Fine hair on the upper lip, chin or cheeks is completely normal – almost everyone has it. Still, many of us like a smooth finish, especially before makeup or a night out. Here is a simple guide to the most common at-home methods, and how to use a hair removal cream safely.
The common options
- Tweezing – precise, but slow and can sting.
- Waxing and threading – long-lasting, but they can hurt and often mean booking a salon.
- Razor or dermaplaning – quick, but easy to nick yourself and the hair can feel stubbly when it grows back.
- Hair removal cream – painless and quick: apply, wait a few minutes and wipe away.
How hair removal cream works
A depilatory cream dissolves the hair at the surface of the skin, so it wipes away with a damp cloth. It doesn't pull the hair out by the root, so there is no plucking pain. Results last until the hair grows back, which varies from person to person.
Step by step
- Patch test 24 hours before. Apply a little cream to a small area, for example by the jaw. If there is no redness or stinging the next day, you're good to go.
- Start with clean, dry skin. No creams, oils or makeup on the area.
- Apply an even layer that covers the hair completely.
- Follow the time on the package – usually just a few minutes. Never leave it on longer.
- Wipe off gently with a damp cloth and rinse with lukewarm water.
Safety tips
- Keep it away from your eyes, eyebrows and the inside of the nose.
- Don't use it on irritated, sunburnt or broken skin, or right after shaving.
- Wait at least 72 hours before using it again on the same area.
- Skip perfume, deodorant and strong sun on the area for 24 hours afterwards.
- If it burns or stings, wipe it off right away and rinse with plenty of water.
Our pick
Our Gentle Facial Hair Removal Cream is made for small areas like the upper lip, chin and cheeks, with shea butter and Centella asiatica extract. The 30 g tube fits in your makeup bag.
Results vary from person to person. Always follow the instructions on the package.