Should I pluck unwanted facial hair? How can I get rid of those hair permanently?
Plucking unwanted facial hair
Short answer: Avoid regular plucking of facial hair. Occasional plucking is unlikely to cause major problems, but repeated plucking can irritate the skin, cause inflammation, ingrown hairs, scarring, and may lead to changes in hair direction or texture. Plucking removes the hair shaft but usually does not remove the entire hair follicle, so hair typically grows back.
How to get rid of facial hair permanently
True “permanent” hair removal options:
Electrolysis: FDA‑recognized as a permanent hair removal method. It can permanently destroy individual hair follicles.
Laser hair removal: Often provides long‑term hair reduction and can be permanent for some people, but many require maintenance sessions. It works best on darker hair contrasted with lighter skin.
Other common, nonpermanent options:
Waxing: Removes hair from the root but regrows in weeks to months.
Threading: Removes hair from root in small sections; temporary.
Depilatory creams: Chemically dissolve hair above the skin; temporary.
Shaving: Quick and temporary; hair regrows quickly.
Prescription/topical therapies (for hormonally driven hair): Medications like oral contraceptives or antiandrogens, or topical eflornithine cream, can reduce facial hair growth when appropriate and prescribed by a clinician.
Which to choose
If you want permanent removal of individual hairs (including lighter or fine hairs), electrolysis is the reliable option.
If you have darker, coarser hair and skin tones that allow safe laser treatment, laser hair removal can give long‑lasting reduction and may be effectively permanent for many, but some maintenance is common.
Consult a licensed provider to evaluate your hair color, skin type, medical history, and whether facial hair is hormonally driven (which may require medical evaluation and treatment).
How electrolysis works
Basic principle: Electrolysis destroys the hair growth cells within the hair follicle using shortwave electrical current delivered through a fine sterile probe inserted into the hair follicle opening.
Step‑by‑step overview:
Assessment: The clinician examines the hair and skin, and determines the appropriate electrolysis modality and settings.
Preparation: The skin is cleaned; topical anesthetic may be used for comfort.
Probe insertion: A very fine disposable sterile probe (like a hair-thin filament) is gently inserted into the hair follicle opening alongside the hair shaft. The probe is not a needle for piercing the skin — it is inserted into the natural follicle canal.
Energy application: A controlled electrical current is delivered for a short duration. There are three main modalities:
Galvanic (chemical): Produces a chemical reaction that forms sodium hydroxide to dissolve the follicle cells.
Thermolysis (shortwave/high-frequency): Uses heat to coagulate and destroy follicle tissue.
Blend: Combines chemical action and heat for some cases.
Removal: The hair is gently removed with tweezers. If the follicle was successfully destroyed, the hair will not regrow from that follicle.
Aftercare: Mild redness or tenderness is common; cool compresses and mild topical care help. Follow all aftercare instructions to reduce risks of infection or scarring.
Treatment course and expectations:
Multiple sessions required: Because hairs are on different growth cycles, several sessions (often every 1–4 weeks) over months are necessary to treat all follicles during their active growth phase.
Time per session: Depends on area size and hair density. Facial areas can be treated in relatively short sessions, but complete removal of all facial hairs may take many sessions.
Pain and side effects: Discomfort varies by person and area; topical anesthetic reduces pain. Temporary redness, swelling, or pigment changes are possible. Rarely, scarring or persistent pigment changes can occur if not done properly.
Permanence: When performed correctly by a qualified electrologist, electrolysis provides permanent destruction of treated follicles. New hairs may appear if they come from untreated follicles or if hormonal changes stimulate new growth.
Who is a good candidate
Suitable for all skin tones and for light, gray, or fine hair that lasers cannot effectively treat.
Ideal when permanent removal is desired or when laser is contraindicated or ineffective.
Not recommended if you have certain skin infections, unhealed lesions, or recent isotretinoin use without appropriate waiting period; discuss medical history with the provider.