Stay on YouTube long enough, and eventually, you’ll come across an alleged beauty guru who sings the praises of shaving her face. 

And, in this one’s case, that can come at least once a week. 

As tempting as this may be to do, it’s strongly advised that you not do this. According to The Guardian, it can be especially tempting to do if you suffer from hirsutism as a result of PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome). But, in the long run, it will only do damage to your face. “Shaving is not only inflammatory (causing sensitivity), but it also makes the skin look more papery and thin. Add a five-o’clock shadow to the mix and you’re undeniably causing your skin damage – and that’s aging. Step away from the razor, ladies – it’s definitely not your friend,” they report.

But if you have more than a little bit of facial hair — if you’re desperate to get rid of the lady-staches and the peach fuzz (and we’ve all been there, so we understand) — here are a few things you can do instead. 

Waxing

There are two options available to you if you choose to wax your facial hair: you can either do an at-home wax (NADS makes a great one), or you can schedule an appointment with your aesthetician. Regardless of which option you choose, always make sure that the wax isn’t too hot (you’ll get burned), and be absolutely confident in your abilities to do your own in-home waxing before you do it (because it can go very wrong, very quickly).

Depilatory Creams

“Depilatory cream” is a fancy way of saying “Nair.” But it goes without saying that not all Nairs are the same. Some Nairs are made for the face, some are made for legs, and others still are made for pubic hair. (Nair now even makes a men’s formula!) If you’re going to go this route, make sure you get the right cream. The absolute last thing you want is a nasty chemical burn on your face for using the wrong cream.

Laser Hair Removal

This route seems the most extreme — and it’s certainly the most expensive. But, if you can afford it, experts suggest that you get it. “Laser hair removal can be an effective — though costly — long-term solution,” reports Allure. “Depending on where in the country you live, a single session on the upper lip area can cost around $150, and up to eight treatments are required for lasting results.” Also, it’s important to note that you should consult with a dermatologist before getting this type of treatment, as laser treatments can often cause skin discoloration and even loss of melanin.

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