Epilating the face - Any advice ?

[Guest Sarausa]

Hi everyone !

So, here's the thing: I have a very thick, dark, dense, steel-solid, horrid, awful black beard of the worst kind, and due to some money issues, I just can't afford anything really as for now, be it laser, electrolysis, or other handheld devices, such as pulsed light devices, and so on... And I can't shave, as well !

Well, in fact I do it every day. The problem is, due to the nature of my facial hair, I will have a shadow no matter what razor, gel, foam or whatever I use, that I can only cover with (very) generous amounts of make-up (concealer + fundation (2 layers)), and it just looks like I plunged my face in a paint pot... It's one of my biggest concern, and earlier this morning, I went into some kind of 'dysphoric frenzy' and actualy tweezed my mustache. It took me two hours and a lot of pain, and it's still red and swollen and sore so I can't really enjoy the result (I have a red shadow instead of a dark blue/dark grey one... yay!).

But I thought... you know, before I can afford laser or any other treatment, why not epilating my face instead of shaving it ? I did some research, and hot wax may be a viable option, and cheap (which is a big plus), so, did any of you tried it ? Or any other method that could work ? Anything to get rid of that dark horrible unavoidable stubble, as a make do before anything more permanent ? I would love to have your input on that matter.

Thank you very much !

Lucie

[VickySGV]

We had one member a year and a half ago who tried the hot waxing, and was darn near hospitalized from the burn and a subsequent infection that got loose. They were on pain meds for several days and looked pretty horrible. I no longer have the links, but I was the moderator who did approve the post in the first place. Please do not try that. Waxing on the lower face is for natal women's hair which is a different structure than male beard hair.

As far as an epilator goes, some of our members have used them, but again, with a lot of pain at least at first. If your beard is as thick and dark as you say, then Laser done by a qualified technician is your cheapest and quickest way rid of the bramble patch.

[Guest Sarausa]

Oh, wow, I didn't thought it could go this far, I'm sorry...

What made me think of doing it in the first place was a youtube video of a cisgender male showing how he was using hot wax for his beard, instead of shaving. He's doing it for years, apparently, without any trouble, and his hair is as dark and dense as mine, so... Well, I'll reconsider. But if I'm using hot wax (and I want to give it a try on arms and perhaps legs anyway) ; I'll make sure it's not too hot, so I don't get burned, seems like basis.

I did try the epilator, but it just doesn't work, and it's very painful. Not really a good way to go for me.

Thank you for the input ! Laser is indeed on my top prority list, but I'll have to wait maybe several months before I can really start doing it...

[Guest ashleynikole]

Hey Lucie,

I don't know what the laser treatments and shops are like there in France, but I would assume the tech is about the same globally in most developed countries. With that being said, I 2nd Vicky's sentiment that laser is by far the best and fastest treatment with minimal cost (more bang for your buck compared to other permanent solutions). You may want to call around to every place you can find just to get cost information, but in my experience, look for the places that will offer you permanent "reduction" not removal. No laser place, IMO, can offer permanent removal because the laser tech isn't there yet. Also find out what kind of guarantees they can offer you. I actually got a deal because I paid for the whole thing up front with cash, but you may find paying 1x a month for each session may be a little more affordable in your budget. The place I went offered me about $900 USD for my face and it came with a 2 yr guarantee that if the hair grows back within 2yrs of my last session, I can make an appt to come in for free and get it hit. After 2 yrs, it's $10 sessions for life in those areas. They are using a class 4 IPL laser that requires a doctor on staff in order to administer the treatments.

I have had 7 treatments on my face (7 to all areas but my chin and then 2 of the 7 on my chin...yeah, I had to be sure I was giving up the man beard). Within 3 weeks of my first treatment, the dark hair was practically gone. Granted it did come back for a little bit around the 3rd or 4th month because the hair growth happens in cycles, but now I hardly get any growth (well except for the abundance of blonde and gray hairs I have). I still shave, but way less than I used to, in a much faster time and with less irritation. It also means I have less hair to do electrolysis to in order to get the permanent removal. However, my shadow (which was hard to hide with makeup) is not noticeable and I don't don't use any concealers.

I'd be interested in hearing what sort of pricing you're being quoted from shops in your area.

Good luck.

[Guest Sarausa]

Well, prices vary wildly according to many factors, but mainly, for the beard area, I saw between 60€ and 150€ for one session (around 70-170$), and it's always a medical doctor that is in charge. Anyway, I still can't afford it, but it's cheaper than I actually thought !

Anyway, I won't epilate my face... the redness is gone and it's not swollen anymore, but I still got the same shadow, somehow... I hope it's not my skin that is tinted or whatever

Thanks for the advice, though ! It will come very handy, I hesitated between Laser and Pulsed Light, with a bit of Electrolysis maybe, to finish the job. Laser seems the right solution, plus I got the "best" type of hair/skin combination for it.

[Guest ashleynikole]

That sounds about right Lucie. If I were in your shoes, I'd find the place that will give you some type of guarantee and is willing to stand behind their work. I'm sure you've done review research, but finding out what others think is a pretty good indicator of the quality of a shop.

God bless

Ashley