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Post by sockthing on Apr 19, 2016 17:29:18 GMT
 I think women's facial hair must be one of our taboos in this society. There is literally no one I can talk to about this without them getting embarrassed or laughing it off. Anyway, you get the gist. Since the IVF years ago I've had an increasing problem. Luckily I'm blonde which makes it less obvious and I've been managing with Veet and plucking , but this last years it's got a lot worse and is getting darker, and I have actually got a patch on my chin which is essentially 5o clock shadow. It sounds funny, and if I try to discuss it withmy sisters or friends to see how other people manage they just laugh it off, and make a joke and pull my leg but in reality this is really getting me down. I think it's not always obvious but in some lights i am very self-conscious; Its ruining my self-esteem which is not at its most robust anyway seeing as I never have time to pamper myself. Im getting so desperate I'm considering buying one of those expensive home IPL machines. Has anyone tried them? 
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Post by sooz on Apr 19, 2016 17:53:24 GMT
Will watch this thread with interest!
Tamoxifen had an effect on facial hair, but manageable. Been taken off that and put on anastrozole.....so it's probably going to get worse now!
I'm forever checking, helpful being fair haired but I hate it! Xx
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Post by serrakunda on Apr 19, 2016 18:59:50 GMT
I think it's more common than you might realise, we do have a lady, quite young, in our office who has what can only be described as a beard, no one gives her a second glance, it's just who she is.
But I bet those people laughing it off are busy plucking and waxing in secret. I gave a few stubborn chin hairs that need constant attention. But it's my eyebrows that are getting completely out of control, I could rival Denis Healy if I let them go. So now I've started having regular eyebrow appointments down at the spa, I've never bothered until the last six months or so.
So if it's getting you down, then why not?
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Post by lovelybee on Apr 19, 2016 19:11:03 GMT
I am a big fan of threading. Unfortunately not so blonde myself! I did laser on my legs about 10 years ago and the result is still evident! I have been looking at the lasers you can buy and use at home but always such mixed reviews!
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Post by cowgirl on Apr 19, 2016 19:20:41 GMT
If you buy one I'll be interested in the results.
I have to pluck daily !
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Post by chotimonkey on Apr 19, 2016 20:11:57 GMT
Isn't there something permanent? I forget what It's called but I remember reading about a one off for legs and nether regions a few years ago. It was expensive but then you never had to do it again! maybe there is something similar for faces...
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Post by chotimonkey on Apr 19, 2016 20:18:20 GMT
It was laser not ipl, it's more expensive but is said to be less painful and more permanent
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Post by damson on Apr 23, 2016 20:04:30 GMT
My friend goes for a face wax every now and again, and altho rather pink on the day, looks v good after that.
I have no idea who does it for her - it is not a home kit. (I am not sure I am brave enough to stick wax strips on my face, in case I mess up.)
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Post by daffin on Apr 23, 2016 20:50:02 GMT
I've had laser treatment for my upper lip and chin. It was a real confidence boost as my hair is dark and hairs on your chin not chin chin just don't feel attractive!
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Post by larsti on Apr 28, 2016 10:03:45 GMT
Well unfortunately I can speak from experience here!
Electrolysis from aged 16 and still having it now. I did ask a beautician once why it is said to be permanent and she said it is but new follicles can start producing hair. Also there is a growth cycle and hairs have to be zapped at the correct time so some hairs will grow back. That's what she said anyway. The beautician I have gone to for 15 years nearly uses a different method from previous ones. I hold an electrode in my hand and she zaps the hairs without needing to pierce the skin with a needle.
Years ago at one of my fortnightly electrolysis appointments the beautician suggested waxing. I was dubious but thought nothing to lose. Actually that has been very successful for me. My upper lip is really not too bad now.
So now I have electrolysis and waxing and have my eyebrows waxed as well. Very pleased with the eyebrows and looking at old photos I don't know why I didn't do it sooner.
Beautician (different one since we moved to a different town) persuaded me to have my arms waxed. I was never bothered about hairy arms but actually I do feel more attractive. Hairy arms sticking out of a ice dress do rather defeat the object!
I am certain my face will be worse than yours Sockthing so take heart. I have quite strong hairs on my cheeks which she uses electrolysis on.
For years I never ever plucked as it was said to distort the follicles making electrolysis unsuccessful. Since I realised electrolysis isn't permanent (in my experience anyway) I reckon nothing to lose so I pluck between visits to beautician. Just bought a mirror with 8 times magnification which is scary :-)
I know exactly what you mean about being self conscious. I am sure people must think I don't care because even with all this effort it is obvious I have a problem. They probably think 'I would never go out on public looking like that'.
However, as my husband says, no one is peering closely like I am!
To answer the actual question....no experience for some reason I didn't want to try IPL or laser, partly because my beautician works from her home and although she has an IPL machine I would rather go to medical grade salon if there is such a thing nowadays. When laser was very new I was referred for a test session (late 9os) at a hospital but for reasons I won't go into I didn't go in the end.
Personally I wouldn't go the DIY route (for anything even waxing). And one thing I have never done is shave. I have sometimes have used a little electric trimming gadget (mislaid it) and I suppose that is not a lot different but I think I wouldn't feel feminine at all if I took a razor to my face.
Try not to let it get you down Sockthing. You are right people don't talk about it but plenty of people have a problem.
BTW I did have checks and apparently nothing wrong with my hormones which is good but also bad because maybe they could have corrected an imbalance.
Hope some of my rambling has helped. You are by no means unusual and I suspect not as bad as me and I lead a normal life ;-) (hence sharing so much info)
Larsti xx
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Post by daffin on Apr 28, 2016 10:19:11 GMT
Thanks for sharing Larsti. I went and had my hormones checked when I started getting a hairy chin at 30. Too early, I thought. It's a real bore, trying to keep the hairs under control, but letting the hairs grow wild and free isn't something I could imagine!
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Post by larsti on Apr 28, 2016 10:30:06 GMT
Yes I know what you mean Daffin. Not that long ago I was reading about people who defiantly (as it were) do not remove facial hair and I had a look at some pictures and found it very upsetting as I really do not want to think what I would look like if I didn't do anything. DDs have instructions if in old age I am not able to do anything. Don't want to frighten the grandchildren :-)
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Post by elderberry on Apr 28, 2016 13:04:25 GMT
I can't bear the idea of spending money on beauticians -- low self-esteem about the way I look, I suspect.
I don't have a huge problem anyway -- have never had to wax or shave my legs, even, they're almost totally hairless -- but I do in recent years have something of a moustache. I use a wax that you heat in the microwave. Only takes a few minutes to do every couple of weeks.
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Post by larsti on Apr 28, 2016 20:04:30 GMT
I always think of it as essential maintenance elderberry, but it means that I rarely have anything enjoyable like a manicure or facial as time and money has been spent on the non enjoyable stuff!
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