How To Remove Unwanted Facial Hair (& What Not To Do) From Derms (2024)

Everyone has some hair on their face, be it peach fuzz or a full beard. Nobody is born totally hairless, so remember that your critical eye is likely conditioned more so by societal beauty standards than anything else.

But no matter why you do it, hair removal on the face can be intimidating. The hardest part is deciding which method to use, so we asked dermatologists for their expert opinion on the most popular options.

Quick list: Facial hair removal methods:

For minor facial hair (a strand here and there or peach fuzz) a dermaplaning razor will do the trick. The dermaplaing tool looks like a small scalpel and actually takes a layer of dead skin off the top, along with unwanted hairs.

This kind of razor won't really work for anyone with thick, full beards or mustaches, so only try it if your facial hair is thin and sparse. Otherwise, shave with a larger razor designed for full facial hair.

Dermaplaning is also a good option for those who prefer a painless removal process. If you have active breakouts, eczema, psoriasis, or another inflammatory skin condition, you should avoid it entirely or speak with your dermatologists before trying it out as it may irritate your skin further.

Some people dermaplane for hair removal alone, and others add the step as a form of exfoliation. However, this isn't a project to mess around with. Below, an expert-recommended routine to follow:

If holding a razor to your face is a bit too much, waxing is another safe option. Logerfo notes that this method lasts anywhere from two to six weeks—a much longer time than the rebound of shaving.

However, waxing isn't fit for everyone. If you have an active skin condition such as acne or eczema or you're on medication that impacts your skin sensitivity, you should consult your dermatologist before waxing.

Those who use retinol in any form including over-the-counter and prescription-grade products like tretinoin should be extra cautious when it comes to waxing, as the retinoids sensitize your skin and may cause an increased risk of reaction.

If none of those apply to you and you crave a long-lasting removal, then wax away. Below, expert tips:

If you only have a few hairs that bother you, then tweezing might be the best option. This is a simple, effective, and inexpensive way to remove unwanted hair without the fuss.

You should follow the same hygiene protocols that come with general hair removal, including washing your face beforehand and moisturizing afterward.

In addition, wash your tweezers frequently to avoid touching bacteria to the skin again and again.

Think of sugaring like waxing but for sensitive skin. Sugaring paste is made from 100% natural ingredients—sugar, lemon, and water. The goop is able to penetrate the hair follicle and adhere to individual hairs before removing them at the root.

Because it pulls the hair in the same direction it grows, it can be less abrasive on the skin and prevent hair breakage (a precursor for ingrown hairs).

"Removing hair in the same direction of growth significantly reduces the tension put on the hair, making it less likely to break during the removal process," Amanda Mulea, licensed esthetician at SUGARED + BRONZED previously told mbg.

However, this method may leave behind some hairs, especially if you have coarse or thick hair.

If you want to try sugaring at home, keep the following tips in mind:

If you're super prone to ingrown hairs, laser hair removal may be a smart option. That being said, it's not actually going to last forever.

"While laser hair removal can be long-lasting, it's important to note that it may not offer permanent removal but rather reduction, and maintenance may be needed," Garshick says.

You should also know that this removal method isn't effective for light peach fuzz, gray hair, or white hair. "It works best on pigmented hairs because the pigment serves as the target of the laser," Camp explains.

Another important note is that some skin types and skin tones will benefit more from some lasers than others. "While laser hair removal can be performed on all skin types, including those with the darker skin, it is especially important to see a board-certified dermatologist to ensure the correct laser is being used for your skin," Garshick says.

You can do at-home laser removal. These devices tend to be often less effective and will take longer to see results. If you do want to take this route, be sure to consult your derm before investing in a device.

Next up, we have threading. "Threading uses a thin cotton or polyester thread that is doubled, then twisted. It is then rolled over areas of unwanted hair, plucking the hair out of the follicle," O'Connor explains.

She adds, "Unlike tweezing, where you are plucking individual hairs one at a time, threading can remove rows of hair at one pass." Some people report more pain with threading than tweezing; others less—it all depends on your unique tolerance.

"Threading removes hairs from the follicle, similar to waxing," Camp notes. "Unlike waxing however, little to no damage is done to the epidermis as the thread grips the hair and lifts it directly from the follicle," he says—which is why it's recommended for sensitive skin over methods like waxing.

This is a great option for those prone to ingrowns from shaving or anyone who wants longer-lasting results. However, it can be difficult to do at home and takes much more practice than DIY waxing, sugaring, or dermaplaning.

There are some hair removal creams (also called depilatory hair creams) formulated for the face, but they often cause irritation and should be used only by folks who need to use them for any reason—and as a last resort at that.

Plus, this method does not remove the hair at the follicle (like waxing, threading, laser, etc.) so it won't last as long.

"I don't necessarily recommend chemical depilatories, but if someone would like to use it, I usually recommend doing a test site first to be sure they can tolerate it," Logerfo notes.

Apply a bit of the cream to the inside of your arm and then test it again on a small area of your face to be sure you won't have a bad reaction. If you notice any redness, itching, burning, or bumps, stop using it and opt for a different hair removal method.

Facial hair causes

Everyone has facial hair of some sort, and it's nothing to worry about. That being said, increased facial hair growth can be a sign of something else happening inside the body, so it's helpful to know the triggers. Below, a few to note:

The takeaway

If you want to remove unwanted facial hair, just know you have plenty of options. Whether you choose to shave, wax, tweeze, or thread your unwanted strands, be sure to tend to the skin before and after to prevent irritation. Dermaplaning is certainly one of your options, but read this guide before you commit to the practice so you can do so with confidence (your skin will thank you).