5 Methods to Remove Upper Lip Hair

The presence of upper lip hair is completely natural and normal for women, but some prefer to remove the hair if it becomes noticeable. Here are five effective ways to remove upper lip hair that offer lasting results.

1. Laser hair removal

Laser hair removal is generally ideal for women with coarse or dark-colored upper lip hair due to the way hairs must absorb light for the treatment to be effective. Laser hair removal is typically available at medical spas and wellness centers and produces results that can last for several months. Most women need between two and six treatment sessions to achieve noticeable results based on the amount and thickness of their upper lip hair.

2. Electrolysis

Electrolysis, which uses an electrical current to damage hair follicles and stop hair from growing back, is a permanent hair removal solution. During this treatment, a fine probe is inserted into a hair follicle and either releases a chemical or emits heat to permanently destroy the follicle. Electrolysis may require several treatment sessions because follicles are targeted one by one, though each session usually lasts only about 30 minutes.

3. Threading

Threading involves the use of a super-thin thread wound tightly over hairs and pulled to remove them by their roots. Results from threading are temporary—two to five weeks—but often last far longer than other noninvasive treatments, such as shaving and depilatory creams. Threading involves no chemicals that can cause a skin reaction, though your aesthetician may offer to apply a numbing cream beforehand to reduce pain and discomfort during the procedure.

4. Eflornithine

Eflornithine is a prescription medication that blocks the action of a natural substance in hair follicles that allows hair to grow. This medication is sold under several brands and can be used on both the upper lip and under the chin.

In a study published in Dermatologic Surgery, researchers found that women could remove their upper lip hair at a faster rate when combining eflornithine cream with laser hair removal treatments. According to the National Library of Medicine (NLM), eflornithine may cause side effects including redness, rash, burning, swelling, acne and, in rare instances, severe skin irritation. Your doctor can help you determine whether you're an ideal candidate for eflornithine.

5. Turmeric

Turmeric has been used for centuries as a hair removal remedy by women in certain parts of India, the NLM reports. Evidence indicates turmeric may destroy and break down hair follicles to prevent hair regrowth.

Turmeric is a relatively inexpensive at-home hair removal remedy. Try mixing about one tablespoon of ground turmeric with the same amount of milk and apply the mixture to the hairs on your upper lip. After about 20 minutes, when the mixture has dried, use wet fingers to rub the paste in the direction opposite to hair growth to remove the hairs. Each turmeric treatment offers short-term hair removal effects, but when used regularly over time, your hair follicles may eventually break down completely to result in permanent hair removal.

New hair removal treatments emerge regularly as advancements in technology and medicine are made. If your goal is to remove upper lip hair permanently, contact medical spas or wellness centers in your area to ask about available treatment options. Many clinics that offer hair removal services also provide free or low-cost consultations, where aestheticians and skincare specialists can recommend the best treatment for you based on the amount and color of your upper lip hair.