Understanding Sudden Facial Hair Growth: Causes & Solutions

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More Common Than You Think

Which do you spend more time worrying about, your monthly mortgage payment or your mustache? A recent poll commissioned by Olay revealed that 18 million American women are more stressed by facial hair removal than by their finances. And eight in 10 ladies would give up some of their favorite things for 30 days if it meant they'd never have to deal with a mustache again. Fifty-four percent would forgo chocolate, and 36 percent would swear off sex! "Unwanted facial hair is one of the most common reasons women see a dermatologist," says Gohara. It can show up seemingly out of nowhere. Starting in your early 30s, estrogen levels drop and testosterone predominates, which can make the hair on your head thinner and the hair on your body and face thicker (sob!).

Not to fear. Gohara has the best facial hair removal methods, from quick fixes to long-term solutions.

Ulta

Quick Fix: Hide Those Hairs

A cost-effective option that you can do in your own home, bleaching works best if you have light skin. Try Sally Hansen Creme Hair Bleach. ($5.99, Ulta)

CoverGirl

Quick Fix: Ace This Base

CoverGirl UltraSmooth Foundation contains a hair-softening serum to make whiskers less obvious and comes with a silicone applicator to smooth them down. ($14.49, drugstores)

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Quick Fix: Hit the Salon

The skin on the upper lip is sensitive and prone to redness after waxing. Instead, try threading, which is less irritating.

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Long-Term Solution: Look Into Lasers

Best for dark or coarse hair, laser treatment of the upper lip takes minutes; patients say it feels like rubber-band snaps or warm pinpricks. You can expect a 10- to 25-percent reduction in hair after the first treatment. Most patients need two to six sessions and remain hair-free for months or even years.

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Long-Term Solution: Zap Your Way Smooth

Electrolysis is better for fine or light hair. It's a more time-consuming process, since a dermatologist zaps each hair follicle with an electrical current. The procedure is typically repeated every one to two weeks until hair is gone.