If there’s one thing us ladies don’t want to admit to, it’s female facial hair. For those of us dealing with it, it’s a bit of a dark secret – one we’re sure would strike repulsion into the hearts of all men, or land us a job in a travelling circus. Ok, maybe we’re being a bit dramatic. But there’s no denying it’s something we don’t like to talk about.

Despite it being a bit of a taboo, female facial hair is actually pretty common. All women have tiny hairs on their faces, but for unluckier ladies, it grows thicker and coarser, so becomes more noticeable. This can be caused by a variety of things, from hormonal changes and certain medications to simply having bothersome genes. Fortunately, you’re not resigned to living with a face full of fuzz: there are plenty of things you can do to for a silky smooth complexion – both short-term and long-term.

Taking care of fuzziness

Shaving: Shaving is quick, easy, and fuss-free – and if men can manage it on a daily basis, then we can too. For internet beauty guru Huda Kattan known for her Insta-perfect complexion, this is the way to go. The Dorco Eve range adapts to your skin while shaving, meaning it’ll work just as well on facial hair as it does on your pins. Just make sure you’ve got your favourite aftershave balm or lotion handy, so your skin doesn’t become irritated.

Waxing: While waxing is an effective short-term fix, it can be painful and leave your face a fetching shade of lobster red. Numerous brands make facial wax strips that you can use at home, though you might find it preferable to get a professional to do it in a salon instead.

Hair removal creams: There are plenty of hair removal creams on the market today aimed at the body, but it might surprise you to know that there are similar products out there for facial hair removal too. Like the body versions however, they can result in irritation if they don’t agree with your skin, or if you leave them on for too long. Use with caution and do a test patch first. 

Laser: One of the best-known long-term solutions for unwanted hair is laser hair removal. It works by targeting highly concentrated light into the pigment within the hair, destroying it in the process. It’s quick (it can take less than a minute to treat the upper lip area), and it takes a couple of days for the sunburn-like redness to subside. Contrary to popular belief however, laser hair removal isn’t a permanent solution – you’ll need regular top-up sessions for long-term smoothness.

Electrolysis: Those seeking a permanent solution should look to electrolysis instead. Performed by a dermatologist, it works by using an epilator device over the skin which emits shortwave radio frequencies. These damage the follicles so they stop producing hair. However, aside from a little irritation, the skin is mostly unscathed. A course of several sessions is usually required for the best results, although they can be quite pricey.

Check your hormones

If you suspect your facial hair may be caused by a hormonal imbalance (usually too much testosterone), it’s worth a trip to your local GP to get it checked out. It could indicate a more pressing health issue like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Smoot sailing

In today’s Insta-ready world, female facial hair can be quite a dent to our confidence. But you’re certainly not alone: from singer Adele to actress Thandie Newton some of the world’s most admired and beautiful women have faced facial hair problems. Of course with all the treatments available these days, it’s not something anyone has to put up with anymore – a fuzz free face is just a razor or laser away.