Excessive facial hair is a sensitive issue for many women; Those who suffer from this condition have low self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy. Many of them feel that body hair is unsightly and resort to various measures to get rid of it. There are a number of ways to remove unwanted hair, from relatively painless methods like threading and plucking to painful techniques like electrolysis.
While everyone has somebody’s hair, some women have darker, thicker hair on their face than it shows. Facial hair is usually found on the sideburns, upper lip and chin, and along the jawline. Some people even have hair on their cheeks. This causes emotional distress and embarrassment.
Causes
The growth of excess hair on the body is known as hirsutism. This condition can be caused by various reasons, such as the production of additional androgens or male hormones such as testosterone in the body or an increase in the level of circulating androgens in the bloodstream. It can also be caused by irregularities of the endocrine system or failure of the body’s metabolism. A condition is known as polycystic ovarian disorder (PCOD) also causes unwanted hair growth on the face and body, as well as causing weight gain and recurrent acne breakouts.
Hirsutism tends to run in families and is generally considered hereditary. It can also be idiopathic, meaning there is no known reason for the condition to occur.
Methods of removing of unwanted facial hair
Common methods used by women to remove or disguise unwanted facial hair include bleaching, threading, waxing, waxing, electrolysis, or laser hair removal. Each of these techniques has its pros and cons and maybe suitable only for certain parts of the face. Also, some of these techniques may not be suitable for sensitive skin types or darker skin tones. It is generally advisable to consult a certified cosmetologist before choosing a particular waxing option.
Natural Methods of Removal Unwanted Facial Hair
If you have the patience, discipline, and willpower to stick to a regimen, you can try some of the following natural facial hair removal methods. These techniques are relatively safe and inexpensive; however, they must be used regularly for a period of at least 6 months for the results to be visible. The benefit of these techniques is that the ingredients are readily available in our kitchens and are generally known to be palatable to sensitive skin.
1. Turmeric
Turmeric powder, in combination with various other ingredients, is known to slow down the growth of facial hair and eventually prevent it from growing back. When turmeric and yogurt paste is applied regularly, hair growth is reduced. This method is particularly effective if started at a young age. Furthermore, turmeric is a powerful medicine that has long been used in the Chinese and Indian systems of medicine and has many health benefits.
2. Gram flour
Another effective hair removal method is the use of chickpea flour paste. A mixture of chickpea flour, turmeric, and lemon juice or fresh cream can be applied to the skin. Once the paste has dried, you can use a cloth dipped in warm water to rub it in a circular motion.
3. Sugar wax
It is a natural version of the wax that is used in beauty salons, although much safer and better for the skin. It is prepared by heating a mixture of sugar, lemon, and water until the sugar melts and turns brown. This concoction should be used while it is still hot. After applying a moderately thick layer to the skin, a muslin cloth or commercially available waxing strip should be placed on the area to be waxed. This strip should be pulled in the opposite direction of hair growth.
Another type of natural wax that can be used is honey wax. This is a similarly heated mixture of honey, lemon, and sugar. However, this is more expensive to make than sugar wax.
4. Pumice stone
Rubbing your skin regularly with a pumice stone is a slow but effective method of reducing unwanted facial hair growth. But this may not be good for sensitive skin.
5. Spearmint tea
This remedy is effective if unwanted hair growth is due to excessive testosterone production. A cup or two of peppermint tea by steeping fresh peppermint leaves in hot water has been shown to lower testosterone levels, reducing hair growth. For the results to be seen, this infusion must be drunk every day.
6. Egg white mask
A mask made up of egg whites, sugar, and cornmeal can be applied to the area where hair growth is not needed. Once dry, the mask can be rubbed off with a damp cloth or wet fingers. This mask also acts as an exfoliator and has a cleansing action on the skin.
7. Include Phytoestrogens in the diet
Phytoestrogens are plant products that mimic the action of estrogen, which is a hormone secreted in the female body. This hormone discourages the growth of facial hair. Some foods rich in phytoestrogens are alfalfa, fennel, flax seeds, and licorice. Cooking foods with these ingredients can help reduce the density of facial hair.
8. Papaya
Raw papaya pulp and turmeric or raw milk work well to reduce unwanted hair growth. Also, papaya has the benefit of bleaching fine hair.
9. Potatoes and yellow lentils
Another natural ingredient that can help remove unwanted hair is a paste of potato juice, crushed yellow lentil juice, and lemon juice. The lentils should be soaked overnight and then crushed and strained to obtain the juice. Honey can also be added to this for more benefits.
10. Green gram
Green gram powder, when mixed with rose water and lemon juice, can control unwanted facial hair growth. Lemon juice also acts as an astringent and cleanses the pores of the skin.
There are many other techniques that can be effective if used regularly, such as basil leaf paste and onion membranes. The secret of all these methods is patience and regularity. Women should not expect overnight results from these methods. These remedies may not be permanent either. However, they are much safer to use than commercially available methods.
