While facial hair is a natural and common phenomenon, some women might be suffering from hirsutism, a condition where there is excessive hair growth on the parts of the body which normally have minimal to no hair. But worry not, for we have for you a list of home remedies which can help you in controlling your facial hair in a natural and effective way. So say bye to razors and bleaches, and welcome to the natural ways of being awesome!
Home Remedies
1. Sugaring
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup of water
- 2 cups of regular sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon of lemon juice
Procedure
Heat the water on the stove. After it becomes hot, pour in the lemon juice and the sugar. Keep stirring and heating the mixture till it starts boiling, then lower the heat and let it simmer till it becomes amber in colour. Now, let the mixture cool for a while. During this time, apply a little talcum powder or cornstarch on the areas of the face which require hair removal. While it is still hot enough but comfortably bearable, apply the paste on the hairy areas of the face (and the body too if you wish) in the direction of the hair growth. Paste a cotton cloth or strip over it and let it dry, then pull in the opposite direction. Repeat as per requirement. This is the same as waxing, in fact, you could use it as your normal body wax.
Frequency
Once a month should be okay to control the hair growth.
Why this Remedy Works
This home-made wax sticks to the skin, and as it begins to dry one can pull out the body hair by force. Also, lemon juice is a bleaching agent and can bleach the leftover hair to blend in with the skin.
Suitable for
All skin types. People with sensitive skin should try a patch test before full application.
Precautions to Take
Make sure the wax is hot enough to affect but very hot as it can hurt your skin. You could do a patch test to make sure it doesn’t cause your skin any harm. Red spots and rashes are common, but you should only start worrying about them if they don’t disappear within an hour or two.
Discover more about the benefits and usage of Lemon essential oil in your daily life.
2. Basil and Onion
Ingredients
- 2 onions
- Basil leaves
Procedure
Cut the onions in half and remove the thin membranes between the layers of the onion. Take about 10-12 fresh basil leaves and grind these together into a paste. Apply the paste on the affected areas of the face and let it sit for about 20 minutes and wash your face with warm water.With the regular usage you can see the results as basil soothes your skin on the face.
Frequency
Twice or thrice a week.
Why this Remedy Works
Basil and onion help remove hair.
Suitable for
All skin types
Precautions to Take
A patch test is recommended.
3. Lentil and Potato
Ingredients
- Yellow lentil (soaked overnight)
- A potato
- 1 teaspoon of honey
- 1 teaspoon of lime juice
Procedure
Mash the potato and extract its water. Drain out the water and grind the lentils until you get a smooth paste. Mix in this paste the water from the potato, honey and lime juice. Apply the paste on the affected areas of the face and let it sit for about 20 minutes (till it dries). After it dries, rub off the dried paste, and wash your face with cold water.
Frequency
Twice a week.
Why this Remedy Works
Potatoes are very beneficial to the skin. They’re also bleaching agents, so whatever hair is not removed will be bleached. Lentil helps trap the hair, and when it dries, it can be rubbed off taking the hair with it.
Suitable for
All skin types; although a patch test is recommended.
Precautions to Take
Do not try this if you’re allergic to raw potatoes.
4. Lemon and Honey
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons of honey
- 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
Procedure
Mix the honey and lemon juice. Apply the paste on the affected areas of the face and let it sit for about 20 minutes. Wipe it off with a wet cloth.
Frequency
Twice a week for a few months.
Why this Remedy Works
Honey helps soften the hair, and its anti-inflammatory properties help soothe the skin. Lemon helps remove fine hair.
Suitable for
All skin types, and is especially helpful for dry skin.
Precautions to Take
A patch test is recommended.
5. Alum and Rosewater
Ingredients
- 2-3 tablespoons of rosewater
- 1/2 teaspoon of alum powder
- Few drops of olive or sesame oil
Procedure
Mix the ingredients. Apply the paste on the affected areas of the face using a cotton ball and let it dry. Put on another layer on top of the dried one, and keep repeating this 5-6 times. Wash off and moisturize the area using olive or sesame oil.
Frequency
Thrice a week ideally, but at least once is a must.
Why this Remedy Works
Alum is a traditional hair growth inhibitor. Rosewater helps soothe the skin.
Suitable for
All skin types.
Precautions to Take
A patch test is recommended. Alum can cause a tingling sensation on the skin, which in itself is nothing to worry about.
6. Oatmeal, Honey and Lemon Juice
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1/2 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon of coarsely ground oatmeal
Procedure
Blend the ingredients into a paste. Apply the paste on the face and let it dry for 20 minutes. Gently massage on your face in the direction opposite to the direction of hair growth. Wash off.
Frequency
Twice a week ideally, with at least 2 days between applications.
Why this Remedy Works
Honey helps soften the hair, and its anti-inflammatory properties help soothe the skin. Lemon helps remove fine hair. Oatmeal gently removes the hair without irritating.
Suitable for
All skin types.
Precautions to Take
A patch test is recommended. Don’t use this in excess, as lemon can render your skin dry.
7. Papaya and Turmeric
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of raw papaya paste
- 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder
Procedure
Blend the ingredients into a paste. Apply the paste on the face and massage for 20 minutes. Wash off.
Frequency
Twice or thrice a week.
Why this Remedy Works
Raw papaya contains an enzyme called papain helps soften the hair follicles (causing them to fall out), and its anti-inflammatory properties help soothe the skin.
Suitable for
All skin types.
Precautions to Take
A patch test is recommended.
8. Apricot and Honey
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of powdered apricot
- 1 teaspoon of honey
Procedure
Blend the ingredients into a paste. Apply the paste on the face and let it dry for 15 minutes. Gently massage on your face in circular strokes for about 10 minutes. Wash off.
Frequency
Thrice a week.
Why this Remedy Works
When hair gets stuck to dried paste, it is easy to remove as the honey has already softened the roots.
Suitable for
All skin types.
Precautions to Take
A patch test is recommended. People with oily skin may experience acne and breakouts.
9. Orange and Lemon Peel with Oatmeal
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of orange peel powder
- 1 teaspoon of lemon peel powder
- 1 teaspoon of coarsely ground oatmeal
- 1 teaspoon of powdered almond
- 1 teaspoon of rosewater
- 2 teaspoons of olive oil
Procedure
Blend the ingredients into a paste. Apply the paste on the face and let it dry for 5 minutes. Gently massage on your face in the direction opposite to the direction of hair growth for about 10 minutes. Wash off with cold water.
Frequency
Thrice a week ideally.
Why this Remedy Works
Lemon helps remove fine hair and even bleach facial hair. When dried up, the paste can pull off the hair with it when rubbed off.
Suitable for
People with sensitive skin should try other methods. Other skin types can use this.
Precautions to Take
A patch test is recommended. Keep away from eyebrows.
Discover more about the usage and benefits of Orange essential oil.
10. Barley and Milk
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of barley powder
- 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon of milk
Procedure
Blend the ingredients into a paste. Apply the paste on the face and let it dry for 30 minutes. Rub it off when dried.
Frequency
Thrice a week ideally.
Why this Remedy Works
When dried up, the paste can pull off the hair with it when rubbed off.
Suitable for
People with sensitive skin shouldn’t rub too harshly.
Precautions to Take
A patch test is recommended. Barley powder can trigger an asthmatic reaction if inhaled.
11. Spearmint Tea
Ingredients
- A handful of spearmint tea leaves
- 4.5 cups of water
- Milk/honey/sweet cream
Procedure
Heat the water and add the leaves to it. Bring to a low boil. Strain the leaves and add milk/honey/sweet cream to your liking and drink.
Frequency
1 cup twice daily.
Why this Remedy Works
it is a trusted remedy against hirsutism.
Suitable for
People with sensitive skin shouldn’t rub too harshly.
Precautions to Take
No side effects, but if you are suffering from hirsutism, you should consult a medical specialist regarding what you can consume to treat it. Pregnant women, women planning for pregnancy, suffering from hormonal changes or who have a history of cancer should never consume anything without consulting a doctor.
12. Lavender and Tea Tree Oil
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon of lavender oil
- 4-5 drops of tea tree oil
Procedure
Mix the oils and apply on the areas of the face with unwanted hair.
Frequency
Thrice every day for a couple of months to see results.
Why this Remedy Works
These oils have anti-androgenic properties, helping reducing hair growth in affected areas. It is especially useful if you’re suffering from hirsutism.
Suitable for
People with oily and acne-prone skin shouldn’t use this.
Precautions to Take
A patch test is recommended. If tea tree oil irritates any kind, abort usage.
13. Oatmeal and Banana
Ingredients
- 1 mashed banana
- 2 tablespoons of coarsely ground oatmeal
Procedure
Blend the ingredients into a paste. Apply the paste on the affected areas of the face. Gently massage on your face in the direction opposite to the direction of hair growth for about 15 minutes. Wash off with cold water.
Frequency
Once a week.
Why this Remedy Works
Oatmeal is rich in antioxidants and is beneficial for the skin. Its humectant properties will keep your skin moisturised along with hair removal.
Suitable for
All skin types.
Precautions to Take
A patch test is recommended. No other side effects can occur.
14. Safflower (Kusuma) oil and Thanaka powder
Ingredients
- 1/2 tablespoon of safflower oil
- 1 tablespoon of Thanaka powder
- A pinch of turmeric
Procedure
Wax the area first. Blend the ingredients into a paste. Apply the paste on the face. Gently massage on your face in the direction opposite to the direction of hair growth for about 10 minutes. Leave it on overnight for best results.
Frequency
Thrice a week ideally.
Why this Remedy Works
it is a trusted method that helps lower hair growth from the inside.
Suitable for
All skin types can use this.
Precautions to Take
A patch test is recommended.
15. Chickpea Flour Or Besan
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of besan
- 1 tablespoon of turmeric
Procedure
Blend the ingredients with water into a paste. Apply the paste on the face and let it dry for some time. Then, gently keep scrubbing till it completely dries off. Wipe off with a wet cloth
Frequency
Thrice a week ideally.
Why this Remedy Works
When dried off, the paste can pull off the hair.
Suitable for
All skin types can use this.
Precautions to Take
A patch test is recommended.
16. Gelatin Face Mask
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of plain gelatin
- 2-3 tablespoons of milk
- 1-2 drops of lavender oil or a few drops of fresh lemon juice
Procedure
Blend the ingredients and heat the mixture. Apply the paste on the face and let it dry. Peel it off.
Frequency
Whenever you need instant hair removal.
Why this Remedy Works
When dried off, the mask can pull off the hair.
Suitable for
All skin types can use this.
Precautions to Take
A patch test is recommended. Make sure the mixture is not too hot.
17. Garlic
Ingredients
1 teaspoon of freshly squeezed garlic juice
