within 24 hours after waxing to minimize redness and irritation. Alternatively, soothing oils like azulene oil can also be effective.
Bleaching Facial Hair
Bleach your mustache if you don’t want to wait for hair to grow longer. Lightening the hair is an effective way to conceal short hairs that are too fine for waxing. If you prefer not to wait until the hair grows beyond 0.5 cm, bleaching can make the hair less noticeable.
- Bleaching works best on fine hair and is often less effective on coarse or thick hair.
Choose a bleach specifically designed for facial hair. Visit a cosmetics store to select a hair bleach product. Ensure it’s recommended for facial use to avoid irritation. If possible, pick a formula suited to your skin type, such as oily or dry skin.
Mix the bleach as instructed. A bleaching kit typically includes a cream and an activator powder. Follow the package instructions to mix the two components before application. Discard any leftover mixture, as it cannot be reused.
Test the bleach on your skin first. Apply a small amount of the bleach to a sensitive but safe area, such as the inside of your wrist, to ensure no adverse reaction occurs. Leave it on for the recommended time, then rinse off. Wait at least 10-15 minutes to confirm there’s no itching or redness.
Wash the area above your lip with a gentle cleanser. Before bleaching, cleanse the skin with soap and water or a mild facial cleanser. Avoid exfoliating cleansers, as the skin may become irritated if bleach is applied immediately after exfoliation.
Apply the bleach to the mustache area. Most products come with an applicator, but if not, use a popsicle stick or wear gloves and apply with your fingers. Start below the nose and spread outward in the direction of hair growth. Be careful to avoid getting bleach on your lips or inside your nostrils.
- After use, dispose of applicators and gloves in a plastic bag before throwing them away to prevent staining the trash bin.
Wait for the recommended time. Follow the product instructions and avoid leaving the bleach on longer than advised. Overexposure can cause skin irritation or damage. Typically, facial hair bleach should not be left on for more than 10 minutes.
Wipe off a small section to check the results. Use a cotton swab or pad to remove a small portion of the bleach. Wipe away from the nose and mouth, then check if the hair has lightened. If not, wait an additional minute, but do not exceed the maximum recommended time.
Wipe off the remaining bleach with a cotton pad. Use a cotton pad or tissue to remove the leftover bleach, being careful to avoid sensitive areas. Dispose of the pad or tissue in a plastic bag before throwing it away to prevent staining.
Thoroughly wash the skin with soap and cold water. Lather soap and cold water in your hands and gently cleanse the area above the lip to remove any residue. Pat your face dry with a paper towel instead of a nice hand towel, as leftover bleach could damage the fabric.
Repeat the process when the hair grows back and darkens. After a few weeks, you’ll need to reapply the bleach as the hair regains its color. Stop bleaching or space out treatments if you notice redness, itching, or irritation.
Electrolysis or Laser Hair Removal
Choose electrolysis or laser hair removal for a permanent solution. Both methods are considered permanent if you complete the recommended number of sessions. While more expensive than other options, they save time in the long run by eliminating the need for repeated waxing or bleaching.
Choose laser hair removal if you have light skin and dark hair. Laser hair removal uses a laser beam to target and destroy multiple hair follicles at once, providing long-term results. This method works best when there’s a high contrast between dark hair and light skin, making it less ideal for those with dark skin and light hair.
- Electrolysis, on the other hand, is effective regardless of skin or hair color. It involves inserting a tiny needle into the hair follicle and using an electric current to destroy the root.
Research the clinic and practitioner thoroughly. Some facilities have better equipment, more skilled professionals (ensure they are licensed), and receive more positive reviews from clients. Check online reviews, but don’t rely solely on testimonials featured on their website.
Call a few clinics to gather information. Contact two or three top choices and inquire about their services, equipment, and expertise. Ask questions such as how long they’ve been in business, whether their equipment is up-to-date and FDA-approved, and if their practitioners are licensed.
- Also, ask about costs, whether they offer patch tests, and what potential side effects might occur.
Consult with a doctor to determine if hair removal is suitable for your hair type. While electrolysis or laser hair removal can provide permanent and excellent results for some, it’s not ideal for everyone. These methods can also be painful and costly. Discuss your expectations with a few doctors and ask for their honest assessment. If their promises sound too good to be true, consider seeking a clinic with more realistic commitments.
Tips
- The best time to remove facial hair is before bedtime. This allows your skin an entire night to recover, reducing irritation, redness, and swelling.
- Avoid sun exposure for 24 hours after hair removal to prevent irritation on the skin above your lip.
- Use an ice pack after hair removal to soothe the skin.
- After waxing, wipe the skin with oil-absorbing paper (often included in cold wax kits), then cleanse with a facial wash and apply lotion.
- Regardless of the method, press a warm, damp cotton pad on the treated area for 30 seconds to a minute to alleviate discomfort.
Warnings
- Children and teenagers should be supervised by an adult when using any hair removal method.
