Hairstyle World Article for Women

Got Hair? When it comes to your face, take it all off

July 13th, 2006

by Staci Ann Sander
Whether it’s a unibrow, peach fuzz, or hair on your chinny-chin-chin, you probably don’t want it there. Here’s a guide to the best at-home methods for zapping facial hair.


Tweezing is quick, cheap, and precise for both brows and chin, but it’s not practical for large areas. Be sure to pluck one hair at a time in the direction it grows. The pros love Slant Tip tweezers from Tweezerman ($20; Sally Beauty Supply), which offers free sharpening for life (dull tips don’t grab as easily).

Depilatory creams dissolve hair fast and effectively–results last for up to 2 weeks–but may irritate sensitive skin (pretest on your forearm before using). Choose one designed for faces, such as Nair No Touch Upper Lip Cream ($4; drugstores), and don’t apply to cuts or scratches.

Shaving is speedy, simple, and gaining popularity among women. Don’t worry, cut hair does not grow in thicker, but its blunt ends may seem so. Any razor will do as long as it’s clean and sharp. Never shave dry skin–use soap or shaving cream–and stay away from your brows to protect your eyes. A post-shave product such as Tend Skin Liquid ($20; 800-940-8423) will keep ingrown hairs and irritation in check.

Waxing gives you the best at-home results for eyebrows and upper lips. It’ll hurt for just a moment, but you’ll enjoy smooth skin for 2 to 4 weeks. The downside: waiting for hair to grow in at least 1/4 to 1/2 inch before rewaxing. Try one of the new no-heat gel waxing kits, such as Epil-Ease or One Touch ($5 each; drugstores).

Lotions can make hair finer and less visible. Use a hair-minimizing lotion with soy, like Aveeno Positively Smooth Facial Moisturizer ($14; drugstores).

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