Removal of fine, downy facial hair

[JessicaCH]

Hi, I have developed fine, downy, light-coloured hair on the sides of my face and I'm wondering how to get rid of it, as it has become quite thick, and IMO quite noticeable. I don't want to wax or shave as I'm pretty sure that would make it grow back worse. Laser would not be suitable as apparently it only works on dark hair. I've also read that it can make hair growth worse. I'm wondering about hair removal creams, but the reviews on Amazon say lots of them cause rashes, and I have sensitive skin. (I used Veet on my legs and it gave me a rash.) Is there a hair removal cream that anyone with sensitive skin can recommend? I've also wondered about Alkaline Facial Wash hair removal cream (www.dmk-uk.com/treatments/alkaline-wash-fine-downy-hair-removal/), but I read this on a mumsnet post from 4 years ago: "I had a series of Danne skin treatments for adult acne and they do this Akaline wash. Some of my problems started after the therapist used an Akaline wash all over my face (its like a strong hair removal cream) it not only burned my skin but made all the soft downy hair that I didn't have a problem with, all spiky and stubbly.
It basically a very strong hair removal cream and I couldn't find any evidence that it worked permanently." I don't know whether that treatment has improved since then - I'd be really interested to hear anyone's experiences of it. I've been told that electrolysis wouldn't be suitable for such fine hair - I don't know whether that's definitely the case. I would be super grateful for any advice! Thank you!

[JessicaCH]

P.S. Does anyone know whether IPL would be suitable for this? Thanks!

[Trailedanderror]

I have it too, it's not unattractive imo. I've had it threaded off a couple of times, but mainly I just live with it quite happily.
There's a treatment called deplanage I think which sounds interesting but I've not found it in the UK.

[rogueantimatter]

Waxing using facial strips will work.

[SilverHawk]

Sorry, no idea about IPL but most people in the middle East would use threading. It's widely available and there are some very skilled practitioners out there.

[imnottoofussed]

Dermaplaning gets rid of the hair.

[Serenite]

I've had this area threaded many times, it lasts and makes such a difference when applying make up. (I've also been known to use facial epilator and an eyebrow razor in dire emergency- both work fine.)

[Trailedanderror]

Imnottoofussed that's it! I got the word wrong. Have you ever had it done. Inspired by this thread I've just diy dermaplaned. Basically a dry shave. Got about a teaspoon of the finest down and my face is nice and tingly. It's meant to make skincare and makeup go on more smoothly. I'll report back.

[BobbinThreadbare123]

IPL won't work - it's a similar process to laser. It needs contrast, so dark hair against light to medium skin. How about using one of those Tinkle razors?

[LoniceraJaponica]

I epilate my facial hair

[Venusflytwat]

I use Veet- interestingly the “sensitive” one irritates my skin but the non sensitive one doesn’t.

You only need it on there for 2 minutes for such fine hair.

[Ohyesiam]

Look up threading on you tube. You can learn in 5 minutes, it's really easy and brilliant for this fine hair.

[creamcheeseandlox]

I had this fine hair down the side of my face. I waxed it at first then bought tinkle razors from eBay and use those now. Keeps me fuzz free and grows back so fine that I just keep on top of.

[Itsthattimeagain]

This is what dermaplaning was invented for!

[Nutellalovesme]

@venusflytwat That's exactly the same for me! How strange.....

[Trailedanderror]

Have you had it done professionally itsthat?

[Feliciaxxx]

I use my leg epilator - hurts like a barsteward but effective!

[Venusflytwat]

Nutella how funny! I guess we are just sensitive to whatever the sensitive alternative is!!

[Jmmmm]

I use a shu umera facial razor, best brand I've tried. It's really good and makeup applies like a dream afterwards! I do it about once a month x

[illuminousopptomist]

Razor any sort absolutely fine, it just grows back the same. I have no idea why women go to such lengths to come up with various ways to remove it! A razor on downy hair is the perfect tool. It will not grow back stubbly.

[JessicaCH]

Thank you so much for the advice, everyone!

[Candlelight234]

If it's light I would just dry shave , I do this and it gets rid of it for a couple of weeks, and it's never grown back dark at all.

[ihatethecold]

What is dermaplaning?

[imnottoofussed]

Dermaplaning is where a beautician uses a fine razor to scrap your skin. It basically exfoliates the top layer of skin off and removes the fine hair at the same time. I’ve not had it done but a salon near me does it and it looks good. Think it’s expensive though.

[elephantoverthehill]

I just moisturise well to stick it down. And I don't think it is that unattractive.

[NotAgainYoda]

I wouldn't bother with dermaplaning. Shaving doesn't make it worse, and is quick, easy and cheap