Vaniqa, Waxing, Laser, Shaving, Electrolysis...

[MyJourney]

For those of you who suffer with excess facial hair, what method do you find to be most effective and what is your experience with the different methods?

I used to wax and it worked beautifully but it just took up too much of my time. I would have to wax and then tweeze any hairs I missed and it would take up hours per week, not to mention painful.

I switched to shaving which seems to be worse for my hair growth but I just dont have the time to wax. Of course now I have to shave twice a day to deal with this disaster.

The cream hair removers simply do not work for me. I have tried them all. They stink and sometimes burn and I might lose 3 hairs if I am lucky. I leave the stuff on for as long as possible, it just does nothing.

Vaniqa... I just got a bunch of free samples of vaniqa from a dermatologist. I may try using them but from the reports that I read it really isnt that effective and makes the hairs even coarser. It would be nice to not have to shave daily.

There is a Laser center here I think its called SOMA (or something like that) Their prices are fairly cheap for laser. I think its like $250 per session and there are like 6 sessions needed. I also know its pretty painful and I am not sure how well it will work. Also, I am a bit concerned about getting this cheap place to do it. I am wondering if this is an area I should not skimp out in and get a doctor to do it for $600+ per session.

Is there a good method of hair removal that I am missing? How do you guys cope?

[greannmhar]

I've tried all of these methods - and still have to shave :(
Hair removing creams - wildly allergic, blisters and swelling!
Electrolysis - went for months, painful, some scars - ran out of money and patience.
Laser treatment over a 2 year period - yes, painful, even with anaesthetic cream, but along with Dianette, was the best success for me (up to a point). It works most effectively for sallow/dark skinned folk (I'm fair) and the success I had faded as the hair grew back again once off pill.
Vaniqa - most recent attempt - persisted for weeks, despite skin eruptions (itchy and painful) and no appreciable difference until I took a MEGA allergic reaction and ended up at an important job interview looking like a victim of domestic violence (and/or leprosy).
Back to the Mach 3 and the shaving foam ........
Babs

[Nancy LC]

Do you suppose Vaniga is an anagram? :)

[greannmhar]

Ha Ha, Nancy - but the 'g' is actually a 'q'!
Babs

[Nancy LC]

LOL! Ok! Got it now. :)

[Firedancer]

UGH~ I hate the idea that every morning I have to wake up and stare at the bathroom mirror to find all my new facial hair growth from the day before. I tweeze my chin hair and and I seem to really get course hair on the sides of my "Mustache" the worst part is that my facial hair is BLACK! I have tried waxing only to be disappointed when two days later the hair is growing back. Before I was diagnosed with PCOS, I used to think that if I was a man I would be one of those men that have hair on thier backs...a big hairy monster.

[Bakerchic]

Some lasers are superior to others. And here is the good news, I guess the new lasers are better at treating large areas and therefore cheaper. A woman in my area offers Gentlelase treatments on the stache for only 125 bucks per session!! GentleLase is supposed to be the best on the market now, but I heard there are going to be more effective lasers that cover larger areas in a shorter span of time, so the market does look promising. I want to get it done soon, but financially, I'm pretty broke. However, the people I know who have done the GentleLase have only told me good things. But this goes without saying, if your hormones are out of control and your IR isn't being treated well, then hair regrowth is likely to occur.

[Silver155]

Like all of you, I've tried many of these methods. Including 7 laser treatments over the course of 3 years. It would work for awhile, but I always ended up back with the razor.

The best method I've found? Shaving in the shower after your pores are opened from the hot water, and heating the shave gel/foam with the water so it doesn't shock my skin.

I find I don't have to shave everyday using this method.

I'll be interested if anyone else has other suggestions.

Andrea

[HippyHippo]

I use an epilator. I shaved for years, creams blistered me up too, went to get waxing done at a salon and they couldn't even get one hair out they were so thick and tough.

So, I bought an epilator. Yes, it hurts at first but you get used to it - the biggest thing for me is that I don't get a 5 o clock shadow anymore! It can miss a few hairs, really short ones, but I tweeze them. You might get a few spots at first too but that eases. The hair has definitely started growing slower and it is patchy now. When I shaved I woke up with a full growth, now I wake up with a couple of hairs.

HH

[LD76]

I shaves my facial hair off.

[MyJourney]

I shaved for about a year and I couldnt stand the growth. I am back to wax/tweeze for me. It might take me a few hours every week or so with a little bit of touchup during the week but the hair is softer when it grows back and the stubble isnt the same and over time I honestly believe it decreases the amount of hair.

I tried getting waxed at the salon too and their wax didnt work. The lady kept trying over and over and over again and nothing. The only wax that will work is the sally Hansen's cold wax. The clear strips in the purple box for eyebrows, face and bikini. If its the first time you are trying to wax after shaving for an extended period of time and/or have very coarse stubborn hairs like me it will probably take the entire box the first time you start waxing. Technique is also very important. Stretching the skin and applying the wax when the hairs are upright to get the best grasp and then pushing down and smoothing, then pulling the skin taut and ripping it off. If the technique isnt done correctly or if there is makeup or oil or water on your face it will not be effective and no hairs will come out. I have good pulls and bad pulls. A good pull will get like 20-30 hairs and I look at it and say wow and it feels so good. A bad pull wil get 0-3 hairs. The technique takes time to master. I cut the big strips in half and use them on my face too. I find the force isnt enough to get good pulls if you leave them at their full length.

The upside is that you only have to spend a few hours a week waxing, no shadows, no real stubble, no more razor bumps, softer and fewer hairs over time.

The downside is that those few hours are usually all in one session and it can get frustrating, expensive, sometimes painful and in the end you still have to tweeze a few hairs. Doing it yourself can also sometimes be a little difficult. It can take months or longer before you finally master a technique that will work for you and sometimes you need to be diligent. Must let the hairs grow to a certain length before you can wax them.

Here is a link to the wax I use on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000141EKA/qid=1146846437/sr=8-11/ref=sr_1_11/104-8334649-3432746?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance&n=3760901 I buy it at the local store and each pack has a $1 off coupon so you save money on all future packs.

It looks like some people on the reviews said they get breakouts. I never have. I get a little redness for a few hours but nothing unusual. You can also use tendskin after to prevent breakouts if you are prone to them.

[PCOS Girl]

Boy am I glad I'm not alone...but really I wish I were. This is something I would never wish on anybody. I've tried everything except laser...I'm AA and have been turned down several times for the laser. Right now I use the epilator, vaniqua and Spironolactone. I'm on Metformin also to help with the hair/PCOS. Nothing works for me and because I'm AA I have problems with ingrown hairs which leave terrible bumps...if I could cut the skin off (deep enough to hit the hair roots) I would.

Frustrating, very very frustrating.

G

[orsemus]

Facial hair is such a pain! I've done most of the things you mentioned in your e-mail, with the exception of waxing. My Mom used to wax and it looked so painful I told myself the razor was good enough.

The depilatories, like Nair, only broke out my skin, plucking is way too slow, painful, and I've got too much hair for it. Spent all my babysitting money in high school on electrolysis, and it didn't turn out to be permanent for me. Now, in my 50's, I'm trying laser treatment. I've only had 2 so far, so I don't know if it will work out to be permanent. For the cost, it had better be! Started with Sona, but they closed their St. Louis office after my first treatment without notifying any clients, offering to refund the pre-paid programs, or anything. Be CAREFUL about doing an expensive pre-paid program--find out up front what would happen if they close their local office, go out of business or go bankrupt. You can lose a lot of money! Luckily for me, the spa that took over Sona's location is continuing the laser treatments for Sona's former customers, which will give them as much good will with customers as Sona now has bad will.

I've got 3 more treatments to go with the laser, and I'll let you know how it works out. Some people don't find it very painful but my skin is extremely sensitive and it hurts. The treatments are quite short, however, so I don't think it's worth using any kind of local anaesthetic lotion for it.

Bottom line--PCOS is a pain, but we could have worse conditions, and life is worth living regardless. I'm just starting the low-carb approach to my diet and I'm really hoping it works for me. The 40+ year weight battle has been the worst part of it.

Cheers,
Orsemus :wave:

[mirielle]

Please let us know about the laser and thanks for the advice about the prepaid. I had electrolysis but most of it grew back. I shave. It is a pain. I am not sure how laser will work for me because my facial hair is blonde. I also tried Vaniqua and I got lots of follicular bumps.

I am just glad that there is support now for this condition. I am almost 60 and for years I felt so alone.

[orsemus]

Hi, Mirielle,

I'm about halfway through the laser treatments and am noticing the hair growing sparser. I understand it works best on people with fair skin and dark hair. The white whiskers (I'm not young!) might not take the treatment well, so maybe I'll be left with a snow-white mustache and chin whiskers. Lovely--somehow I don't think the term "Silver Fox" will apply. Guys have it so easy!

I relate to your comment about being glad there is some support for PCOS now and feeling all alone prior to discovering other PCOS folks. Same here! I'll look into CALP since you favor it. I have trouble with induction on Atkins but believe firmly that keeping the insulin low is the key to a number of my health issues. I've got that in my brain now..."just" have to translate it to consistent behavior. Cheers.

Orsemus

[Nancy LC]

I find that aging eyes works really well. I used to see a fine mustache in the mirror every morning, now I don't! Just be sure to not approach the mirror wearing glasses or contacts.

[mirielle]

Hi, Mirielle,

I'm about halfway through the laser treatments and am noticing the hair growing sparser. I understand it works best on people with fair skin and dark hair. The white whiskers (I'm not young!) might not take the treatment well, so maybe I'll be left with a snow-white mustache and chin whiskers. Lovely--somehow I don't think the term "Silver Fox" will apply. Guys have it so easy!

I relate to your comment about being glad there is some support for PCOS now and feeling all alone prior to discovering other PCOS folks. Same here! I'll look into CALP since you favor it. I have trouble with induction on Atkins but believe firmly that keeping the insulin low is the key to a number of my health issues. I've got that in my brain now..."just" have to translate it to consistent behavior. Cheers.

Orsemus

I could not do induction for more than a week on Adkins. I think I am too old. I love the CALP because I do get to have fruit or ice cream or corn and beans once a day at the RM.

DH and I have given up wheat for the month as an experiment. So far we feel terrific.

[missready]

I'm plagued with hair mostly everywhere. I'm only really bothered by the facial hair. I tried waxing, but it has to get a certain length to do it again. The hair remover creams do not work they never get it under the skin - they lie so much. Vaniqua burned and didn't help much. Bleaching is ok but I have coarse hairs sprout that I have to pluck. I did laser twice and it removed about 50% of the hair. I have not had it again, but will. There's still hair that I have to pluck every morning, it takes about 40 minutes and has scarred me. I have to use makeup to cover it. I'm hoping to do it again soon another 4 times and stop having hair growth. But I worry about new hair? Here it's by a doctor $300 first time, $150 for anything after.

[bellybuton]

I can't think of the brand names for these two products..but Monday when I get back from work I will post them. We have a waxing system at work (I am a hairdresser) and it is a soy based product. If you are not allergic to soy....I find it wonderful. (I also use it on myself.) To me it seems to work well on the tough hairs and I have yet to have anyone break out...get red or bleed from it. Also we give a little packet of creme for them to take home and use everyday....this packet lasts for about two weeks. The thing about this creme is...it slows down the growth of the hair to come back. It was originally used on burn victims to keep the skin clean and hair-free while the healing process took place. Don't know if anyone is interesed but I will get the names of the wax system and the packets.

[bellybuton]

http://www.nufreenudesse.com/default.asp

All info here in this link. The system is called Nufree and the creme is Finipil. :)

[Rita41ny]

I pluck my neck hairs, shave my beard 1x a week.

[MyJourney]

The finipil cream sounds interesting. I will have to research it more. I really have no desire to experiment with a new wax system, I sorta have my wax/tweeze system down and I am always disappointed with new wax. Even the salons stuff cant get rid of my nasty hair but this finipil stuff might work with my current hair removal methods and anything that can help slow the growth is something I need!

[tripletmom]

I've used Vaniqa, and it works for me, however, putting it on day and night isn't a routine that I ever managed to do, and it's required. Once you stop using Vaniqa, the hair grows back.

I've shaved/plucked, but that never worked for me.

I do laser, and am THRILLED with the results!

I go to "American Laser" (www.americanlaser.com) and go every 7-10 weeks. I paid $2200.00 for six sessions, and then I am able to continue to go every 7-10 weeks for the next two years for free.

I started my laser therapy in January 2005. I have very dark hair, and fairly light, but ruddy skin. My lip had a full mustache, I had thick sideburns, and I had the workings of a goatee... just about my whole chin. I also had a line of hair going from my chin, down the front of my neck.

The first few times I went, it felt similar to getting slapped with a rubber band. Each time, though, hurt less and less. I've gone every 7 weeks like clockwork, and I am still going now. I plan to go until my 2 years are up.

My sideburns now have NO extra hairs at all. My chin has ALMOST no hairs, and the hairs that are there have completely changed in texture. Now they are very soft. If I had to count the hairs on my chin, I'd say I have 4. I have NO hair on the front of my neck now. My mustache line has been the most resistant, and that's mostly gone now as well... again, the hairs all changed in texture... they are still dark, but they are much finer. If I had to count how many hairs were in my mustache line, I would guess at 10-15. I've been having the laser technician do double or triple passes on my lip line.

I 1000% stand behind American Laser, and would happily pay that $2200.00 again. I only wish these lasers had been created YEARS ago, so I wouldn't have to be so sad/upset about all this hair growth.

I have not had to shave my face in OVER 1 year! What a wonderful feeling!

[MyJourney]

I also wanted to say that I have been getting laser and thrilled with the results as well! In fact I am so pleased I want to get it on the rest of my body now too. I have been going since Jan. about once a month. The results are great. I usually only have to start shaving shortly before my next visit when the hair starts growing back. I have notices HUGE reductions and believe me, I was bad!!!!

The greatest feeling is when I touch my face and I don't feel any stubble!

I pay $450 a session and my dermatologist does the laser himself. http://www.bayarealaserdr.com/intro.htm

He is really great! If anyone is in the SF Bay Area I highly recommend him!

I think getting laser hair removal is probably one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life! Right up there with low carbing!

[Vivid Lily]

I've been going for electrolysis for years. Started doing bikini area -worked good. For some it can be painful (for me it's ok - I want it done and it looks so much better - The hairs come back finer and lighter. And now I only do a little treatment once for the summer. Now I've gotten a few on my upper lip and chin also. No one has mentioned this but I also get a few on my boobs and she takes care of them for me. I only had to have them done 2 or 3 times and that's it. they haven't come back. Suzy

[needchange]

I've had laser about 4 times over 9 years. I had it when it first came out and had two treatments a week apart. I guess it was new and the doctor wasn't away you should wait 6-8 weeks. I never kept it up really because I hated having to let it grow some or shave. I'm going to restart it again. What I have noticed is that in the last year I let my eating go straight to hell and the hair problem is much worse. The hair is a lot coarser. As far as fine hair goes, I can deal with. The coarse hair is just depressing. I think I will call within the next week to restart laser. They really need to find something to make body hair obsolete in women. Something that works very fast.......

[annasophia]

for the face i wax..for arms and tummy - epiltae
legs and underarms i shave! x

[CNYMom]

Well thank goodness I found this thread. I thought I was alone in this. I'm thrilled that I'm not, yet sad for you all (if that makes any sense).

I did electrolysis awhile back, and it helped at the time. It was not permanent, though. I ran out of time and money to continue going, so I stopped. I've debated laser, but had heard it didn't work. The creams and such don't work for me (they just hurt), and I haven't tried waxing. I don't like having to let the suckers grow long enough for that, but maybe I'll give it a shot. Right now, I do a combination of plucking and shaving that gets me through the day (and when I keep up with the plucking, sometimes I can skip a day or two here and there), but I keep an emergency razor at work, just in case. I also get a couple of hairs at each corner of my upper lip, one on my cheek, and a couple on my boobs (all of those I pluck). My doctor doesn't think I'm PCOS, but then, she didn't care about the hair growth at all.

I wish it would go away. I am dark haired and fair skinned, so all those dark hairs show a lot. I am more self-conscious of that at times than I've ever been of my weight.

[Zuleikaa]

http://www.mercola.com/2005/feb/23/polycystic_ovary_syndrome.htm

[pennink]

I'm going to my first laser appt. I had electrolysis, but I ran out of time and money, too as one poster said. It lessened it some, but not greatly.

Doctors tell me that as I loose weight, this problem will be lessened. I hope so.

They told me it is only 100 bucks for chin and upper lip per session and I'll need about 7. I think that's great.

[jessicai67]

My sister tried the laser treatments about 6 years ago. It was mostly painful and worked only temporarily. I think she even frustrated the staff at the clinic. She was one of the few people they couldn't get the laser to work well for. Right now she's using vaniqua and shaving. If the laser treatments have improved I may suggest this for her.

[Mrs.K]

I tweeze if I have time but if I am in a hurry I end up shaving. I have tryied bleach, and liquid removers, but now I am going to try wax ......thanks MyJourney

[liddie01]

I wax my face, shave my legs and use a hair removal cream called Veet everywhere else.

[pennink]

It's been two weeks since my first laser, and the dark hairs are ONLY just coming back. The white ones, the ones a laser doesn't touch, came back the next day, but I'm not as worried about them. I just shave quickly and no one can see white dots. When laser is over, I'll get them through electrolysis.

[MyJourney]

I am going for my 7th laser treatment on Tues. I am THRILLED with the results! I have only had to shave TWICE since last month and only my upper lip! I suspect after my 7th I wont have to shave at all between sessions. I am going to do 8 and see how I do and then if necessary due to hormonal changes maybe once a year or so. I am so happy with my results.

I can live a normal life and go out and not panic if I have facial hair. It has become almost a non issue. I mean I dont think about it anymore. This is the best thing I have ever done. I just regret not doing it sooner.

[pennink]

I'm only set for my second and already I have had NO upper lip fur return!!!!

OH, a crop of white ones are there, but I can live with those!!!!

If you're fair with dark hair... run, get this done!

[Sueoncalp]

Any of you tried the little mini razors (with small battery). They look like a fat pen kinda thing. They don't create hard stubbly hair and you can shave every morning. :)

[Malishka31]

I am all for laser as well. I paid about 750 in LA for 5 sessions (sixth one free) for upper lip, neck/chin area, side burns, and a triangle area between the breasts.... It was an excellent price in my opinion for six sessions on all areas. I did the sessions within an 8 month block of time. I got rid of all the dark dark hairs, they grow in much finer, but now i am preggers so i think i am getting a bit more hairy and i moved to NYC and i cant find anything comparable in price.

I also use veet, tweeze and shave. I used to wax face but now i just tweeze what is left over.

[pennink]

Finished my facial laser and it's like I never had the problem.

It hurt as they went after the finer hairs in the later stages, but I used the numbing cream.
I highly recommend this.

I'm doing my arms next!