Facial hair is normal in women and can vary considerably in color, thickness, density, and location.
Some women have mostly fine, light vellus hair, often called “peach fuzz,” while others develop darker or coarser hair on areas such as the upper lip, chin, jawline, or sideburns.
Whether to remove facial hair is a personal choice. If you decide to remove it, the best method depends largely on the type of hair, your skin, the area being treated, and whether you want temporary removal or longer-term reduction.
Women's facial hair can be influenced by several factors, including:
Hormones can play a particularly important role in coarse facial hair.
If you notice a sudden or substantial increase in facial hair—especially along with other new symptoms—it may be appropriate to discuss the change with a healthcare professional.
Hair-removal treatments can address unwanted hair, but they do not treat an underlying medical or hormonal cause.
Not all facial hair should be treated the same way.
Fine, lightly pigmented vellus hair may be suitable for temporary methods such as dermaplaning or shaving.
Coarser, darker hair may be more suitable for other approaches, including laser hair removal when there is sufficient pigment for the laser to target.
Very light blonde, gray, white, or red hair may respond poorly to laser treatment because it contains less pigment.
Understanding the type of hair you have is an important first step in choosing an appropriate removal method.
Shaving cuts hair at or near the surface of the skin.
It is relatively quick and inexpensive and does not make facial hair grow back thicker or darker. Newly shaved hair can sometimes feel coarser because the razor creates a blunt edge.
Depending on your skin and technique, frequent shaving may cause temporary irritation, razor bumps, or ingrown hairs.
Waxing removes hair from the root, so results generally last longer than shaving.
It can be used on areas such as the upper lip, chin, or sides of the face, but temporary redness and sensitivity may occur.
Your skin-care routine matters. Certain topical products and recent skin treatments can make the skin more sensitive, so tell your provider about the products and procedures you're using before facial waxing.
Threading removes individual hairs using twisted thread.
It is commonly used for eyebrows and smaller facial areas such as the upper lip.
Because threading removes hair rather than targeting the follicle's ability to produce future hair, regrowth is expected.
Dermaplaning removes superficial dead skin cells along with fine vellus facial hair.
It can temporarily create a smoother skin surface and is particularly different from laser hair removal because its primary target is not the hair follicle.
Dermaplaning also does not cause peach fuzz to grow back thicker or darker.
Electrolysis treats individual hair follicles using a fine probe and electrical energy.
Because electrolysis does not depend on hair pigment in the same way laser treatment does, it may be worth considering for a small number of light-colored hairs that are poor laser targets.
Treating follicles individually can make electrolysis particularly useful for isolated unwanted facial hairs.
Laser hair removal uses light energy that is absorbed by pigment associated with the hair. The energy is converted into heat, damaging the follicle and helping reduce future hair growth.
For appropriate candidates, it can be useful for reducing coarse, pigmented facial hair on areas such as the upper lip, chin, jawline, and selected areas of the lower face.
Because hairs are in different growth stages, a series of treatments is generally required.
Results vary according to factors such as hair color and thickness, skin type, treatment area, hormonal influences, laser technology, and individual response.
Laser hair removal may reduce appropriate unwanted facial hair even when hormonal factors contribute to its growth.
However, laser treatment does not correct the underlying hormonal cause. This means new hair growth or maintenance needs can vary from person to person.
Patients with hormonally influenced facial hair may therefore have different long-term treatment needs than patients treating other body areas.
Modern laser platforms can offer different wavelengths and adjustable treatment settings for a range of skin types.
At Park Slope Laser Aesthetic Center, the Cynosure Elite+® platform combines Alexandrite and Nd:YAG laser technology. Treatment parameters can be selected according to individual skin and hair characteristics.
An individualized evaluation is important because facial hair characteristics and skin pigmentation vary significantly from person to person.
Yes. Some hair can regrow.
Laser hair removal is best described as providing long-term hair reduction, rather than guaranteeing permanent removal of every facial hair.
Hormonal changes, age, hair characteristics, treatment area, and individual response can influence regrowth. Some patients may benefit from occasional maintenance treatments.
There isn't one method that's best for every woman.
Shaving may work well when you want a quick temporary option.
Waxing and threading remove hair from the root but require ongoing maintenance.
Dermaplaning can be useful when the primary concern is fine vellus hair and superficial exfoliation.
Electrolysis may be worth considering for isolated hairs, particularly those without enough pigment for laser treatment.
Laser hair removal may be appropriate when the goal is long-term reduction of suitable pigmented facial hair.
The right choice depends on the type and amount of hair, skin characteristics, treatment area, sensitivity, maintenance preferences, and long-term goals.
The upper lip, chin, and jawline are common areas where women seek facial hair removal.
However, the same method may not be appropriate for every area or every type of hair.
For example, a few isolated light chin hairs may require a different approach from a larger area of coarse, dark hair along the chin and jawline.
An individualized assessment can help determine which method is most appropriate.
If you're considering facial laser hair removal in Brooklyn, Park Slope Laser Aesthetic Center can evaluate your skin type, facial hair characteristics, treatment areas, and goals.
For appropriate candidates, an individualized treatment plan using Cynosure Elite+ technology can help reduce unwanted facial hair over the long term.
