My girlfriend called me last week totally freaking out to tell me that she was Tom Sellecks sister. She said that she noticed two black hairs on her lip and was headed for a wax asap. I think we have all been there, looked in the rear view and gasped. When did those grow? and Why? quick a trip to the pharmacy to get any kind of hair removal that will take care of these pesky things. There are several factors that contribute to facial hair growth for women:
1. Hirsutism: this is an inherited condition that causes an abundance of hair growth, not just on the face but other parts of the body also. It causes an increase in male hormones, which in turn increases body hair. This condition is treated with medications that slow hair growth, and coupled with permanent hair removal methods.
2. Pregnancy: we have been there, a luscious maine of hair on our heads, but sometimes it also can grow on our face during this time. Again, the hormone shift causes the unwanted facial hair.
3. Medications: sometimes certain steroid medications and especially birth control pills can cause excess facial hair. You can check with your doctor if you feel your facial hair may be due to your medication. If it is your birth control, there are pills that have a low androgen effect.
4. Medical Condition: there are a few medical conditions, such as Poly Cystic ovaries or Cushing Syndrome that can cause increases in facial hair. Be sure to check with your doctor if you are experiencing any unusual symptoms.
5. Peri-menopause/Menopause: with the decrease in the female hormone estrogen and the increase of male hormones, it reeks havoc on our skin and hair. The ups and downs can lead to acne, weight and mood changes, and facial hair. Oh the joys of being a woman.
6. Nutrition: a site I love women to women. They have alot of information about hormones and how they effect our bodies.
One of the best ways to prevent androgen excess is by eating a balanced diet rich in quality proteins, complex carbohydrates, and colorful fruits and vegetables. When the body is getting too many refined carbohydrates, such as simple sugars, white bread or pasta, it produces more insulin. And one of the ways the body can respond to high insulin is by increasing androgen production.
Androgens are a male hormone which is a contributing factor to hair growth problems. So this is good advice all around. I think it may benefit our waistlines too.
You can treat your facial hair with either temporary methods or permanent. It really depends on how problematic your facial hair is and also your budget and time availability. Temporary methods are as follows:
1. Facial Bleach: if you have very sparse hair, you can just use a facial bleach to lighten those pesky hairs. Low cost.
2. Depilatory Creams:these creams are made for facial hair and will remove the hair, but depending on how fast your hair grows you may be doing it a couple times a month. Low cost.
3. Wax: a quick and low cost method. Its easy and takes care of the hair for a couple weeks or more. It depends on how fast your hair growth cycle is. Pricing for lip was is anywhere from $8-12, $16 for a brow and around $25 for a full face wax. You can also do it yourself, there are lots of great kits out there. A friend swears by the Bliss Poetic Wax Kit. I have not personally tried it, but want to. There is also sugaring, which is like a wax but can be better for more sensitive skin.
4. Threading: a ancient hair removal process that uses two threads that wrap the hair and remove. It is very quick and can feel like tweezing. Threading is mainly done on the face and costs can be similar to waxing. You do need about 1/16 of an inch growth for the thread to catch the hair. Threading may not be available in all places.
Additional Hair Reduction Methods are as follows:
1. Laser: it can take anywhere from six to eight treatments, 8-12 weeks apart to remove hair from any given section of the face. It works best on darker hair and lighter skin. You may only want one section done and the prices can fluctuate depending on where you go and how much you have done. Laser is really a hair reduction, not a permanent solution Typically services are sold in a package.
2. Electrolysis: the only permanent hair removal treatment and great for small areas. Again pricing depends on the area and density of the hair to be removed. On average you can expect around $60 for a 30 minute session. It can be a longer course of treatment anywhere from six months to a couple years to have complete removal and there may be touch ups needed.
Our genetics, hormones and nutrition all play a part in the hair we have, but how we choose to deal with it is up to us. I have not ventured into the laser or electrolysis arena yet, but I know women who have and they are very happy with the results. Until I have the time and cash for those treatments, I will happily rotate my wax, tweezers and bleach to keep my “stash” under control. No Tom Selleck for me.
TIP: keep a pair of tweezers in your car for those rear view moments. You will be happy to have them on hand.
