Hair Removal

What is the best upper lip hair removal method I hear you ask?

Firstly, let’s be clear. There’s nothing wrong with a little bit of hair on your upper lip, but equally, there’s nothing wrong in trying to get rid of it. Some people accept that annoying, (darker than your regular hair shade usually), that grows above the corners of the mouth while for others, the thought of removing it and the best way to do it is something that can keep you up at night!

You’ll be happy to learn that you have several options when it comes to removing hair from your upper lip and there’s no one best method set in stone. Some options work better than others and can keep hairs at bay for weeks. Some methods cost more while some involve a bit more pain and inconvenience than others. Here, we’ll look at what is available, and whether waxing, threading, tweezing, shaving or hair removal cream is the way to go.

Get Rid of Upper Lip Hair at Home

1. Tweezing

Yes, you can pluck hair from the upper lip and you can do it all on your own at home. This solution allows you to pull the hair right from the root. All you need are a set of tweezers. The pro’s for tweezing is that you can do it at home whenever you have a minute. Con’s are it’s slow and slightly tedious!

All tweezers are not made equal, contrary to popular belief. In order to remove your upper lip hair effectively, you should choose a set of tweezers that is sturdy and one that has a sharp point to ensure precision.

With this method, you will remove one hair at a time, so a magnifying mirror is highly recommended to ensure every hair is pulled out. The clean-look results can last around four weeks depending on the rate of hair growth. This is a safe, easy, and affordable solution.

Tweezer Set With Travel Case

Magnifying Lighted Makeup Mirror

2. Threading

Threading is an ancient hair removal method that has been rumored to have once been the go-to option of many powerful women, including Cleopatra. It involves the use of cotton thread which twists into a double strand and is used to remove a line of hair all at once. This process removes hair from the root for smooth, hair-free skin up to four weeks. It’s very popular not only for upper lip hair removal but also for shaping eyebrows as well as facial hair.

Threading is a really safe and affordable option as well as being kind to the skin. It is much faster than tweezing where hairs are removed individually. It’s a great hair removal choice for those with sensitive skin as well as acne. There is a bit of a sensation during the process but I wouldn’t really call it pain – more like a little discomfort.

Threading involves a certain skill and technique, nevertheless, it is something you could do on your own at home if you so wished. A better option would be to seek the help of a professional to get the best results.

3. Use an Epilator

This type of hair removal device is a favorite among millions of women and men can use them too. These are hand-held units that remove upper lip hair from the root. Think tweezers on steroids! The heads of these devices incorporate several tweezers so hairs get pulled right out of the follicle. Results are long-lasting and another plus is you can use an epilator from the comfort of home. No need to make a salon appointment and it’s fast – taking only a few minutes to complete.

There’s no point denying that this method of hair removal is totally without pain. It can be a tad uncomfortable during the process and the skin might feel a bit tender after the first few uses. It’s a quick and easy way to get rid of upper lip hair nonetheless and if you can put up with a little pain in the beginning, this could very well suit your needs.

In the past, epilators were hard to find, but nowadays, they are available both in stores and online. It’s easy to find a high-quality epilator at an extremely affordable price.

4. Hair Removal Cream

Over the years, the market has become saturated with hair removal creams. You can find some for general use and some specifically targeting certain areas like the upper lip or face. Brands like Veet and Nair are two really popular ones. These depilatory creams work to dissolve hair. In the past, some people avoided them because of questionable ingredients, such as parabens and other harsh chemicals.

Nevertheless, things have changed for the better in this aspect. Formulations have improved over the years to make them more natural as well as more hydrating and less smelly. Still, you won’t find any permanent upper lip hair removal cream.

It’s really important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using these hair removal products to achieve a good result. Removing cream before the time specified will not remove all the hair. Equally, timing is important for safety reasons. Leaving cream on too long can result in redness and even burns.

Hair removal cream is an affordable solution to remove upper lip hair. It’s also fast and convenient since you can do it at home. Creams are available at different prices.

The more expensive ones tend to have extra soothing ingredients to suit sensitive skin. Sometimes you can find lip kits combining hair remover cream with a moisturizer.

All in all, depilatory creams are popular because they’re easy to use and probably one of the cheaper methods of removing unwanted facial hair.

5. Hot Wax

This is another method that has been used over the centuries to remove hair from the root. Hot wax is applied to the skin, covering the hair to be removed and pulled off using muslin strips. This pulls both the wax and the hair from the hair follicle. Results last up to 6 weeks depending on the rate of hair growth.

Hot wax has become more sophisticated over the years and is not the tedious task it once was. It is now formulated differently hence it’s more effective and less messy. It’s definitely an effective solution to smoother, hair-free skin although the biggest disadvantage of waxing your upper lip is that it can involve a little pain.

You can attend a salon or spa for a professional service or choose to wax off your upper lip hair in the comfort of your own home using one of the many home hot wax kits available to buy. Another option is to use ready to go wax strips specifically to remove hair from the upper lip area.

6. Laser Hair Removal

One of the more expensive options to remove hair from the upper lip is laser hair removal. That’s not to say it’s not popular. Removing lip hair or body hair for that matter really is a chore and for most women I’m sure, if you can find a method that will give you long-lasting results, the cost is worth it. Compared with the lasers available ten years ago, today’s lasers are more effective for facial hair.

Laser hair removal is often thought of as permanent hair removal but it’s more like permanent hair reduction since more than one session is required. How many will depend on the individual and hair growth rate but it’s safe to say that hair growth does reduce over time. Laser is a great solution to removing lip hair since there won’t be much hair to remove per session so a salon or dermatologist appointment shouldn’t take too long.

The cost to remove upper lip hair with a laser in a professional setting is more affordable than ever before, hence why people choose this solution every day. A salon or dermatologist appointment shouldn’t take too long either as there won’t be much hair to remove per session once you get started.

Home laser hair removers are available now although some are not recommended for use on the due to not being handled by a professional. The face should be treated with the utmost care as it is a very sensitive area. There are of course exceptions to this rule and some that have a solid reputation for safety and effectiveness. One such being the Tria Laser. This is the home laser device that is recommended for removing upper lip hair. You can read about the Tria Precision here.

7. Spring Hair Removal Tool

This type of facial hair removal tool is another good choice for anyone who wants to find out how to remove upper lip hair at home immediately! It’s a simple kind of spring-like design with a smooth area for holding it at each end. It actually looks a bit like a shower hose.

It’s easy to bend it into a u-shape in order to roll it over the upper lip. The coils turn and catch and remove hairs in between. Its popularity has grown and several magazines have covered its ease of use and effectiveness. It’s a similar process to threading and a quick solution to any lip hair problem as several hairs can be removed at once, unlike tweezing.

This method is not pain-free and is similar to epilation or waxing in that regard. It is a very handy and convenient tool to have as it’s small, portable and there are no appointments necessary. You can use it whenever you want and hair will grow back softer and finer. The big plus is just how little one of these costs.

8. Sugaring

Remove Upper Lip Hair Naturally

Sugaring has made a big comeback in recent times as a natural way of getting rid of body hair. It has been used for centuries and is a safe and effective hair removal method.

It involves the use of simple ingredients, water, lemon juice and of course sugar. These ingredients are mixed together over heat, to form a sort of viscous mixture. Once the mixture has cooled, it can be applied onto the upper lip area. You then press a clean strip of cloth and pull it in the direction of your hair growth or, using a glove or just your fingers, you can form a kind of ball that you can manipulate to remove the hair with.

It’s difficult to explain in writing so have a look at the video below to see how it works. It is a very similar solution to that of hot wax but sugaring is much more gentle on the skin as it pulls on the hair only and not the skin. It works in a similar It’s a perfect option for sensitive skin types.

Due to its sugar ingredient, your upper lip area will benefit from exfoliation, too. This hair removal solution is currently regaining popularity because it’s natural, safe, effective and inexpensive! Hair removal with honey is another natural method.

You get the long-lasting results of epilating or waxing and of course, it doesn’t cost a lot to make the sugaring solution if you want to give it a go yourself from home. A trip to the salon might be a better option as this can be a little messy!

9. Shaving

Yes Girls Can Shave Their Mustaches!

There is a misconception that removing upper lip hair with a razor will result in hair growing back longer and thicker. You’ll find there are actually a lot of dermatologists who recommend shaving to remove facial hair in general. There is no study that has shown using a razor can affect the growth rate or thickness of hair. Maybe it just feels that way!

Shaving, while an inexpensive way of getting rid of upper lip hair, is a daily chore or every other day if you’re lucky. It’s a convenient and fast method of hair removal, but because you have to do it so often for effective results, the task can become cumbersome. Epilation or using one of those spring hair removal tools can be just as quick. It also gives long-lasting results as hair is removed from the root. Shaving only cuts hair at the skin’s surface.

Shaving was the perfect solution to remove hair at one time. There are many more options available now with advancements in tools and skincare knowledge.

You’ll find several companies that manufacture razors specifically for facial and upper lip hair. This type of razor is gentle and can soothe even the most sensitive skin. It is definitely an affordable option that works. Nevertheless, keep in mind that razors do not remove hair from the root. Shaving needs to be consistent to keep stubble-free.

10. Electrolysis

Electrolysis has been around for some time now, impressing consumers who have given it a try. This method prevents the regrowth of upper lip hair once and for all. It consists of an acute electrical current that destroys both hair and follicle. This is the one solution that can keep hair at bay forever. Additionally, it is approved by the FDA as the only permanent hair removal solution.

A professional should carry out this type of procedure in a salon or specialist skincare clinic. Electrolysis is often considered a costly treatment, however, costs are relatable to the area being treated. Since the upper lip is a small area, you can count on the price to be affordable. The perceived expense of electrolysis often rules it out as a hair removal option. It is a safe and effective method and more importantly, a permanent solution.

Choosing the Best Way To Remove Your Upper Lip Hair

As you’ve seen, you have plenty of options when it comes to getting rid of hair on your upper lip. There’s shaving and sugaring, laser hair removal, epilators and more... With each method, you’ll find pro’s and con’s usually.

If it’s speed and convenience you want, you’ll want to look at something that you can do from home, whenever you like. Shaving, sugaring, tweezing, epilation or home laser hair removal are your choices. Each method should be repeated at regular intervals. It is possible to remove facial hair permanently at home with a home electrolysis machine also.

If long-lasting results are top of your list – forget about shaving to start with. You’ll need to consider a hair removal method that pulls out hair from the root.

Consider electrolysis or laser hair removal for a more long term solution if salon appointments and costs are not factors. Threading, sugaring or epilation are also worth considering for smooth skin that lasts 4-6 weeks. These methods require a regular routine.

The best and least expensive methods to remove unwanted lip hair for the budget-conscious are those with a one-off cost such as an epilator or an inexpensive tool like the spring u-shaped facial tool. Both of these will give you good results for 4-6 weeks. Alternatively, using a razor or hair removal cream is also cost-effective.

The best thing about having so much choice is that you can mix it up until you find a way of getting rid of your upper lip hair that suits you best.

“Should I use an epilator?”, “Is it better than waxing?”

For those looking for easy, pain-free hair removal – the question of whether epilating or waxing works best and which method is the least painful are probably two of the most common questions people have.

Hair growing in the wrong places can be such a drag, for sure! Worse still when you have tried many methods of hair removal, undergone all the pain and torture, but you still don’t feel like you have gotten the results you want.

OR, you’ve tried one method and the pain you felt taught you a lesson; now, you don’t want to try another until you are sure how they work and the level of pain that each may cause.

Let’s face it when we look for a hair removal method the first two things we consider are if it’s painful, and the rate at which the hair will grow back.

Here we’ll check out three hair removal methods – epilating vs waxing vs shaving and see how they compare with each other in terms of pain and which one lasts longer.

Epilating

Epilating involves using a device known as an epilator. Conversely, if you haven’t used an epilator before – you might want to read how does an epilator work?

Essentially, however, it is a small hand-held device that pulls hair from the root in a similar way to waxing. As a consequence, pain or some discomfort can be felt, especially for first-timers, but the more you use the device, the less pain you’ll feel.

There are two types of epilators – a dry and wet epilator.

The wet epilator is for people who like to shave during shower time. The process of hair removal is done by gently and slowly gliding the device over the area you wish to remove hair. The device gathers the hairs and plucks them from the root.

It is advised to exfoliate the skin before using the epilator to prevent in-grown hair and remove dead skin cells, which will give you a nice smooth finish.

After epilating, it is best to moisturize your skin to prevent irritation and redness. Compared to waxing, epilating removes short hair from the root and leaves a clean finish, whereas waxing doesn’t always work on very short hairs. Epilating can be used to remove hair anywhere on the body as it is safe.

Epilating Pro’s

• Continuously epilating will reduce hair growth as with every epilator session, hair grows back thinner and at a slower rate.

• Epilating is convenient since you can epilate anywhere – especially if you have a cordless device.

• Compared to other forms of hair removal, epilating leaves you with smoother, glowing skin.

• Enjoy smoother skin for 4 to 6 weeks with epilation.

• Nothing else required – no creams or strips, just the epilator itself.

Epilating Con’s

• It can be time-consuming to remove hair since one needs to glide the device over the skin slowly.

Epilators come with varying amounts of tweezers also.

• Epilation can be painful.

If you’re interested in epilators, there are many brands and styles of epilators available.

There are corded, cordless, wet and dry and more. They come at various price levels also.

Braun epilators are some of the most popular with Emjoi being another.

No matter what your budget is, you’re sure to find something to suit if you’re thinking about giving epilation a try.

Waxing for Hair Removal

Waxing is a hair removal technique that involves the use of melted wax to remove body hair from the root. It is comparable to epilating in this respect.

The wax firmly adheres to the hair which is then pulled out of the follicle using strips or similar material.

Epilating vs Waxing

Just like epilating and unlike shaving, waxing removes hair from the root, thus leaving a silky smooth skin with no hair for up to 6 weeks. However, unlike epilating, where one needs to exfoliate before hair removal to prevent ingrown hairs, waxing does the exfoliating while it is removing hair.

Is waxing more painful than epilating? Any method of hair removal where the hair is pulled from the root can cause some pain but its bearable.

Make sure you use a professional, someone who is sure of what they are doing – otherwise, you might experience more pain than is necessary. People with sensitive skin might need to think about using a different method of hair removal, as waxing may leave a lot of irritation and redness on their skin.

Waxing – Pro’s

• It takes less time compared to other methods as it is generally a straight forward process. Warm wax can be applied to a large area.

• Comparing waxing vs shaving, the results from waxing are better as hair will take longer to grow back and leaves the skin smoother.

• Waxing process removes dead skin cells along with body hair.

Waxing – Con’s

• The pain can be excruciating for beginners.

• Inconvenience of having to book an appointment and make a trip to the salon.

• Continual costs involved.

Shaving

Shaving is hair removal that consists of using a sharp blade such as a razor to cut down the hair to the skin’s level. The basic shaving technique is just gliding the blade over the surface of the skin and shaving off the hair.

For better results, however, there is a bit more to shaving than simply the blade.

Prepping the skin, for example, and using shaving gels and cream will give you better results as well as a closer shave. Shaving creams and gel should be appropriately applied to the hair and left to sit for some minutes to soften the hair and help shaving go smoother.

Is Epilating Better Than Shaving?

When asked which is best; using an epilator vs shaving, shaving has no pain whatsoever – unless of course you nick yourself with the blade! A razor can be used to remove hair on any part of the body comfortably.

Unlike its counterpart methods, shaving does not remove hair from the root, and therefore, the chances of in-grown hair forming are higher. Also, the rate at which hair grows back is high. Epilation definitely lasts longer than shaving.

Shaving – Pro’s

• No pain with shaving

• Easy to do from home or on the go

Shaving Con’s

• Hair grows back fast so shaving will be a frequent task

• Higher chance of ingrown hair

So Is Epilating Better Than Waxing or Shaving?

As can be seen, the easiest method of the three would be shaving because it’s something that you can do in the house if you are in a hurry. Results, however, are not as good as those to be had with epilating or waxing.

For someone who wants clear, smooth skin where hair won’t start growing back two days after the process, waxing or using an epilator is a better option. You will need to withstand the discomfort however that comes with either of these two methods.

Conclusion

Although all three methods of hair removal work and work well – in the long run, it depends on each individual as to what their requirements are.

Do you want easy, convenient hair removal from home? – Choose shaving or an epilator.

Do you want hair to stay away as long as possible? – Choose an epilator or waxing.

Do you want low-cost hair removal? – Choose shaving or epilation.