Lasers? Electrolysis? Shaving? Find out which is right for you…
Facial hair removal for men can be achieved through shaving, waxing, laser treatments, tweezing, depilatory creams or electrolysis. Each method has its place, and choosing the correct one depends on numerous factors. We’ve outlined the most popular hair removal methods for men and included ideal candidates for each.
Electrolysis for Hair Removal – What Is Electrolysis, And Who Should Use It?
What is Electrolysis?
Electrolysis sends electric current into a hair follicle via a needle – sometimes called a “probe” – which permanently destroys hair roots. Used effectively since 1875, electrolysis is the only proven method of permanent hair removal.
Who Should Use Electrolysis?
Men looking for permanent hair removal should consider electrolysis. Professional electrologists can remove all facial hairs, or merely thin an area (such as eyebrows). In either case, results are permanent.
Electrolysis for facial hair removal is a popular choice for trans gender clients. According to www.tsroadmap.com – a site dedicated to trans gender topics – electrolysis is the preferred method due to its permanent (and proven) results. The average time for full beard removal varies from nine months to two years.
Fun Facts About Electrolysis
- Electrolysis was discovered in 1875 by Dr. Charles Michel, and has been used safely ever since.
- Electrolysis works on all hair and skin colors
- The needle used in electrolysis is only inserted into the hair; it does not pierce the skin!
Bottom line: Men looking for permanent facial hair removal are ideal candidates for electrolysis.
Lasers for Facial Hair Removal – What Is Laser Treatment, and Who Should Use It?
What is Laser Treatment?
Laser hair removal is an increasing popular method for facial hair removal due to its relative speed and effectiveness. It’s faster than electrolysis, and – while it does not provide permanent results – laser treatment often provides permanent hair reduction. Regrowth is generally softer and finer.
Users begin to see results after 3 – 6 treatments, usually spaced out over a two month period. Lasers emit low-level radiation which heats hair follicles; once hairs reach a certain temperature they are destroyed. The use of radiation (instead of current like electrolysis) cuts treatment times significantly. For example, it may take an electrologist an hour to accomplish what lasers can do in under 15 minutes.
Who Should Use Laser Treatment for Facial Hair Removal?
Men with light skin and dark facial hair should consider laser treatment. Men with dark skin or light hair cannot adequately absorb the lasers.
Another consideration is budget. Laser treatment – along with electrolysis – is an expensive up-front option for hair removal. Results can last up to six months with no treatment, but users will need multiple visits to see results.
Fun Facts About Laser Treatment
- Laser is an acronym for “Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation”.
- Before lasers, there were “masers”. The “m” stood for “microwave”.
- Contrary to popular belief, Albert Einstein did not discover lasers. It was Gordon Gould in 1959.
Bottom line: Lasers for facial hair removal are faster than electrolysis (but less effective). Men with dark skin and/or light colored hair should not use lasers for hair removal.
Shaving for Facial Hair Removal
Shaving – along with tweezing – is a very inexpensive form of facial hair removal for men. It is also highly ineffective, with results lasting 1 – 2 days at most.
Contrary to popular belief, shaved hair does not grow back thicker than before (though this is somewhat true with tweezing).
Common side effects to shaving – redness, cuts and razor burn – can be avoided with the following steps. (Note: read our shaving guide for an in-depth explanation).
Tips For A Smooth, Clean Shave
- Thoroughly wash your face with hot water before shaving. Hot water washes oil off your face, and opens up your pores (making hairs easier to shave).
- Use a double-edged safety razor. Unlike disposable plastic razors, double-edged safety razors cover a large area and provide a close, smooth shave.
- Shave in one direction only. Shaving in the direction of hair growth – usually downward – prevents “tugging” the hairs, which is the leading cause of razor burn.
- Shave with a high-quality shaving brush. Without question the best shaving brushes are made of badger hair. These brushes produce a rich lather, exfoliate the skin, and remove dead skin cells from your face before shaving.
Facial Hair Removal Creams for Men
Depilatory creams dissolve hair above the skin, which are then easily swept away. In this regard they are similar to shaving, but without the risk of cuts or razor burns. While initially marketed to women for body hair removal, depilatory creams are becoming increasingly popular with men, especially as an alternative to shaving.
Three popular hair removal creams are Nair, Veet and Vaniqa. You can read detailed reviews of hair removal creams in our depilatory section, or read a brief summary of each below.
Regardless of which depilatory used, thoroughly wash area to be treated. This removes oils which may prevent creams from working effectively.
Veet
Veet is an over-the-counter, FDA approved hair removal cream which destroys hair just below the skin surface. This makes it slightly more long-lasting than shaving, while actual treatment time is about the same.
Nair
Nair is another popular hair removal cream, and works similar to Veet. Apply Nair to your skin, wait ten minutes and rinse off in the shower. Some users report results similar to shaving – generally one to three days – while others go two weeks or more without regrowth.
Vaniqa
A third option is Vaniqa. Unlike Veet and Nair, Vaniqa is an FDA approved prescription cream (the other two are over-the-counter) and is not a hair removal cream; rather, it reduces hair growth. It is also the most expensive.
Note: Vaniqa has not been tested on men. Clinical studies have tested facial hair reduction for women with success, but men may not have the same results (due to a higher level of androgen in male hair). Therefore, consult with your doctor regarding Vaniqa – it may or may not be right for you.
A Word on Facial Hair Removal Creams
Test a small inconspicuous area to test beforehand. Some people have allergic reactions to depilatories, so test an area out a day before.
Waxing Facial Hair for Men – Not Advised
Waxing for men has become increasingly popular in recent years. Hard wax can be used safely to remove hair from the back of the neck, eyebrows, nose and outer ear. However, any other part of the face (e.g. beard or scalp) is very painful and can cause severe irritation and bleeding.
Bottom line: waxing is not a viable facial hair removal method for men.
