Facial Hair Removal: 7 Options & Who They're Best For, From Derms

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.

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. 

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 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. 

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'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. 

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. 

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.