Introduction:

While facial hair on men is considered normal and attractive, it is taboo in women. Nevertheless, facial hair in women is a common issue faced worldwide. Therefore, women try various options to get rid of unwanted facial hair by using various temporary options like shaving, plucking, waxing, or chemicals; or they resort to treatments like laser treatment, electrolysis (electrical current used to damage hair follicles and prevent them from growing back permanently), or medicines (e.g. medicines that balance the production of male hormones or birth control pills). However, some of these options have their own downsides, like the methods can either be expensive or cause skin irritation.¹

In such cases, you can try the several home remedies mentioned below for facial hair removal at home and understand the options for how to remove facial hair naturally. It is natural for women to have fine hair on their chin and/or upper lip. However, the hair becomes noticeable when they grow thick and dark, which are the symptoms of a condition called hirsutism.¹

What Causes Facial Hair?

Typically, women have low levels of androgens (male hormones). But, if a woman’s body produces too much androgen, she might have unwanted hair growth on the facial areas like the upper lip or chin. The exact cause in most cases is never known. But it is thought to be hereditary.¹

A common cause of hirsutism includes polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Women with PCOS face the problem of unwanted hair growth and may also experience issues with their menstrual cycle, acne, diabetes, and difficulty in losing weight. There are chances of having a tumour releasing androgens if these symptoms appear suddenly.¹

Other rare causes of hirsutism include:

• Cushing syndrome, a condition occurring due to exposure to high cortisol (steroid hormone) levels for a long time
• Cancer or tumour of the ovary or adrenal gland
• Hyperthecosis (a condition in which too much of male hormones are produced by the ovaries)
• Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (a group of genetic conditions limiting the production of hormones in the adrenal gland)¹

In addition, a few medicines may also cause unwanted facial hair growth. Some of them are:

• Glucocorticoids (steroid hormones)
• Testosterone (sex hormone)
• Danazol (an androgen similar to testosterone)
• Anabolic steroids (man-made version of testosterone)
• Minoxidil (a medicine used to treat high blood pressure and hair loss)
• Phenytoin (a medicine used for treating epilepsy)
• Cyclosporine (medicine that suppresses the immune system)
• Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA, a steroid hormone)¹

Also Read: Effective Home Remedies For PCOS

Suggested Home Remedies for Facial Hair:

Experiencing excessive and abnormal facial hair growth(hirsutism) may indicate a hormonal imbalance, necessitating evaluation by an endocrinologist.Prompt diagnosis and intervention targeting the regulation of disrupted hormone levels not only lowers the risk of serious health complications but may also result in a reduction of unwanted facial hair growth to some extent.

Dr. Arpit Verma, MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

Are you confused about how to remove facial hair at home? Home remedies that might be beneficial to get rid of facial hair include:

1. Nutrition and Dietary Supplements:

Some of the suggestions to maintain proper weight and reduce the levels of androgen in your body are:²

• Avoid refined food items like pasta, white bread, and mainly sugar.
• Eat antioxidant foods like vegetables (e.g. bell peppers) and fruits (e.g. tomatoes, cherries, and blueberries).
• Use healthy oils like olive oil or vegetable oil in foods.
• Drink 6-8 glasses of water every day.
• Avoid tobacco and alcohol.
• Eat lean meats, cold-water fish, tofu, soy, or beans. Eat fewer red meats.
• Eliminate trans-fat food found in cookies, cakes, crackers, doughnuts, processed foods, french fries, and onion rings.
• Exercise for at least 30 min daily, five days a week.²

2. Herbs:

In addition to dietary supplements, various herbs are beneficial in controlling facial hair growth in women. Some of them are:

• Spearmint tea (a type of Pudina): Spearmint tea is found to lower the testosterone level in the blood. The researchers suggested that the tea might lower the symptoms of mild hirsutism. In another study, it reduced androgen levels in women with PCOS, which might be beneficial to get rid of facial hair.²
• Lavender and tea tree oil: They might reduce mild hirsutism. In a preliminary study, it was found that applying lavender and tea tree oil on the skin might be helpful for this condition. These oils should only be applied topically.²
• Turmeric: Turmeric paste is applied by women in some parts of India to remove unwanted facial hair.³
• Amla and pimpali: Mix dried fruits of amla and pimpali. Soak this mixture in milky latex of Nivadunga (cactus). Applying this mixture to the facial hair might help you get rid of unwanted facial hair.⁴
• Gram flour (besan), turmeric, sandalwood paste and lemon juice: Mix turmeric in besan. Add lemon and sandalwood paste to it. It can be applied as a face pack for around 20 min. Later, wash your face. The paste can be a great option for how to reduce facial hair by initially making the hair-thin. It also brightens the tone and softens the skin.⁵
• Lemon juice and Honey: Mix lemon juice and honey and apply this mixture to your face. Let this mixture sit for around 20 mins. Soak a cloth in warm water, squeeze out the excess water and gently wipe off the paste. Later, wash your face with cool water. This mixture reduces unwanted facial hair. The honey present in this mixture also brightens and hydrates your skin.⁵     

Also Read: How to Stop Receding Hairline: Research-Based Prevention Strategies

3. Food Management That Brings Hormonal Balance:

Few foods might help you to get rid of facial hair:

• Sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, flax seeds, garlic, peaches, oats, dried fruits, barley, mung beans, lentils, and rice bran may help increase the estrogen (hormone) levels in the body and reduce unwanted facial hair naturally.
• Soya: Soya helps in balancing the hormones. It helps balance the low amount of estrogen and eventually lowers hair growth. Soy milk, soy chunks, and tofu can be used to get the desired effect. Avoid using soya if you are allergic to it.⁵

When to Seek Medical Help?

You must seek medical help if:

• You are worried that the medicines you are using are causing an increase in unwanted facial hair growth.
• The hair is growing rapidly.
• You have male features like deep voice, acne, male pattern of hair thinning, increased muscle mass, reduced breast size, and increased clitoris size.¹

Also Read: Lavender: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects, Precautions & More!

Conclusion:

Facial hair is very common, and it is nothing to be ashamed of. Always aim to achieve a healthier lifestyle and accept yourself and stay happy. If it still bothers you, the home remedies we discussed may be a helpful way for how to reduce facial hair naturally. It might benefit you. But if you notice some other symptoms like the medicines you are using are causing increased hair growth, or you have male features like deepening voice, acne, male pattern thinning of your hair, increased muscle mass, reduced breast size, and increased clitoris size, then you must seek medical help.

Also Read: Home Remedies For Tanned Skin

Frequently Asked Questions:

Read More: Confused Between PCOD vs PCOS? Know The Difference!

References:

1. Medlineplus. Excessive or Unwanted Hair in Women [Internet]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007622.htm
2. MountSinai. Hirsutism hair growth-excessive [Internet]. Available from: https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/condition/hirsutism
3. Prasad S, Aggarwal B. Turmeric, the Golden Spice. In 2011. p. 263–88. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92752/
4. Patkar K. Herbal cosmetics in ancient India. Indian J Plast Surg [Internet]. 2008;41(3 SUPPL.). Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2825132/
5. Home Remedies to Reduce Facial Hair Permanently [Internet]. The Yoga Insitute. 2022. Available from: https://theyogainstitute.org/home-remedies-to-reduce-facial-hair-permanently/

Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the info