Unwanted facial hair can be an embarrassing problem, especially for women. There are a number of methods available for facial hair removal. They include plucking, electrolysis, shaving, waxing, depilatory creams and laser techniques. Each of these facial hair removal methods has their own merits and demerits.

Plucking and shaving are two cheap and commonly used methods. There are many shaving devices and creams specially developed for women. But they have to be done daily or in alternative days. They can also cause discoloration of skin and infection to hair follicles. Often hair reappears in more dark shades.

Depilatory creams are comparatively inexpensive and short-term facial hair removal options. They are available as gels, creams, lotions, aerosols, and roll-on forms. They contain a highly alkaline chemical meant to dissolve the protein structure of the hair, which help in removing hair from skin surface. They are simple to use and can be carried out in the privacy of your own home. But you have to repeat the application once in every three to four days. They can also cause redness and irritation.

Waxing and tweezing are used to remove hair from below the surface. Hot wax is first applied above the hair to be removed and then it is pulled away from the face removing the hair with it. As they do not damage the hair follicles, new hair growth can occur within a few weeks. It can be done in a home or beauty salon. But these methods are painful and can produce skin redness and irritation.

Electrolysis is considered as the most effective technique for facial hair removal as it offers permanent hair removal. They destroy individual hair follicles. But it is very expensive and time consuming. With electrolysis, you need multiple treatments on regular intervals for permanent hair removal.

Laser facial hair removal is a newer technique that requires only little time for treatment, full face can be treated in about 15 minutes. But as in electrolysis, you need multiple sessions, usually 4 to 6. They are quite expensive too. You cannot use any other hair removal methods for about a month before your laser hair removal session.