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Epilation of the tendrils above the upper lip

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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Sometimes women have such a nuisance as a mustache above the upper lip. Dark ones are especially disturbing, because they are clearly visible on the face. This does not add femininity and aesthetics to the appearance, and their owner tries to get rid of them as quickly as possible. The reason for the appearance of such a purely male sign of distinction is testosterone - a male sex hormone, which is produced in greater quantities due to genetic predisposition, hormonal changes, stress, poor nutrition, thyroid disease and other reasons. To remove hair, women resort to depilation with a razor, plucking with tweezers, but these are all temporary measures, because the follicles are not destroyed and the hairs grow back again. A more effective procedure is epilation of the upper lip. Sometimes men also need it.

Upper lip epilation destroys the hair roots and can get rid of them forever if used systematically. There are different methods with greater or lesser efficiency: hair removal with thread, wax, sugar paste (sugaring), photo and electrolysis. Laser epilation is very popular. Women often wonder if laser epilation of the upper lip is painful. There is pain, but it all depends on the individual pain threshold and the cooling system of the device. You can also pre-anesthetize the area with any agent, such as lidocaine. The problem of permanent upper lip hair growth remains open, since natural cell regeneration eventually prevails over human efforts, but getting rid of hair for a long time is quite possible.

Indications for the procedure

Indications for epilation are unwanted hair growth on the upper lip in women, which spoils the aesthetic appearance, and in men - most often various dermatological problems: rashes, pustules, irritations. In the case of laser epilation, only dark hairs are subject to the procedure, since the action of the epilator is aimed at the hair pigment - melanin, which is not found in light and gray hairs.

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Preparation

Preparatory measures may include a consultation with a doctor to determine the causes of excessive hair growth, clarify the facts that contraindicate the procedure. Laser hair removal requires special preparation: you must shave your hair 2 days before it is performed, do not go to the beach or solarium for two weeks. In case of frequent outbreaks of herpes on the lips - start taking an antiviral drug in advance.

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Technique upper lip waxing

Each type of hair removal has its own technique. Let's focus on the main ones:

  • laser hair removal - based on the method of absorption of light energy by the pigment that colors the hair and follicle. Its effect on the hair growth zone becomes destructive. The procedure should be carried out in courses, since not all hair follicles are in the growth phase at the same time. The part of the follicles that was in the resting phase is not damaged and continues to grow. The session is repeated after 20-60 days. The need for them depends on the type of hair and the power of the laser;
  • elos epilation - it combines two types of technologies: laser and photoepilation. The device emits high-frequency pulse and current energy, which can cope with hairs of any color and structure. This procedure is painless, only tingling and slight burning are felt. Other positive aspects include the absence of a preparatory stage and rehabilitation, harmlessness, no pigmentation after its implementation;
  • upper lip epilation at home - the two previous methods are salon procedures that are not cheap and require free time. What can be done without leaving home? These methods have already been mentioned above. So, eastern women invented the so-called threading, when hairs are pulled out with a thread. They form peculiar loops from it, into which the hair gets caught, a jerk is made with the hand and the vegetation is pulled out. But this is a rather painful and traumatic method, irritation often occurs. The duration of the effect is on average 2 weeks;
  • Upper lip waxing can also be done at home. Everything you need for it is sold at the pharmacy: a spatula, epilation paper, wax plates or tablets. First, you need to clean the skin without using creams or oils. Melt the wax in the microwave or in a water bath until soft. It should be hot, but not scalding. Using a spatula, apply a thin layer to one side of the lip and cover with paper. When it hardens (it is recommended not to completely), rip off the wax strip with a sharp movement against the hair growth. Do the same with the other part.

Contraindications to the procedure

The procedure of hair removal above the upper lip has contraindications for implementation. Any type of epilation cannot be done in case of allergies, herpes, psoriasis, eczema, skin damage, moles. Elos and laser epilation are prohibited in case of diabetes, blood diseases, oncological diseases, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, people with a pacemaker.

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Consequences after the procedure

The most common consequence after epilation is irritation above the upper lip, acne and pustular rashes may also appear. Skin burns and pigment spots are possible.

Complications after the procedure

Complications after the procedure can be caused by incorrect actions of the cosmetologist, for example, during laser hair removal, incorrect determination of the skin phototype and selection of the type and parameters of the laser; failure to follow the rules of care after hair removal or performing the home procedure by the person himself; ignoring or ignorance of the state of health. All complications can be divided into early and late. Early complications include various rashes, herpes, inflammation of the follicles. Late complications include the appearance of scars, pigmentation, increased hair growth.

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Care after the procedure

Post-procedure care involves treating the area with a healing ointment, such as panthenol. It would be a good idea to take antiviral medications for a few days. Avoid staying in the sun for too long, and use sunscreen when going outside. You should also avoid any heat exposure that causes increased sweating, as this can lead to the appearance of pustules.

Reviews

Each method has its fans and opponents. Thus, waxing and sugaring are popular not only at home, but also in salons. It is liked because of its availability, effectiveness and speed of implementation. In terms of the duration of hair loss, preference is given to laser, and the championship in sensations and results is elos epilation.

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