Upper lip stubble

[Areca]

I used to deal with the peach fuzz on my upper lip by bleaching and trimming which meant, although not completely hair-free, the hair that was there felt soft.

The hair growth started to accelerate a year or so go (thanks peri!) so I switched to a mini shaver which is quick, easy and cheap! The downside, however, is that it now feels prickly and sharp 🙁.

I dislike it myself, but worse, it’s actually putting me off dating anyone because they will feel the stubble.

The hair is not dark enough for laser so I’m a bit stuck now. I used hair removal cream when I was younger and burnt the whole upper lip - it was painful and unsightly for at least a week. Not sure if I should try it again and, if I do, would it be damaging to the skin long-term?

Any suggestions from anyone who has experienced the same?

Electrolysis. Really pleased with the results.

I get it waxed once a month when I get my eyebrows done.

Another vote for electrolysis. It hurts like hell but really works.

Threading is a good option for a small area like the upper lip. You can even do it yourself if you learn the technique, it's very simple and cheap to do.

It's good for me as you can top up every few days or weeks as needed. Hurts less than electrolysis but its obv not permanent.

Does it grow back soft (I've been waxing my legs for so many years I can't tell)?

Thanks for all the suggestions 😊.

I think waxing might not work for me as, in the past I’ve developed spots where the hairs have been removed.

I hadn’t considered electrolysis though … and will definately look in to that and see if there’s anyone near me that does it 👍

Does anyone use hair removal cream that can recommend one gentle enough to use safely in that area?

Yes, soft and fluffy.

I wouldn't bother with the hair removing cream. Electrolysis for the longer thicker ones, then just dermaplane off the fluff inbetween sessions (and if still needed, dermaplane indefinitely every couple of weeks or so or as needed).

I've had a lot of electrolysis done - it's been a good investment.

I used to get it threaded, which was effective. I use facial wax strips at home now and pluck any stubborn hairs myself. No stubble!

I use an amazing brush on hair remover for sensitive skin. It's this one amzn.eu/d/6Qiud6J

If you develop spots it's most likely bacteria on the area after or during waxing. Eg the waxer not washing their hands, touching the area with your hands after waxing, the wax pot being double dipped with multiple clients.

Try using some wax at home, cleaning the area first, washing your hands well and being very careful not to touch after.

I wax myself using cold strip wax. I have had the odd spot but applying cold compress and pressure usually stops the inflammation. I have very sensitive skin but I’ve been doing this so long now my upper lip used to it. I also had electrolysis when I was a younger woman and had “fluff” on my upper lip but I found this wasn’t as effective on the hairs that came through in later life with peri menopause.

Epistick it’s like a metal spring - pennies off Amazon. Gets really short hair and doesn’t cause the spots and irritation that wax and cream both give me. I love it - satisfying too!

This!! I love sitting in front of the TV and using mine it's so therapeutic 😂

I use this, but it's quite hit and miss. It's very difficult to spot a particular hair and try to get that one off. Might be my technique, but I'm wondering about going back to waxing now or even biting the bullet and shaving my whole face under the forehead as the downy fluff is also getting much worse.

It could be the epistick - I got one that’s a dud and one that gets everything - even hairs I had no idea we’re there…

Ah, maybe I should try another one then.

Someone told me years ago to put a thin layer of Vaseline on first then apply hair removal cream, it did indeed stop the cream burning my skin which is very sensitive

I just tweeze off the hair using tweezers. Takes me around 5-10 mins every 10 days or so and I need to be in good bright light but I've found it the best - no breakouts (threading), no patches (waxing), never tried shaving/cream as I don't like a stubble. It can be kept
really hygienic and doesn't hurt. I do my eyebrows too. With time you do achieve perfection even if you do miss a few at the start.

You do need really good tweezers though - not any odd one. Mine cost around £25 and I need to replace it every 8-10 months as they don't do a great job after being used that long.

Electrolysis if you want it gone permanently. As a PP said it is a good investment. I have been going every 2 months for a year - am really pleased with the result. I think after a few more appts I won't need to go hardly at all (just if any odd ones sprout from nowhere).

Thanks so much for the recommendations. It sounds like electrolysis might be the way to go. Presumably people just shave inbetween appointments? 🤔

I don't as I don't really have much that much there. I snip a long one with scissors. I have a feeling you need a certain amount of "growth" there before the appointments - you need the check that. I definitely recommend it - I don't find it that painful - certain areas make my eyes water tho! Others may disagree, suppose it depends on each person.

I have the tweezerman version of the epistick and find it so hard to use. I'm just not coordinated enough.

I have a Phillips Lumea that I bought for underarms but it has a facial adapter that I've been using on my top lip recently and that's working. It's not painful but I understand it works best on pale skin and dark hair, which is the combination I have

I am having electrolysis at the moment for the beard that had started growing recently (thank you menopause!). You should only cut hairs between appointments, I was told not to shave or use tweezers.
After 4 appointments, my chin is much improved.