The procedure for removing unwanted body hair with wax is absolutely safe for a girl, so many people prefer to use the technique even at home. Waxing the upper lip is quite simple, but if you decide to do it yourself, be careful, as it is easy to damage the sensitive area.
Indications
Laser treatment is recommended if you have excess facial hair. Most often, women prefer to get rid of such a defect as a mustache above the upper lip, but the technique is also used for men. Causes of excessive facial hair growth:
- hormonal imbalance – with abnormal testosterone production;
- hereditary predisposition;
- improper diet – passion for foods that contain a high percentage of carbohydrates;
- dysfunction of the endocrine system;
- hirsutism (increased hair growth of the androgenic type).
The appearance of a mustache above the upper lip can also be caused by certain types of decorative or skincare cosmetics that contain hormonal components.
Why does hair grow above the lip in women?
There are many reasons why women and girls develop unwanted hair above their lips. Among them:
- heredity;
- hormonal changes in the body (characterized by an increase in the level of male hormones);
- endocrine diseases;
- use of contraceptives, etc.
If you suspect hormonal or endocrine causes of the problem, it is recommended to consult with a specialist: even if you remove the hairs, without treating the existing disease you will not be able to get rid of them forever.
Pros and cons of the method
Laser hair removal has more advantages than disadvantages. The advantages of the technique include the following factors:
- the procedure is painless, since the modern equipment used is equipped with special cooling systems;
- high level of safety - infection is excluded, tissues are restored quickly;
- simultaneous rejuvenating effect - the laser stimulates the production of its own collagen and elastin, which helps to increase skin elasticity;
- the formation of ingrown hairs is excluded;
- the highest effect among other hair removal procedures – smooth skin without irritation;
- long-term or permanent results.
There are few disadvantages to laser hair removal. To a greater extent, these include a large list of contraindications. The higher cost compared to other techniques rarely bothers patients, since there is no need to return to the procedure often.
Anesthesia
Since laser hair removal is a non-invasive procedure, it cannot be called painful. However, the skin on the upper lip is thin, so it is highly sensitive. This is especially true for women with a low pain threshold, in whom even heating the hair follicle can be accompanied by noticeable pain.
To avoid discomfort during laser operation, doctors use local anesthesia. For this purpose, special anesthetic gels containing lidocaine are usually used. The application scheme is simple:
- The skin is thoroughly cleaned of dust and fatty secretions.
- Apply a thick layer of gel to the cleaned area.
- The top of the gel surface is covered with cling film to prevent evaporation of the active substance.
The gels enter the active phase of action after 20-30 minutes. Patients understand that the surface of the upper lip becomes less sensitive. The bandage is removed, and the remaining gel is removed with a napkin, after which the procedure begins.
Preparing for laser hair removal
The first consultation with a cosmetologist includes a visual examination and questioning of the patient for contraindications. The procedure cannot be performed in the following cases:
- pregnancy;
- chronic diseases in the acute stage;
- infectious, bacterial, viral, fungal diseases in the processing area;
- unstable mental states;
- epilepsy;
- oncology;
- tendency to form keloid scars;
- the presence of open wounds, scratches, cracks in the laser impact area;
- elevated temperature;
- pain of any intensity and localization;
- moles in the treatment area;
- high blood pressure.
After collecting an anamnesis, the cosmetologist explains to the patient the essence of the procedure and gives recommendations on preparing for laser hair removal of the upper lip:
- 2 weeks before the session you should stop tanning (including in a solarium);
- stop taking antibiotics from the tetracycline group;
- one month before the procedure, hair removal should not be performed by any means other than shaving;
- limit the use of alcohol-based cosmetics for three days.
Those who have ever suffered from herpes are recommended to start taking antiviral drugs 3 days in advance. A week before the procedure, you should stop drinking alcohol, and on the day of the session, stop smoking. Also, before hair removal you should not use decorative cosmetics.
A few hours before visiting a cosmetologist’s office, you need to shave your mustache with a machine, since the hairs that have grown by 2–3 mm will help protect the skin from injury.
Hair removal options
Today, experts suggest removing mustaches using different types of hair removal:
- laser hair removal;
- photoepilation;
- electrolysis.
Laser and photo radiation
The color of the hairs is determined by the content of the coloring pigment (melanin), which has the ability to absorb external energy. This property of melanin is used in laser and photoepilation. When a laser pulse or photoradiation is directed at a hair, the energy absorbed by melanin is transformed into heat, the hair becomes very hot, and under the influence of high temperatures the components of the hair follicle are destroyed.
Laser and photoepilation are often used to remove mustaches
After the session, the hairs completely fall out within a few days.
Many women resort to these methods of mustache hair removal because they have clear advantages:
- the result lasts for a long time;
- The duration of the session is negligible - only 5-10 minutes.
After laser hair removal, the skin became smooth
However, there are also disadvantages:
- since a laser or light beam heats the hair and neutralizes the follicle due to the melanin contained in it, light, vellus and gray hair cannot be eliminated using these types of hair removal;
- burns may remain on the upper lip, and the skin may begin to peel;
- high cost of the session;
- There are some restrictions to the procedure.
Video: laser hair removal
Removal of antennae by electric discharge
During electrolysis, the hair follicle is also destroyed by high temperatures. Here the hair receives strong heat due to an electrical impulse. Electric current is supplied to the hair through the electrode. Intense heat accumulates in the hair, causing the follicle components to be destroyed. In this case, the hairs fall out immediately.
An electric discharge is applied to the hair through an electrode in the form of tweezers or a very thin needle.
Electrolysis has a number of significant advantages:
- you can remove any hairs on the upper lip, including light, gray and vellus hairs;
- hair is removed immediately;
- the effect lasts for a long time.
With the help of electroepilation, even vellus, light and gray hairs on the upper lip can be eliminated
But when removing hair with electric current, there are also some significant disadvantages:
- excessive pain during the procedure;
- session duration. During electrolysis, each hair is removed separately, and sometimes the procedure can last up to 50–60 minutes;
- the appearance of scars;
- high price;
- a number of contraindications.
Video: using electric current to fight antennae
Progress of the procedure
The session for removing excess vegetation above the upper lip is carried out in stages:
- The patient is placed in a comfortable chair.
- If necessary, the doctor will use a local anesthetic in the form of a spray or ointment.
- The cosmetologist and the patient wear special glasses to protect the retina from the effects of the laser.
- The skin is treated with an antiseptic.
- The doctor applies a contact gel to the treated area.
- The cosmetologist sets up the equipment (wavelength 810 nm), using the device to apply a laser beam to areas with hair. The patient may feel a slight tingling sensation.
- Upon completion, the skin above the upper lip is treated with a healing and softening agent, for example, Panthenol.
- After 20–30 minutes, the procedure is completed and the client can go home.
The essence of removing excess vegetation is that the laser has a thermal effect on melanin and the follicle, destroying it along with the feeding vessel. Healthy tissues are not affected.
The following types of laser systems are used for hair removal:
- alexandrite - suitable for vegetation of moderate pigmentation, light skin type;
- neodymium – greater depth of influence, suitable for dark, coarse hairs (helps get rid of vascular lesions, hyperpigmentation, freckles);
- diode - used for both light and dark skin.
The following brands are included in the ranking of the best devices for hair removal procedures:
- Fotona;
- Zollaser;
- Candela
- Nordlys;
- 1S PRO and others.
Almost all modern equipment is equipped with a cooling system. The most effective are the air Cooling Compatible and the dynamic cryogenic Dynamic Cooling Device. During the procedure, a stream of cold air or a low dose of cryogen is applied to the treatment area, due to which the skin temperature becomes optimal and the risk of burns is minimal.
Laser operating principle
Laser hair removal is the most effective and painless way to get rid of excess hair. The action of the laser is based on a sharp increase in temperature at a certain point. Under the influence of a laser beam, the bulb ruptures and the hair falls out over time. It will take the body from 2 to 4 weeks to form a new one; over time, this period increases.
In certain areas, new hair may not grow after just two sessions, in particular this applies to the face area, because... the hairs there are very thin. For the skin laser exposure is practically painless ; a slight burning or tingling sensation may be felt, but in principle, the procedure is much easier than wax depilation.
If during treatment of the face with a laser beam there are very unpleasant sensations or severe pain, then you need to tell your doctor about it. Most likely, he chose the wrong beam penetration depth, or the wrong nozzle.
The session lasts up to half an hour, but most often the hair from the upper lip will disappear within 10 minutes. After epilation, marks may remain on the skin: small redness or dots. This will go away within an hour and a half after the session, depending on the type of dermis.
The laser effect is cumulative, which means that hair removal must be repeated regularly. Cosmetologists advise coming for the procedure once a month. In total, it will take 4-6 visits to completely destroy the hairs with a break of 3 weeks to a month; the doctor prescribes this period of time individually. It should be noted that for most girls, the mustache disappears after the 2nd session, which significantly saves time and the family budget.
Skin care after laser hair removal
At the end of the procedure, the cosmetologist gives recommendations on what can and cannot be done during the rehabilitation period:
- you need to treat the skin 1 - 2 days after the session with Penthenol or other similar compounds;
- do not sunbathe for 2 weeks;
- Continue taking antiviral drugs for another 3–4 days;
- limit physical activity for a week;
- walks in the fresh air are welcome, but subject to applying a sunscreen with an SPF level of 30 - 50 to the skin;
- It is better to postpone aggressive and alcohol-containing cosmetics for 2 weeks;
- for 7 – 10 days it is not recommended to visit the bathhouse, sauna, public swimming pool;
- stop drinking alcohol for a week;
- If the hairs grow back, you can carefully cut or shave them.
It is not always possible to get rid of excess hair above the upper lip in one session. It is necessary to properly plan the period of the procedure, since in the summer increased exposure to ultraviolet radiation is undesirable.
Types of procedure and difference from depilation
Unlike mustache removal for men, women should not use the machine. This can cause the hairs to become darker and coarser, making them very noticeable as they grow back.
There are quite a few options for hair removal above the upper lip, which involve removing unwanted hair from the face along with the follicles.
Laser hair removal
One of the most effective methods of total hair removal, since it involves laser “burning” of the hair follicle, after which the hairs temporarily stop growing.
The procedure is carried out only in the salon. A special device is used for it, which directs powerful beams of energy into the root system of hairs, destroying melanin. This piment is the main element responsible for hair growth.
To get the final result, the girl will have to undergo 5-6 laser hair removal sessions at intervals of 1.5-2 weeks. However, the result is worth it - hairs stop growing for 8-12 months.
Photoepilation
The essence of the technique is similar to laser hair removal, but instead of beams of energy, beams of light are sent to the root system. They also destroy melanin and keratin in the hair follicles, causing hairs to stop growing.
To completely destroy the hair follicles, the girl will have to attend 6-7 sessions.
Unlike the previous technique, photoepilation is somewhat painful. However, this is justified by its long-term results, since the result of smooth skin lasts up to 3-4 years.
Elos hair removal
The modern technique combines laser and photoepilation, which is why it has many more contraindications. However, the technique is absolutely painless.
Due to the complex effect on the structure of the hair, it is completely destroyed, usually in 4-5 sessions. But the cost of such removal will be 2-3 times higher than when using previous technologies. Such complete hair removal of mustache for women can cost up to 25 thousand rubles.
Sugar depilation
The technology, which involves the use of sugar paste to remove unwanted hair from the body, is more common as “sugaring”. It is now performed not only in the salon. Sugar paste is quite easy to prepare at home, and applying it is not difficult.
Due to its stickiness, the paste applied to the girl’s skin envelops the hairs and, when pulled off, pulls them out.
The sugaring effect usually lasts up to 2-3 weeks.
Waxing
Unlike sugaring, waxing involves the use of special cosmetic wax. It is applied to the girl’s skin, grabs the hairs and pulls them out when the wax is sharply removed.
Waxing comes in three types: hot, warm and cold (wax strips). Any type involves the total removal of the antennae along with the hair follicles, due to which the effect lasts up to 2.5-3 weeks.
A girl can also perform waxing on her own. To do this, you need to buy the wax itself and a device for heating it - a wax melter.
How long does the effect last?
During the first session, not all hairs are removed. This is due to the specific nature of the appearance of vegetation. There are three stages of hair growth:
- active;
- dying off;
- hair loss and the appearance of a new root.
All vegetation on the body goes through these stages in different ways, so the laser beam destroys only those hairs that are currently in the active phase - about 40%. In one session, exactly this amount of vegetation is removed, and to remove all of it, you will need to undergo from 3 to 7 procedures. The interval between them is about a month.
Completely smooth skin lasts for a period from 6 months to 5 years. It depends on the density, thickness of the hairs, and their growth characteristics. Since this area of the face is considered hormone-dependent, hair removal will not provide a long-term effect if the problems arise. But in many cases, the excess hair above the upper lip becomes thinner, lighter, and eventually disappears forever.
The procedure for laser hair removal of the upper lip is rightfully recognized as the most effective. It allows you to eliminate cosmetic defects and at the same time has a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin. The risk of complications is minimal, and the cost is from 900 rubles per session.
Choosing the best wax
Before performing wax epilation of the upper lip on your own, you should pay attention to choosing the type of wax, which will determine the pain and effectiveness of the procedure.
There are three types of waxing:
- Hot . It uses hard granules, before using which they need to be heated in a wax melter and then spread over the skin in a thin layer. Hot wax quickly hardens on the skin and is then removed in one piece.
- Warm. The finished wax has a dense, viscous consistency, which is distributed over the skin, a paper or fabric bandage is fixed on top of it and torn off in one movement along with the hairs.
- Cold. The method involves the use of wax strips, which are heated between the palms, fixed on the girl’s skin and abruptly torn off.
Warm waxing is most often used to treat large areas - back, stomach, arms, legs. But the hot or cold method is suitable for waxing mustaches.
Keep in mind that when purchasing wax strips, their packaging should indicate the place of their recommended use - “for the face.” Their length is up to 7-10 cm, making them more convenient to use than wide strips.
How to behave after the procedure
After laser hair removal on the upper lip, be sure to follow the following rules:
- Do not remove crusts that will definitely appear on the skin yourself.
- For the first few weeks, be sure to avoid visiting the sauna, swimming pool, gym and solarium.
- Do not use any cosmetic products.
- Do not take antibiotics or hormonal drugs.
- In summer, you need to apply sunscreen to your skin, which is recommended by a cosmetologist.
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If the skin is very sensitive, a specialist may prescribe special medications.
Types of lasers for upper lip hair removal
There are different devices for removing hair anywhere, not just the notorious mustache. They differ in the type of laser: ruby, alexandrite (the oldest installations), neodymium, diode. I specifically looked at the information on them and came to the conclusion that each clinic is engaged in self-promotion, and therefore praises its installations.
Each type of laser has certain features:
- Alexandrite - singes the hair completely, so removal is painful. The skin after the session feels perfectly smooth. The laser is not intended to treat dark hair on dark skin. Used only on fair-skinned people.
- Ruby - does not remove light or red hair.
- Neodymium is intended for removing tattoos, but is ineffective for hair.
- Diode - affects the hair follicle, destroys it. The hair remains in place after the procedure and falls out for a couple of weeks after the session. This laser has several advantages over others:
- Has great power.
- Suitable for working with any skin type, therefore it is offered for hair removal by most medical clinics.
- The procedures are faster and more comfortable.
- Suitable for use in adolescents.
- Capable of removing spider veins under the skin.
- Vegetation stops growing between treatments.
- The number of procedures to completely cleanse the skin of hair is less than when using other lasers.
A special type of laser hair removal is QOOL (cold) hair removal. Removal is carried out with a diode or alexandrite laser equipped with a cooling attachment. This somewhat reduces pain. But only.
Girls' opinion
Reading reviews about laser hair removal of the upper lip, one can note the effectiveness of this procedure. Painful sensations occur only in women with very sensitive skin. But even these can be avoided if the cosmetologist uses local anesthesia.
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In just a few sessions, the hairs become lighter, their reduction is noted, and over time they will disappear completely. Girls say that laser hair removal removes unwanted facial hair for a long time, sometimes for several years.
