By Lynn Cadet
For centuries, hair removal has lived on through the standards of beauty. Although facial hair is natural, the level of its noticeability and our personal preferences can lead to its elimination.
If you like to remove upper lip fuzz, the process of obtaining that hairless visage can sometimes be frustrating, especially when using a razor. There are shaving nicks, burns and irritation to account for that can make us want to throw those blades into a black hole. Sadly, we must think twice about using our trusty sidekick, the razor.
Although shaving is often the most convenient way to remove hair, it isn’t always the most effective solution. Luckily, there are several alternatives to try that can best fit your skin and sensitivity levels.
Why You Should Ditch Shaving
As we know, using a razor comes with its benefits. It’s cost-effective, quick and readily accessible. But the question is, do those qualities trump its downsides? Not exactly.
For people with higher sensitivity, shaving can cause irritation and roughness, sometimes even bumps, on your skin. Also, just a slight slip of your hand can leave you with an ugly cut, paper towel pieces plastered to your face, and discomfort for hours. Not to mention, you do all of this just for your “baby smooth skin” to return to its natural state in only 1-2 days. Not fun, right?
Razor use can be particularly infuriating when it comes to facial hair. There are textural differences between the hair found on our bodies and the hair found on our faces. For example, terminal hair, located under our armpits and pubic regions, has a denser, coarser texture than vellus hair, which grows on our face.
Our typically soft and tapered strands of vellus hair can be affected by the way razors remove hair. Its blades give our tips a blunt, angled cut, leaving our regrown hair with the appearance and feel of stubble. Five o’clock shadow? No thanks!
Try Your Hand At These Methods
Sometimes causing more trouble than good, shaving has its setbacks and may not be the best fit for everyone. Thankfully, out there in our vast beauty galaxy, you can find several remedies to aid your hair elimination goals. From mixing up an organic batch of homemade elixir to visiting a professional laser removal clinic, the options are as endless as the Milky Way.
Waxing
First up is waxing. An old-age method, it is said to have origins dating back to ancient Egypt, where the women possessed smooth and hairless skin. This alternative beats shaving in longevity. Because it removes the entire hair strand, you can remain hair-free for up to several weeks.
Waxing upper lip hair does take some guts, especially because it involves such a sensitive area. But if you want to master this timeless technique, it is highly recommended to visit a professional to prevent burns or scabs.
Here’s an added tip to consider, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, your hair should be no longer than one-quarter to three-quarters of an inch to avoid a higher pain experience. Yeah, it’s a pretty precise examination, but it works.
Precision Epilation
Unlike waxing, epilation is a newer method that has recently popped up in our technology age. An epilator is probably the most effective and painless hair removal device out there. Similar to tweezing, this electronic handheld device removes one hair at a time seamlessly by simply passing it over your upper lip.
Sold in a variety of sizes, you should purchase one that captures short, fine hairs and works best for your needs. Another plus is that your results can last up to one month. That’s what I would call perfect.
Sugaring
This organic technique is slightly less painful than waxing but provides the same benefits. All you have to do is combine sugar with other natural ingredients, like water, lemon juice or honey, and break them down with heat. Wait until the mixture cools down to room temperature, apply to the desired area, and rip off the wax parallel to your skin.
Sugaring also goes a step further in the efficiency category since it pulls hair from the roots, naturally softens your skin and leaves your live skin cells intact, unlike waxing.
Pro Tip: Always exfoliate before applying any of these tactics and stop use if any allergic reaction occurs.
If you want to ditch your razor, look into the viability of these suggestions as a new addition to your skin routine. Hopefully, they will help you to dispel the fuzz and leave shaving mishaps behind you for good.
THE LIFESTYLE COLLECTIVE 