What is the best upper lip hair removal method I hear you ask?
Firstly, let’s be clear. There’s nothing wrong with a little bit of hair on your upper lip, but equally, there’s nothing wrong in trying to get rid of it. Some people accept that annoying, (darker than your regular hair shade usually), that grows above the corners of the mouth while for others, the thought of removing it and the best way to do it is something that can keep you up at night!
You’ll be happy to learn that you have several options when it comes to removing hair from your upper lip and there’s no one best method set in stone.
Some options work better than others and can keep hairs at bay for weeks. Some methods cost more while some involve a bit more pain and inconvenience than others.
Here, we’ll look at what is available, and whether waxing, threading, tweezing, shaving or hair removal cream is the way to go.
Get Rid of Upper Lip Hair at Home
Table of Contents
1. Tweezing
Yes, you can pluck hair from the upper lip and you can do it all on your own at home. This solution allows you to pull the hair right from the root. All you need are a set of tweezers. The pro’s for tweezing is that you can do it at home whenever you have a minute. Con’s are it’s slow and slightly tedious!
All tweezers are not made equal, contrary to popular belief. In order to remove your upper lip hair effectively, you should choose a set of tweezers that is sturdy and one that has a sharp point to ensure precision.
With this method, you will remove one hair at a time, so a magnifying mirror is highly recommended to ensure every hair is pulled out. The clean-look results can last around four weeks depending on the rate of hair growth. This is a safe, easy, and affordable solution.
2. Threading
Threading is an ancient hair removal method that has been rumored to have once been the go-to option of many powerful women, including Cleopatra. It involves the use of cotton thread which twists into a double strand and is used to remove a line of hair all at once. This process removes hair from the root for smooth, hair-free skin up to four weeks. It’s very popular not only for upper lip hair removal but also for shaping eyebrows as well as facial hair.
Threading is a really safe and affordable option as well as being kind to the skin. It is much faster than tweezing where hairs are removed individually. It’s a great hair removal choice for those with sensitive skin as well as acne. There is a bit of a sensation during the process but I wouldn’t really call it pain – more like a little discomfort.
Threading involves a certain skill and technique, nevertheless, it is something you could do on your own at home if you so wished. A better option would be to seek the help of a professional to get the best results.
3. Use an Epilator
This type of hair removal device is a favorite among millions of women and men can use them too. These are hand-held units that remove upper lip hair from the root. Think tweezers on steroids!
The heads of these devices incorporate several tweezers so hairs get pulled right out of the follicle. Results are long-lasting and another plus is you can use an epilator from the comfort of home. No need to make a salon appointment and it’s fast – taking only a few minutes to complete.
There’s no point denying that this method of hair removal is totally without pain. It can be a tad uncomfortable during the process and the skin might feel a bit tender after the first few uses.
It’s a quick and easy way to get rid of upper lip hair nonetheless and if you can put up with a little pain in the beginning, this could very well suit your needs.
In the past, epilators were hard to find, but nowadays, they are available both in stores and online. It’s easy to find a high-quality epilator at an extremely affordable price.
Learn More About The Best Facial Epilators Here
4. Hair Removal Cream
Over the years, the market has become saturated with hair removal creams. You can find some for general use and some specifically targeting certain areas like the upper lip or face. Brands like Veet and Nair are two really popular ones. These depilatory creams work to dissolve hair. In the past, some people avoided them because of questionable ingredients, such as parabens and other harsh chemicals.
Nevertheless, things have changed for the better in this aspect. Formulations have improved over the years to make them more natural as well as more hydrating and less smelly. Still, you won’t find any permanent upper lip hair removal cream.
It’s really important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using these hair removal products to achieve a good result. Removing cream before the time specified will not remove all the hair. Equally, timing is important for safety reasons. Leaving cream on too long can result in redness and even burns.
Hair removal cream is an affordable solution to remove upper lip hair. It’s also fast and convenient since you can do it at home. Creams are available at different prices.
The more expensive ones tend to have extra soothing ingredients to suit sensitive skin. Sometimes you can find lip kits combining hair remover cream with a moisturizer.
All in all, depilatory creams are popular because they’re easy to use and probably one of the cheaper methods of removing unwanted facial hair.
5. Hot Wax
This is another method that has been used over the centuries to remove hair from the root. Hot wax is applied to the skin, covering the hair to be removed and pulled off using muslin strips. This pulls both the wax and the hair from the hair follicle. Results last up to 6 weeks depending on the rate of hair growth.
Hot wax has become more sophisticated over the years and is not the tedious task it once was. It is now formulated differently hence it’s more effective and less messy. It’s definitely an effective solution to smoother, hair-free skin although the biggest disadvantage of waxing your upper lip is that it can involve a little pain.
You can attend a salon or spa for a professional service or choose to wax off your upper lip hair in the comfort of your own home using one of the many home hot wax kits available to buy. Another option is to use ready to go wax strips specifically to remove hair from the upper lip area.
6. Laser Hair Removal
One of the more expensive options to remove hair from the upper lip is laser hair removal. That’s not to say it’s not popular.
Removing lip hair or body hair for that matter really is a chore and for most women I’m sure, if you can find a method that will give you long-lasting results, the cost is worth it. Compared with the lasers available ten years ago, today’s lasers are more effective for facial hair.
Laser hair removal is often thought of as permanent hair removal but it’s more like permanent hair reduction since more than one session is required. How many will depend on the individual and hair growth rate but it’s safe to say that hair growth does reduce over time.
Laser is a great solution to removing lip hair since there won’t be much hair to remove per session so a salon or dermatologist appointment shouldn’t take too long.
The cost to remove upper lip hair with a laser in a professional setting is more affordable than ever before, hence why people choose this solution every day.
Home laser hair removers are available now although some are not recommended for use on the face due to not being handled by a professional. The face should be treated with the utmost care as it is a very sensitive area.
There are of course exceptions to this rule and some that have a solid reputation for safety and effectiveness. One such being the Tria Laser. The Tria Laser Precision is the home laser device that is recommended for removing upper lip hair or other facial hair.
Read more about the Tria Precision here.
7. Spring Hair Removal Tool
This type of facial hair removal tool is another good choice for anyone who wants to find out how to remove upper lip hair at home immediately! It’s a simple kind of spring-like design with a smooth area for holding it at each end. It actually looks a bit like a shower hose.
It’s easy to bend it into a u-shape in order to roll it over the upper lip. The coils turn and catch and remove hairs in between. Its popularity has grown and several magazines have covered its ease of use and effectiveness. It’s a similar process to threading and a quick solution to any lip hair problem as several hairs can be removed at once, unlike tweezing.
This method is not pain-free and is similar to epilation or waxing in that regard. It is a very handy and convenient tool to have as it’s small, portable and there are no appointments necessary. You can use it whenever you want and hair will grow back softer and finer. The big plus is just how little one of these costs.
8. Sugaring
Remove Upper Lip Hair Naturally
Sugaring has made a big comeback in recent times as a natural way of getting rid of body hair. It has been used for centuries and is a safe and effective hair removal method.
It involves the use of simple ingredients, water, lemon juice and of course sugar. These ingredients are mixed together over heat, to form a sort of viscous mixture. Once the mixture has cooled, it can be applied onto the upper lip area. You then press a clean strip of cloth and pull it in the direction of your hair growth or, using a glove or just your fingers, you can form a kind of ball that you can manipulate to remove the hair with.
It’s difficult to explain in writing so have a look at the video below to see how it works. It is a very similar solution to that of hot wax but sugaring is much more gentle on the skin as it pulls on the hair only and not the skin. It works in a similar It’s a perfect option for sensitive skin types.
Due to its sugar ingredient, your upper lip area will benefit from exfoliation, too. This hair removal solution is currently regaining popularity because it’s natural, safe, effective and inexpensive! Hair removal with honey is another natural method.
You get the long-lasting results of epilating or waxing and of course, it doesn’t cost a lot to make the sugaring solution if you want to give it a go yourself from home. A trip to the salon might be a better option as this can be a little messy!
9. Shaving
Yes Girls Can Shave Their Mustaches!
There is a misconception that removing upper lip hair with a razor will result in hair growing back longer and thicker. You’ll find there are actually a lot of dermatologists who recommend shaving to remove facial hair in general. There is no study that has shown using a razor can affect the growth rate or thickness of hair. Maybe it just feels that way!
Shaving, while an inexpensive way of getting rid of upper lip hair, is a daily chore or every other day if you’re lucky. It’s a convenient and fast method of hair removal, but because you have to do it so often for effective results, the task can become cumbersome. Epilation or using one of those spring hair removal tools can be just as quick. It also gives long-lasting results as hair is removed from the root. Shaving only cuts hair at the skin’s surface.
Shaving was the perfect solution to remove hair at one time. There are many more options available now with advancements in tools and skincare knowledge.
You’ll find several companies that manufacture razors specifically for facial and upper lip hair. This type of razor is gentle and can soothe even the most sensitive skin. It is definitely an affordable option that works. Nevertheless, keep in mind that razors do not remove hair from the root. Shaving needs to be consistent to keep stubble-free.
10. Electrolysis
Electrolysis has been around for some time now, impressing consumers who have given it a try. This method prevents the regrowth of upper lip hair once and for all. It consists of an acute electrical current that destroys both hair and follicle. This is the one solution that can keep hair at bay forever. Additionally, it is approved by the FDA as the only permanent hair removal solution.
A professional should carry out this type of procedure in a salon or specialist skincare clinic. Electrolysis is often considered a costly treatment, however, costs are relatable to the area being treated. Since the upper lip is a small area, you can count on the price to be affordable. The perceived expense of electrolysis often rules it out as a hair removal option. It is a safe and effective method and more importantly, a permanent solution.
Choosing the Best Way To Remove Your Upper Lip Hair
As you’ve seen, you have plenty of options when it comes to getting rid of hair on your upper lip. There’s shaving and sugaring, laser hair removal, epilators and more... With each method, you’ll find pro’s and con’s usually.
If it’s speed and convenience you want, you’ll want to look at something that you can do from home, whenever you like. Shaving, sugaring, tweezing, epilation or home laser hair removal are your choices. Each method should be repeated at regular intervals. It is possible to remove facial hair permanently at home with a home electrolysis machine also.
If long-lasting results are top of your list – forget about shaving to start with. You’ll need to consider a hair removal method that pulls out hair from the root.
Consider electrolysis or laser hair removal for a more long term solution if salon appointments and costs are not factors. Threading, sugaring or epilation are also worth considering for smooth skin that lasts 4-6 weeks. These methods require a regular routine.
The best and least expensive methods to remove unwanted lip hair for the budget-conscious are those with a one-off cost such as an epilator or an inexpensive tool like the spring u-shaped facial tool. Both of these will give you good results for 4-6 weeks. Alternatively, using a razor or hair removal cream is also cost-effective.
The best thing about having so much choice is that you can mix it up until you find a way of getting rid of your upper lip hair that suits you best.
