Upper Lip Hair Removal Info

Unwanted facial hair is a common issue among both female and male hair removal patients. In addition to unwanted hair on the chin, jawline, brow, and outer cheeks or sideburn areas, the upper lip is one of the most targeted areas for facial hair removal.

In truth, all of us have full-coverage facial hair; it serves to protect and condition our skin. But for most women, facial hair is very fine, light in color, and generally unnoticeable (vellus hair). Darker, coarser body hair and facial hair, aka terminal hair, is the kind female patients are eager to remove from their upper lip and other treatment areas.

Since upper lip hair is mainly associated with male hair growth, excessive upper lip hair on women can be particularly embarrassing, undesirable and irritating. If you are currently struggling with unwanted upper lip hair, keep reading to learn about lip hair removal treatment options, and other details about this condition.

What Causes Unwanted Lip Hair Growth?

Excessive upper lip hair can be a persistent problem for some females, and a non-issue for others. Excessive hair growth in women, on the upper lip, chin, jawline, and other "male" areas, is sometimes called hirsutism.

According to eMedicine.com, "hirsutism affects approximately 10% of women in the United States". Women of all ages and races can develop unwanted upper lip hair and/or unwanted facial hair or "peach fuzz".

Female upper lip hair can be caused by specific medical conditions, inherited traits, ethnicity, physicality, and various medications. In particular, hirsutism and upper lip hair growth can be caused by:

• Hormonal imbalances
• Increased androgen (male hormone) sensitivity
• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
• Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH)
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Phenytoin (Dilantin) – epilepsy medication
• Being of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and/or European descent

Unwanted upper lip hair can also develop with age. As we grow older, the amount of coarse body hair we have tends to increase. Women who didn't have unwanted upper lip hair in their youth may notice it later in life.

Lip Hair Removal Treatment Methods

There are many treatment methods available for removing unwanted upper lip hair. Below are some examples of frequently used lip hair removal treatments for women:

• Plucking: unwanted lip hair removal with plucking or tweezing is a simple, straightforward method. Downsides include temporary pain and results that last about 2-3 weeks on average.


• Shaving: unwanted lip hair removal with shaving is a convenient, pain-free way to remove upper lip hair. Downsides include very short-lived results.


• Waxing: unwanted lip hair removal with waxing can be very effective and provides moderately lengthy results. Downsides include treatment pain and occasionally expensive professional treatments.


• Threading: unwanted lip hair removal with threading is fast and very safe. Downsides include result lengths that are comparable to plucking.


• Laser Hair Removal: unwanted lip hair removal with laser hair removal provides long-term results—up to two years for some patients. Downsides include the possible inconvenience of keeping to a treatment schedule, and the moderate to high costs (treatment costs shouldn't be as high for the lip area).


• Electrolysis: unwanted lip hair removal with electrolysis reportedly offers the only permanent solution to upper lip hair. Downsides may include intense treatment pain and moderate costs.

Bleaching the upper lip hair is another technique some women use to disguise dark, unwanted upper lip hair. However, this treatment is only useful for patients with minor amounts of upper lip hair; the bleach will merely lighten the color of the lip hair, not remove it.

Starting Unwanted Lip Hair Removal Treatments

If you're interested in learning more about unwanted upper lip hair removal, or would like to get started on your own upper lip laser hair removal treatments, we recommend scheduling a hair removal consultation appointment with a local professional.

By consulting with a qualified laser hair removal provider in your area, you can receive specific upper lip hair removal costs and efficacy details, not to mention insightful treatment recommendations and prompt, helpful service.

Featured Provider Near You

Dr. Talal A. Munasifi - Advanced Plastic Surgery Center

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