The Complete Guide to Facial Epilation

Facial hair removal is a concern for many people, and epilation offers a longer-lasting solution compared to shaving or waxing. However, facial skin requires special consideration—it's thinner, more sensitive, and more visible than body skin. This guide covers everything you need to know about safely and effectively epilating facial hair, from choosing the right device to area-specific techniques.

Is Facial Epilation Right for You?

Before deciding to epilate facial hair, consider whether this method suits your needs:

Good Candidates for Facial Epilation

• Those with fine to medium facial hair
• People looking for longer-lasting results than shaving (2-4 weeks)
• Those who've had success with facial waxing but want at-home convenience
• People with normal to combination skin that tolerates hair removal well

May Want to Consider Alternatives

• Very coarse or thick facial hair (threading or professional treatments may be better)
• Extremely sensitive skin prone to severe reactions
• Active acne or skin conditions on treatment areas
• Those using strong retinoids or recent chemical peels

Choosing a Facial Epilator

The right device makes all the difference for facial epilation. Here's what to look for:

Dedicated Facial Epilators

These compact devices are designed specifically for facial hair:

• Smaller heads: Navigate facial contours easily
• Fewer tweezers: Typically 10-20, gentler on delicate skin
• Lower power: Appropriate strength for fine facial hair
• Compact size: Precision control for small areas
• Often battery-operated: Lightweight and portable

Examples include the Braun Face Mini FS1000 and similar facial-specific devices.

Facial Attachments for Body Epilators

Many premium body epilators include dedicated facial caps:

• Reduce the width of tweezer exposure
• Create a barrier between the mechanism and skin
• Allow more precise, controlled epilation
• Often include built-in light for visibility

The Braun Silk-épil series and Philips Satinelle Prestige offer quality facial attachments.

Features to Prioritise

• Built-in light: Essential for seeing fine facial hairs
• Precise tip: For accuracy around contours
• Gentle mode: Slower speed option for sensitive areas
• Easy cleaning: Facial hair and residue should be simple to remove
• Quality tweezers: Must grip fine hair effectively

Facial Areas: Where to Epilate

Different facial areas require different approaches:

Upper Lip

One of the most common areas for facial epilation:

• Suitable for epilation if you have light to medium hair
• Hold lip taut by smiling or pressing tongue against upper teeth inside
• Work in small sections from corner toward center
• Multiple passes may be needed for complete removal

Chin

Often has coarser hair that responds well to epilation:

• Pull skin tight by tilting head back slightly
• Epilate against the direction of hair growth
• Be thorough—chin hair can grow in multiple directions

Cheeks and Sideburn Area

Typically fine, soft hair (peach fuzz):

• Use the gentlest setting if removing vellus hair
• Pull skin taut by placing fingers near the ear
• Work in small strokes downward
• Note: Some prefer to leave vellus hair as it provides natural skin texture

Eyebrows

Requires extreme precision:

• Only use epilators specifically designed for eyebrow shaping
• Work on stray hairs outside your desired brow shape only
• Never epilate within the main brow area unless you're experienced
• Keep the device moving to avoid over-plucking

Step-by-Step Facial Epilation Technique

Preparation

1. Cleanse thoroughly: Remove all makeup, oils, and skincare products. Use a gentle cleanser and pat dry.
2. Check hair length: Facial hair should be at least 1-2mm for the epilator to grip
3. Inspect your skin: Note any spots, blemishes, or irritation to avoid
4. Set up good lighting: Natural daylight or a well-lit magnifying mirror is ideal
5. Choose the right time: Evening is best—any redness can fade overnight

During Epilation

1. Start on lowest speed: Facial skin is sensitive; begin gently
2. Hold skin taut: This is crucial for facial epilation—loose skin increases pain and reduces effectiveness
3. Hold device at 90 degrees: Perpendicular to your skin for best grip
4. Work in small sections: Don't try to cover large areas in one sweep
5. Move against hair growth: This varies by facial area
6. Use light pressure: Let the tweezers do the work
7. Be patient: Fine facial hair may require multiple passes

Post-Epilation Care

1. Apply a cool compress: Helps reduce immediate redness
2. Use aloe vera gel: Soothes and calms the skin
3. Avoid: Makeup, harsh skincare, sun exposure for 24 hours
4. Don't touch: Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands

Managing Pain During Facial Epilation

Facial skin is particularly sensitive. Here's how to minimise discomfort:

Timing Strategies

• After a warm shower: Pores are open and skin is relaxed
• Mid-cycle: Avoid the week before and during menstruation when sensitivity peaks
• Evening: Any redness fades overnight

Numbing Options

• Topical numbing cream: Over-the-counter lidocaine creams can be applied 30-45 minutes before (follow product directions)
• Ice cube: Brief application just before epilating can help numb the area
• Cold compress: A cold, damp cloth applied for 5 minutes beforehand

Technique Adjustments

• Use the lowest speed setting initially
• Work in very small sections
• Take breaks if needed
• Keep skin as taut as possible

Special Considerations for Facial Skin

Preventing Hyperpigmentation

Facial skin is prone to darkening after irritation, especially for medium to dark skin tones:

• Always use sun protection (SPF 30+) in the days following facial epilation
• Avoid direct sun exposure for at least 48 hours
• Consider using vitamin C serum to prevent dark spots (apply 24 hours after epilation)
• If you're prone to hyperpigmentation, test a small area first

Preventing Breakouts

The face is prone to acne, and hair removal can sometimes trigger breakouts:

• Always epilate clean, product-free skin
• Clean your epilator before and after each use
• Avoid touching your face after epilation
• Skip heavy moisturisers immediately after—use lightweight, non-comedogenic products
• Avoid makeup for at least 12 hours, preferably 24

Dealing with Ingrown Hairs

Ingrown hairs on the face are particularly noticeable and problematic:

• Gently exfoliate 2-3 times weekly between sessions
• Use a chemical exfoliant with salicylic acid for prevention
• Never pick or squeeze ingrown hairs on your face
• If ingrown hairs are persistent, consult a dermatologist

Results and Maintenance

What to Expect

• Immediately after: Some redness is normal; should subside within hours
• First 24-48 hours: Slight sensitivity, tiny bumps around follicles possible
• Week 1-2: Smooth skin as no hair is visible
• Week 2-3: Fine regrowth may begin appearing
• Week 3-4: Hair reaches epilatable length again

Maintenance Schedule

Unlike body epilation which might be done every 3-4 weeks, facial hair often requires more frequent maintenance:

• Upper lip: Every 2-3 weeks
• Chin: Every 2-3 weeks
• Cheeks: Every 3-4 weeks (if epilating peach fuzz)
• Eyebrow strays: As needed, typically weekly

Long-Term Benefits

With consistent facial epilation over time, many users notice:

• Finer, less noticeable hair regrowth
• Longer periods between sessions
• Reduced overall hair density
• Less discomfort with each session

When Facial Epilation May Not Be Suitable

Consider alternatives if you:

• Are currently using tretinoin, retinol, or prescription retinoids
• Have had a chemical peel or microdermabrasion in the past 2 weeks
• Have active acne, rosacea, or eczema on your face
• Have very coarse facial hair (hormonal causes should be evaluated)
• Experience severe, lasting reactions to hair removal
• Are undergoing facial treatments or procedures