Facial hair: causes, types &natural remedies for permanent hair removal

While facial hair on men is considered normal, it is considered unattractive in case of a woman. Yet, facial hair in women is a common concern worldwide. Therefore, women try various options to get rid of unwanted facial hair by using multiple temporary options to remove facial hair like shaving, plucking, waxing, or chemicals; or they turn to treatments like laser treatment, electrolysis (electrical current used to damage hair follicles and prevent them from growing back permanently), or medicines (e.g. medicines that balance the production of male hormones).

Understanding facial hair: its types and causes

Facial hair refers to the hair that grows on the face, including areas like the upper lip, chin, cheeks, and jawline. While it's common for both men and women to have some facial hair, the amount and texture can vary significantly

How are facial hair caused?

Several factors contribute to facial hair growth, including genetics, hormonal imbalances, steroids, PCOS and certain medical conditions. Understanding the underlying reason is important for effectively addressing.

• Hormones: The main hormones that stimulate facial hair growth are androgens, which include testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT).  These hormones are more  in males, which is why men typically have more facial hair than women. But androgens are also produced in women, though not that much abundant, but can result in the growth of vellus hair, which is a fine type of facial hair.

• Genetics: Genetic factors impact the pattern, density, and thickness of facial hair.  Family heredity can influence the presence and growth rate of facial hair, implying that individuals may inherit facial hair characteristics from their parents.

• Puberty: Hormonal changes lead to the development of secondary sexual characteristics, such as facial hair growth in males.  This is when androgen levels rise, resulting in thicker and darker facial hair. Hormonal changes associated with puberty in females can lead to the development of fine facial hair.

• Age: Hormonal changes during adolescence and the early stages of adulthood tend to accelerate the growth of facial hair.  However, hormonal changes may cause a decrease in facial hair growth as people age, particularly after middle age. 

Medical Conditions: Many concerns, including hormonal imbalances in both men and women and PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) in women, can change androgen levels, which in turn can affect the growth of facial hair.  Furthermore, the growth of facial hair may be influenced by specific medications.

Types of facial hair

• Vellus Hair: Vellus hair has a light colour, is fine, and is short. It covers the majority of the body including the face being the most affected, especially in women and children. This type of hair serves primarily to regulate body temperature and protect the skin.

• Terminal Hair: Terminal hair is denser, and darker than vellus hair. It can be spotted on the scalp, brows, eyelashes, pubic region, and face in adult men. Terminal hair grows longer and is more noticeable. They replace vellus hair in specific areas during puberty because of androgens. This type of hair serves a variety of functions including protection and sensation enhancement.

Men typically have more terminal hair on their faces, such as a beard, mustache, and sideburns, whereas women have finer vellus hair with fewer terminals. Individual differences do exist, however, due to genetic and hormonal influences, among other factors.

Why do women and girls have facial hair?

You might have noticed girls with facial hair and wondered why women grow facial hair? All women grow some amount of facial hair, but some women grow darker, thicker, or otherwise more noticeable facial hair than others. The growth of excessive male-pattern hair in women after puberty is known as hirsutism.Women can develop facial hair due to several reasons, including genetics, hormonal changes (such as those occurring during menopause), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and certain medications.

How to remove facial hair ?

Removing facial hair and reducing its growth are common concerns for many women. Several methods for removing facial hair are available, including shaving, tweezing, waxing, creams and using permanent hair removal powder. Shaving is quick and painless, but hair regrows rapidly. Tweezing is precise for small areas but can be time-consuming. Waxing gives longer-lasting results but can be painful. Hair removal creams dissolve hair at the surface and are easy to use, though they might cause irritation. 

What are some Natural remedies to remove facial hair?

For those looking into how to reduce facial hair, natural facial hair removal remedies like turmeric and milk paste, sugar and lemon mixtures, and papaya masks can help slow hair growth over time. These natural remedies to remove facial hair are gentle on the skin and can be easily made at home. By combining effective hair removal techniques with natural remedies, women can manage and reduce facial hair growth effectively.

How to remove facial hair permanently?

For those seeking a permanent facial hair removal, methods like laser treatment and electrolysis stand out. Laser treatment uses concentrated light to destroy hair follicles, while electrolysis employs an electric current for precise removal. 

Meanwhile, natural remedies to remove facial hair such as turmeric paste and sugar and lemon mixture offer a gentler approach, gradually reducing hair growth over time. Some individuals explore the option of permanent hair removal powder,  consistent use is important. It's essential to carefully weigh each method's pros and cons before deciding whether to opt for at-home treatments or seek professional assistance. Ultimately, achieving permanent facial hair removal is possible with the right approach and consideration of individual preferences and circumstances.