I am a very light skinned female and have a beard (and a mustache), very dark colored which I pluck everyday, for about an hour. It’s dark-colored with very coarse hairs. I want to get this taken care of as soon as possible because I am starting to get scars from 10 years of plucking. I’ve tried electrolysis about 8 years ago, with no success at all.
Please tell me what kind of hair removal has anyone found successful for this?(as much detail as you can)
Thank you so very much!
I am in the same boat as you are, light skin, dark coarse hair on the chin, and have been plucking it every day for the last five years.
I just had my first treatment with Light Sheer laser, I do not know if it worked, it is too early to assess results, but my laser practitioner assured me that I am a very good candidate, and should see results after three treatments or so.
My problem is that, as you, I have been plucking it too much. My research shows that plucking makes a follicle stronger, so my concern at this point is, what if my follicles too strong to respond to treatments in any reasonable amount of time.
After 5 days from my first treatment, I do not see any visible reduction of hair, but people have told me that it might me shading. I had to go out in public yesterday (grocery shopping J!), so I have shaved my chin for the first time in my life (it was shaved in the laser right before treatment, but since I did not do it myself, I am not counting that time). It was not as bad as I thought it would be, but the hair is back after less then 12 hours.
I will let you know how it works for me, but at this point I am scared, frustrated, and anxious to see real results.
If there are other females with the same problem out there, I would really appreciate if you shared your experience.
can’twait2bfree: I am very new on this board, and do not have much experience with permanent hair removal, but here is my plan for now. In the short time that I have been visiting here, I gathered that Light Sheer laser gives pretty good results, and whatever is left after 6 or more sessions of laser, I am planning to “kill” with electrolysis. I just don’t have an idea how I am going to survive on shaving 6 weeks in between each treatment. I just hope that with each session there will be less hair to shave.
Good luck to you in finding the solution!!!
can’twait2bfree:
Sounds like you should talk to someone about Laser Hair Removal. I was like you, plucking an hour a day atleast. Desperate to stop, I tried Lightsheer Diode Laser and I am extemely pleased so far. Just have to be patient the first couple weeks after treatment because the hairs might get “stuck” but they DO shed out. I didn’t think they would, but they did. If you read my previous posts, you will see what I mean.
Good Luck
Hi Girls, I know exactly how you feel. I have been struggling with the plucking for so long now, and it’s only become worse. I have been having laser treatments for almost a year now, five treatments total. So far I hate to say I have not seen the results I would like, although
for a few weeks after treatment it looks good. I don’t know if I’ve had reduction and new hairs are growing in. I can tell you I feel your pain, and I miss my tweezing and waxing to keep my skin clean. I hate to put a razor to my face! Stay strong, I think we’ll find some solution!
Ladies-
I had my first laser treatment done last week- my beard area too. I had it done with the Gentlelase, and I too am hating the look left after shaving. I have been plucking for 15 years, and it typical took 45 minutes a day. I am the perfect patient- dark hair, light skin. It hurt, and this growing out of the dead hairs to not pretty. But I am being strong and seeking long term results too. I need to schedule my next appointment for next month.
Good for you Gilly!!
Hang in there, the singed hairs will shed soon (I know it’s not soon enough)!! Keep us updated on your progress 
bebba
Hi ladies,
I am a 23 year old female with the same problem. It’s gotten to the point where I don’t even want to look in the mirror any more. Well, today I went for my first consoltation and I just can’t tell you how excited I am. I’m getting my full face done and my neck. I paid for 5 treatments for $1,041.00(there was a June special and I normally would have paid $1,488.00, but I got 15% off). She said I was the perfect candidate, fair skin with dark hair. I must say that the test zaps were not comfortable at all 
Hi,
This is my first time to post, but I’ve been reading this forum for about a month! I’ve been plucking, shaving, waxing, using dipilatory creams, etc on “my chin and upper lip” for about 22 years…Just in the last 7 or 8 years have I shaved daily…I hate it, I’m sick of it and I feel all of your pain and embarassment!
I decided to go for laser treatment and had my first one on May 23rd and my second treatment will be June 24th! I was so excited to be finally doing this that I didn’t really pay attention to what kind of machine they used, but I’m almost positive that she said “Epi”…I’ll find out for sure Tuesday when I go back!
The hair on my chin is much thinner than it was a month ago and grows slower now! I was having to shave a second time midday because of the shadow…Now I only have to shave in the mornings. Just with one treatment, I am tickled pink…If the next few treatments that I take give me this much joy, ya’ll will all here this southern woman screaming hallaluya!
Oh and by the way, it did hurt…Nothing you can’t stand, but pain non the less! I took my first treatment with “no” numbing agent. Don’t think I’ll be using any on my next treatment either…After all, it’s over with in a few minutes and being hair free for who knows how long certainly makes the pain worth it…
I will let ya’ll know what happens after next Tuesday!
(long winded) Terri
So nice when others share their stories and they are just like yours. It really does make a difference knowing you can come to this forum and express yourself and share your experiences. I too have my second laser treatment next week and I am also looking forward to it(not the pain, just the results). I now know not to plan anything very “social” for atleast 7-10 days after treatment because of those ugly singed hairs that stubbornly hang in there. Make up covers it somewhat but I only go for short jaunts to store, bank etc. Small price to pay for the end result I’d say.
Looking forward to read everyones update 
bebba
I wanted to reply too…I am 28 and have been plucking my chin hairs for about 30 minutes a day for the last 5 years. I finally took the plunge this week and had my first CoolGlide treatment. The laser portion itself only took about 2 minutes max. It stung a little, but no worse than times I have plucked vigorously or had a ingrown hair that needed to be plucked. I haven’t told any of my friends or family because I am not sure if it will actually work…but I am praying that it does! It is starting to affect my self-confidence.
Anyway, it’s been 5 days and I see no noticible change. I am shaving now, which sucks. I have fair skin and dark hair so there is always a shadow. Even with make-up. Do y’all have any tips for that? I have noticed that if I use a yellow-colored correction concealer underneath regular concealer and foundation it seems helps to minimize the greyness of the shadow. I will be in a friend’s wedding next weekend and am mortified that I will have a shadow. I may try some full-coverage foundation from Mac…I think that is what drag queens use. Also, any tips for shaving? I don’t want my boyfriend to feel any stubble when he touches my face.
Also, in reading the posts here I feel a bit encouraged that what I see “growing” are actually the burnt hairs coming out. Is there anyway to speed up this process? I have tried exfoliating with an apricot facial scrub and using a washcloth, but don’t want to irritate the region as now I am shaving it daily. Also what kind of moisturizer do you reccommend? Since Monday I have been putting some neosporin on the treated area before bed…it has soothed the area and makes the hairs softer and easier to shave. My next appointment is July 7th (only 3 weeks time since the first treatment…the lady said chin hairs grow faster and can be treated every 3 weeks) so I hope to hang in there until then…
[ June 20, 2003, 08:37 AM: Message edited by: funkydiva ]
Hey Funkydiva
I think you are doing everything you should so far. As for the 3 weeks difference, I am not sure about that one. I am having Lightsheer Diode laser treatments and they told me that it was very important to the long term outcome, to go in for my 2nd treatment no more than 9 weeks after the first (actually I believe it HAD to be 8-9 weeks after). I guess the differences could have something to do with the different lasers. But I have never heard of chin hairs growing faster. Anyone else out there heard of this?
But really don’t worry about the “stubble”. They should all grow out soon even though it is hard to believe right now. And then you won’t have to worry about your boyfriend touching your face cause it will feel smooth and clean
Hang in there!!
Hi
I’m having my first appointment on Thursday and the nurse told me that after that appointment, I’ll schedule one for 6 weeks later. I would think that two weeks is not long enough for the hair to grow back or whatever it is it does. I wouldn’t want to waste my money on useless treatments cause it’s not like laser treatment is cheap. I would do a little research on the 3 week thing myself, but that’s just me. If it works for you, then more power to ya! 
I’m just happy cause I can’t wait to see the final results!!
Hello All:
just an update:
I had my second laser treatment today
It was not as painful as last time but it still hurt. The areas (upper & lower lip, chin and neck) are still a little red a few hours later but it really does feel pretty good. That’s progress 'cause last time my skin hurt for a couple of days. So far it looks good. I’ll see over the next week how the “stuck” hairs shed. I’ll have my next appointment in 6 weeks. Hope they get easier every time.
I had my second treatment with the Epi Light yesterday…Didn’t really hurt at all! I mean you feel the zap, but as far as calling it pain, I wouldn’t!
My skin only stayed blood red for about 30 minutes this time and I don’t have that rashy look that I did after the first time…
I lost about 50% of the hair on my chin after the first treatment…Hopefully the other 50% will disappear this time, but I’m not holding my breath!
They scheduled me for 6 weeks away for my 3rd treatment, so I’ll keep you guys informed of my progress over the next few weeks…
I’m glad ya’ll are here!
Terri
Hi, me again
I had my first laser treatment today and I must say that it was the most painful thing ever. I don’t know if it was just me, but it hurt so bad that I started to cry twice during the treatment. It was a diode laser used at 35 joules(spelling). It’s been about 12 hours since the treatment and my face is still a bit sore, but not near as bad as it was. I don’t know how I’m gonna be able to tolerate the next 4 treatments, but hopefully I will. After reading posts I’ve noticed a few people saying it doesn’t hurt as bad, so hopefully that’s my case too. 
I’ve got my next treatment in exactly six weeks so I’ll keep everyone informed. Not to put a damper on the whole “laser treatment” thing by saying it was so painful, but hopefully it’ll be all worth it. So far I like the results, but then again it’s only been 6 hours. The nurse told me if there was any spots she missed (from me wiggling so much) that I could come in after about 2-3 weeks and they would touch it up at no charge. At this cost (the pain and all) I would definitely do it again to get rid of this hair on my face. Hopefully the results are as good as I’m anticipating.
Be sure to get Aloe-Cortisone Cream for the irritation and itching. It will make those hours post treatment much more bearable. You will also want to put Tea Tree Oil (Melaluca Alternifolia) on the treated area overnight for quick healing and disinfection, and finally, Cold Processed, Whole Leaf Aloe Vera Gel in the morning and as a undercoat to any foundation or makeup you may insist on wearing during the time immediately after treatment (even though you know you are not supposed to wear makeup immediately after treatment).
Fruit of the Earth and Lily of the Desert are good brand names for Aloe, but you only have to find the certification lables on the package to see which ones are good and which one’s are questionable.
Make sure that you help your skin heal as quickly and as good as it can. You will live with the results the rest of your life.
Well, it has been 2 days since my second treatment. My skin looks really good compared to the first time. I have no redness or little scabs. And so far I do not have too many “stuck” hairs coming out. They could start appearring anytime though. I hope this is a sign that the treatments and the aftermath are going to get easier and easier.
SHYGIRL: Did you use the emla on your face before treatment? I realize that it still hurts with the emla but I couldn’t imagine having it done without the dumbing cream
Hang in there, I think it will get easier for you. You have the right attitude 
Thanx to James for the tips on post laser treatments.
sigh This has to be the most frustrating and difficult thing a woman will ever have to go through. I am 23 and have been struggling with the hair on my upper lip.
I went to a clinic which uses the Ellipse method. After four treatments, I would venture so far as to say that yes, the hair itself is much, much less BUT the shadow that remains after all that shaving is almost too much to bear. What’s the point of going through the whole process, only to have a hair-free upperlip but where people can SEE that you’ve shaved? This is almost worse than the original problem in my opinion.
I would really really appreciate your all tips on this. I feel like a drag queen when I put make up on. How do you other girls do it? I almost wish I had never lasered at all. I’d rather go threading once or twice a week instead of having to deal with the dreaded shadow.
Hi there krevelli:
Sorry to hear that you are still getting that aweful shadow. I have only got 2 treatments so far with a different laser than the one you mentioned, and I have no more shadow. It did start to shadow again about a week before the second treatment but not nearly as bad as pre-laser. I don’t think you should be shadowing that bad. I think the hair should shed out and then your skin should be smooth or very sparse growth for atleast 4 weeks with no shadow. Thats what I was told by the girl who does my treatments. Have you talked to the people that are treating you about the shadow problem? Maybe they can be more aggressive with your treatments so that you may get better results.
I also find that I use less makeup now to cover up. But I do find that the “stick” form of concealer works the best. Maybelline makes a great “shine free” kind that I like to use. And for a heavier coverage Revlon’s “colorstay” stick concealer is also really good.
Good Luck
bebba
Thanks. It’s good to know that at least this isn’t the norm.