Facial hair removal for men is a touchy subject. Many men like their facial hair, growing ridiculous beards that can stretch down to their stomachs. Others fall into the opposite category, preferring a clean-shaven face to highlight their features. Some men go to extremes to lose their facial hair. Hair removal has been around for a long time, but facial hair removal for men is a recently developed field that now offers a number of solutions.
Temporary Removal
Most men prefer temporary facial hair removal. This way they can grow back their beards for style later on in their lives. Temporary solutions include waxing, which can prove to be quite painful and using creams.
1. Waxing – as said above, this is quite painful, but a good way to get rid of hair for a short time. Melted wax is poured directly on the hair that is to be removed. It is then pulled off in the opposite direction of the hair growth, pulling the hairs by the root with it. You will need a higher pain threshold for this method, but it works wonders. The effect lasts for about four to six weeks.
2. Creams – there are a number of manufacturers who now cater to men’s hair removal. Women’s creams do not work on men because they are designed for fine hair. By applying the cream, you stunt growth for a short period of time. It usually needs to be redone about every two or three weeks.
Permanent Removal
Quite a few men are interested in this. If your hair grows really high on your cheeks, or you would rather not have a 5 o’ clock shadow, then this is for you. Whatever your reason may be, a number of solutions have been developed over the past few years to rid you of your facial hair permanently.
1. Laser hair removal – it is available for all parts of the body, including the face. Success rate varies from person to person; for some people it works like a charm, but for some it does not work very well. It is great for most parts of the body, but not the face as the laser used is quite hot. It can leave behind blisters and scars that become more prominent if there is no beard to hide them.
2. Electrolysis – it is the only FDA approved method. It works by inserting a small needle alongside the shaft of the hair and, when it reaches the base, a small current of energy is produced from the needle. This forces a chemical reaction to occur in the hair follicle causing it to release the hair and to damage it so that it does not grow hair again. It is repeated for each individual hair.
Facial hair removal for men is a growing field that will offer more solutions in the future. For the time being there are multiple temporary and permanent methods that you can use to lose your beard.