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But one hair-removal hack you may not have pondered?
Meet the Experts
How Does it Work?
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Bleaching works by breaking down hair’s melanin, or pigment, permanently lightening the hair.
The Pros
The Cons
Is Bleaching Facial and Body Hair Safe?
Bleaching is relatively safe, especially compared to heavy-duty hair-removal treatments such aslasering.
Dr. Camp adds, “Bleaching facial and body hair is generally safe but can cause irritant contact dermatitis.
Irritant contact dermatitis occurs from damage to the skin as a result of the chemicals in bleaching products.
Doing so can lead to more serious side effects such as burning and blistering.
Instead, Dr. Ciraldo recommends waiting at least 72 hours before trying again in case a skin allergy develops.
How Much Does It Hurt?
Ever white-knuckled your way through a painfulwaxingor lasering appointment?
There’s good news: On normal, healthy skin, bleaching is utterly painless.
As the bleach works its magic, a tingling sensation is typical.
However, a burning sensation is a red flag that hair bleaching isn’t for you.
Tobia and Jarosz both praise JolenCreme Bleach.
Tobia calls it “a mild and reliable product that is budget-friendly.”
Dr. Ciraldo recommends another affordable option: Sally HansenCreme Hair Bleach, especially for bleaching hair on the face.
“Facial hair products should have skin-calming ingredients likealoeandvitamin E,” she says.
Post-bleaching care can also counteract dryness and inflammation from bleaching, she explains.
After you use bleach, ensure to lightly cleanse the affected areas, Tobia says.
Hydrogen peroxide is present in bleach, but in much lower levels in bleach for facial hair.
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.ToxFAQsTMfor hydrogen peroxide.
Updated July 27, 2015.
