Laser works on thick dark hair. Thinner hairs = electrolysis.

Electrolysis is the only permanent hair removal solution. But it will take time and money to remove that much hair (you'd be surprised how many hairs there are on your face). It will also hurt. But I believe once it's gone, it's gone unless the hair follicle wasn't properly destroyed. Sometimes hormones fluctuate and that spurs new growth so it might seem like it doesn't work but it's actually new hairs sprouting up. Electrolysis can leave scarring if not done properly or you get an infection because the instruments were not properly sanitized or you don't keep the pores clean after treatment.

Laser might be a good choice for someone with pale skin and dark hair. However I understand that sometimes laser can stimulate growth if applied to the face for some people. I think it will be a quicker process but I don't think it's all that cheap either. And because it's not permanent, you might need to go back for touch ups.

Anonymous wrote:What parts of your face are you thinking of having it done to?

Upper lip, chin, under chin and upper neck area. I have 1 stray hair by my belly button and 1 on my right breast, but those are easily manageable - much more so than daily facial tweezing.

What parts of your face are you thinking of having it done to?

So I think I'm ready to try and get rid of my excessive facial hair, beyond daily tweezing. I don't have any underlying conditions (except being Italian), I'm just hairy - black or nearly black hairs, and moderately fair skin.

Does anyone have experiences with either?

How permanent are they? Is it permanent like "1 year hair free" or permanent like "rest of your damn life hair free?"

How long does it take?

Do you have to let the hair grow out? How long does it have to be?

Does it leave redness or rashes? Scarring?

Can you recommend a place in the DC area?