Why does female facial hair cause concern? Number one for many women is embarrassment. Having unwanted body hair on the upper lip or chin can make them feel awkward. In extreme cases it can lead to a lack of self-confidence. With others their feelings of femininity are affected.

So let's get started in our brief overview of female facial hair removal methods by examining the two methods generally considered to be permanent - electrolysis and laser hair removal.

Number 1: Some would say electrolysis is the ONLY really permanent hair removal method. Each hair follicle is treated so the procedure is very thorough. Heat is used to destroy the hair growth mechanism. Even then, there may be some stray hairs that reappear.

Number 2: Laser hair removal has a wider variety of results. Some find it excellent, others complain that after spending lots of money and going through many treatment sessions, the hair still reappears. It is important to check the professional qualifications of the clinic you go to and see evidence of successful treatments, perhaps through a photo library the clinic maintains or through testimonials from clients. Also get a test done before signing up for treatments.

Number 3: Waxing and Sugaring. These two methods are very inexpensive and convenient as they can be done at home. It can be painful of course but that can be minimised with experience. Simply pull the strip back sharply once the solution has been applied to the area to be treated and remove the hair from the root.

You can purchase hot wax preparations or pre-coated cold wax strips. Either of these stick to the skin and when they harden and are pulled back sharply they take the top layer of dead skins cells away along with the unwanted hair. Sugar solutions on the other hand stick to the hair so they generally don't cause such severe skin reactions for some people. Because waxing removes a layer of skin cells the skin can feel smooth after the procedure.

Number 4: Hair inhibitors. These may not work for everyone. In the early 1990's a company in Canada pioneered the idea of having natural herbal substances get into the hair follicle and disable the mechanism of hair growth. After that, other companies developed similar products. Hair inhibitors need to be rubbed into the skin after a hair removal method like waxing, sugaring or tweezing.

Vaniqa is perhaps the most famous hair inhibitor. It comes as a prescription cream which is rubbed into the skin twice a day. As with all hair inhibitors, results are seen after two or three months.

Number 5: Depilatories are favoured by some women although this method can cause more noticeable skin reactions. Depilatories use strong chemicals to dissolve the hair so obviously it is going to take a toll on the skin. Some do not use depilatories on the facial areas at all but there are some preparations now on the market which are gentler and designed for the face.

Number 6: Tweezers and Epilators. Get yourself a good magnification mirror and a top quality pair of tweezers and simple grab each hair firmly and pull out by the root. This method obviously is for the women with a minor problem in this area or for handling the isolated facial hair. Electrical epilators are also popular and some double up for use on the body and face. Special settings can be used for facial hair. As with any method that pulls hair out by the root, pain is a factor. Use a numbing spray beforehand or follow up right afterward with an ice cube to calm down protesting nerve endings!

From the above overview, it can readily be seen that there is no perfect, ideal solution for the problem of female facial hair. Each one has its pros and cons. You need to evaluate your own need when it comes to expense, pain toleration, convenience, etc. and decide which will suit you the best. Many women would generally agree however that the effort is worth it. Having hairless facial areas gives them confidence and freedom to relax and enjoy all kinds of social occasions without any feelings of embarrassment.