Whether there are just a few hairs above the upper lip or a prominent antennae, this can be embarrassing for many girls. If you want to get rid of the tendrils, do not try to shave them off, but consider longer-term methods such as waxing or special cream, electrolysis, or laser hair removal. You can also lighten the hair above the upper lip to make it less visible.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Depilatory Cream
Step 1. For painless hair removal, use a depilatory cream
These creams dissolve the hair on the surface of the skin. Used correctly, this painless method is suitable for those who want to avoid the pain that comes with using wax or an epilator.
Step 2. Choose a depilatory cream that suits your facial hair type
Since this method uses harsh chemicals, choose a cream that is suitable for delicate facial skin. Visit a makeup store and look for a product specifically formulated for facial hair. If in any doubt, please consult your dealer.
Step 3. Check the cream on a small area of the skin
Apply a drop of cream to a sensitive but safe area of skin (such as the inside of your wrist) to test your reaction. Leave the cream for the recommended time (usually about five minutes), then rinse it off completely. Wait 10-15 minutes to make sure the cream does not itch or redden the skin.
Step 4. Apply a thick layer of cream to the skin above the upper lip
Put on disposable gloves and squeeze a pea-sized drop of cream onto your finger. Start under the nose and rub the cream on both sides over the upper lip. In this case, the cream should cover the skin with an even thick layer.
- If you go beyond the area above your upper lip and the cream reaches your cheeks, wipe it off immediately with a damp cloth.
- If a spatula is attached to the product, you can apply the cream with it.
Step 5. Leave the cream on for 3-6 minutes
Follow the instructions provided carefully. They will probably indicate that the cream should be left on the skin for 3-6 minutes, but if this is your first time using this product, it is better to reduce this time. If you feel a tingling sensation over your upper lip, rinse off the cream immediately.
Step 6. Rub a small area of skin to check if hair is falling out
Use your fingertip or cotton swab to gently rub a small area of skin above your upper lip and see if hair falls out. If so, rub the rest of the skin above the upper lip and remove the cream. If hair does not fall out, wait until the maximum recommended time has elapsed.
Never leave the product on the skin for longer than the recommended time. This can cause irritation and burns
Step 7. Remove the cream with a damp cloth
Take a damp cloth or paper towel and wipe the cream off your skin. You can also shower and simply rinse off the cream with your fingers.
Step 8. Wash your skin thoroughly with soap and water
Lather your fingers and rub gently over your upper lip to remove any residue. Then, wash off the soap and rinse your skin with water.
Step 9. Apply moisturizer
If you feel dry above your upper lip after hair removal, apply a mild, unscented moisturizer or lotion to the area. Apply cream or lotion as needed over 1–2 days.
Step 10. Repeat this procedure every 3-5 days
Depilatory cream is only a temporary solution and hair will regrow in 3-5 days. You can reapply the cream after 3 days, but stop using it if your skin is irritated, itchy or red.
Method 2 of 4: Waxing
Step 1. Waxing is a more permanent solution
This method removes hair to the very roots, and it will not grow for two or more weeks. However, this is a rather painful procedure, so it is best to go to a beauty salon if you are in doubt that you can handle it yourself.
Step 2. Wait until the hair grows about 6 millimeters
When waxing, the wax should adhere properly to the hair, so you should wait until the hair grows back about 6 millimeters above the upper lip. If you do not want your hair to grow long enough, it is better to use another method, such as bleaching.
Step 3. Choose a wax that suits your facial hair type
Visit a cosmetics store and purchase a home waxing kit. Make sure it is designed to remove facial hair. Both paste wax and wax strips are available. Wax strips are more convenient to use, although sometimes less effective.
Step 4. Wash your face with a scrub to relieve pain
Unclogging pores and removing dead skin cells will make it easier to pull out hair follicles with wax. Use a scrub or loofah and a facial cleanser.
Other ways to reduce pain are to use pain relieving creams, take hot showers before epilation, or avoid caffeine and alcohol on the appropriate day
Step 5. If necessary, heat the wax in the microwave
Most wax products require warming up, unlike some wax strips. Place the container of wax in the microwave and heat it up for the recommended time. Follow the directions for use carefully to avoid overheating and burns.
Step 6. Apply wax to the appropriate area above the upper lip
If you purchased a paste wax, use the spatula included with the kit to gently apply it to the skin above your upper lip. Apply wax in the direction of hair growth. The wax should cover the hair in a thick layer. At the same time, be careful and make sure that the wax does not get on the delicate skin of the lips and nose.
Step 7. Apply a strip to the skin above the upper lip
Regardless of whether you are using a paste wax or a wax strip, stick the strip to the area to be treated. Start sticking the strip on one side. Press it with your fingers so that it fits snugly against your skin, and make sure that no air bubbles remain under it.
Step 8. Wait for the recommended time
Leave the wax on the skin for the time recommended in the instructions for use. Removal too early can reduce the effectiveness of the method, and additional time is unlikely to increase it.
Step 9. Tear off the strip in one quick motion
Pull the skin over your upper lip with one hand and grasp the edge of the strip with the other. Tear off the strip with a sharp movement; while pulling it in the opposite direction of hair growth. Do not hesitate or do multiple movements, as this will increase the pain.
Step 10. Wash your skin thoroughly with soap and water
Lather your fingers and rub the soap gently over your upper lip. If you feel wax remains on your skin, dampen your face washcloth and gently rub it over the skin.
Step 11. Apply a cortisone cream to reduce redness
Go to the pharmacy and select the correct cortisone cream to use after waxing. Apply the cream within the first 24 hours after epilation to relieve redness and irritation. You can also use a soothing oil such as petroleum jelly.
Method 3 of 4: Lightening your hair
Step 1. Lighten the hair above the upper lip if you want to hide it
Lightening is effective if you intend to mask hair that is too short for waxing. If you don't want to wait for the hair above the upper lip to grow to about 6 millimeters, lighten it to make it less visible.
Lightening is best for thin hair, while it is often not suitable for thick hair
Step 2. Choose the right whitening cream
Visit a cosmetics store and purchase a cream to lighten facial hair. The cream should be intended specifically for the face, otherwise skin irritation may occur. If possible, choose a cream that is designed specifically for your skin (oily, dry, etc.).
Step 3. Prepare the whitening cream according to the instructions
Typically, a brightening product consists of a cream and an activating powder. Before you start lightening your hair, mix the two ingredients according to the directions on the package. You will have to throw away any leftover mixture after using it, so try to make only the amount you need for one use.
Step 4. Test the cream on a small area of the skin
Apply a drop of cream to a sensitive but safe area of skin (such as the inside of your wrist) to test your reaction. Leave the cream on for the recommended time and then rinse it off completely. Wait 10-15 minutes to make sure the cream does not itch or redden the skin.
Step 5. Wash the skin above your upper lip with a mild cleanser
Before applying the whitening product, cleanse your skin with soap and water or a regular face cleanser. Do not use facial exfoliators as this can irritate the skin after lightening your hair.
Step 6. Apply the whitening product to the skin above the upper lip
Usually a spatula is included with the whitening cream. If you don't have a scoop, use an ice cream stick or wear gloves and apply the cream with your finger. Start at the area under your nose and work your way out to the sides, in the direction of hair growth. Be very careful not to get the cream on your lips or nostrils.
Place the handy tool (spatula or gloves) in a plastic bag, tie it up, and discard it in the trash can
Step 7. Wait for the recommended time
Follow directions for use and do not exceed recommended times to avoid irritation and damage to the skin. In general, the whitening cream should not be used for more than 10 minutes at a time.
Step 8. Wipe off a small amount of the cream to see if it works
Use a cotton swab or cotton ball to wipe off some of the cream. When doing this, try to wipe the cream away from your nose and mouth, not towards them, and see if your hair is lighter. If not, wait a little longer, but do not exceed the maximum recommended time.
Step 9. Wipe off the remaining cream with a cotton pad
Use a cotton pad or paper towel to remove any remaining cream. Be careful not to touch sensitive areas and then discard the cotton or towel in a plastic trash bag.
Step 10. Wash the skin above the upper lip thoroughly with soap and cold water
Run cold water, lather your fingers, and gently rub them over your upper lip to rinse off any remaining whitening cream. After that, it's best to blot your face with a paper towel rather than a hand towel to remove any bleach residue.
Step 11. Repeat the procedure if the hair darkens again
If your hair starts to darken after a few weeks, lighten it again. Avoid bleaching or use less often if your skin is red, itchy, or irritated.
Method 4 of 4: Electrolysis and laser hair removal
Step 1. Use electrolysis or laser hair removal as a permanent remedy
When used correctly, these methods can help you get rid of your hair for a long time. Although electrolysis and laser hair removal are much more expensive than other hair removal methods, they save time when compared to waxing and lightening hair.
Step 2. Laser hair removal is suitable if you have dark hair and light skin
At the same time, with the help of a laser, the roots (follicles) of the hair are destroyed. This method is best for dark hair on light skin, but less effective for dark skin or light hair.
Skin and hair color plays a lesser role in electrolysis. During electrolysis, a tiny needle is inserted into the hair follicle, through which an electric current is applied, destroying the hair root
Step 3. Find out about the nearest beauty salons and hair removal specialists
Perhaps some of the salons boast more modern equipment, highly skilled professionals (always check if they are licensed) and complimentary customer reviews. Look for reviews on the Internet (not on the company's website, but elsewhere).
Step 4. Call several salons and find out the details
Call 2-3 beauty salons of your choice and inquire about the services provided, equipment and staff qualifications. Also ask how long the company has been working in this area, when the equipment used was released and whether it is certified, whether the employees have the necessary diplomas and licenses.
Also inquire about pricing, if they do an allergy skin test, and possible side effects
Step 5. Ask the staff about what to expect for your hair type
For some people, laser hair removal and electrolysis have a permanent effect and literally work wonders, while for others they are less effective. Moreover, these methods are quite painful and expensive. Ask several experts what results you can expect. If they give you an overly rosy perspective, consider moving elsewhere that are more realistic.
Advice
- It is best to remove your hair before bed. In this case, redness, irritation and inflammation will have time to pass overnight.
- Avoid sun exposure within 24 hours of waxing to avoid further irritation of the upper lip.
- After hair removal, apply an ice pack to your skin to relieve irritation.