Sometimes shaving can cause more harm to your skin than good. While shaving provides benefits like a smooth and hairless face, it can be uncomfortable to deal with when the hair grows out. It also means you’ll need to shave pretty often.
Shaving can also produce some unwanted side effects like ingrown hairs, hair that looks or feels thicker, or the skin may feel irritated. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, you might realize shaving isn’t the best option for your facial hair.
Nowadays, more women embrace their natural bodies, hair and all. So, growing out facial hair can help your skin repair its barrier and lower discomfort. Once you stop shaving, you may look into other long-lasting hair removal methods.
Regardless of whether you want to remove your facial hair with other methods once you stop shaving or get past the uncomfortable grow-out period, a few things can help.
So, how can you stop shaving your face if you’re a female? While the grow-out period may not be ideal, you can remedy the process with skincare products or adjust your lifestyle. It is always beneficial to get advice from a dermatologist as well.
If you’re sick of shaving your face, keep reading for the easiest way to stop shaving.
Types Of Facial Hair
Before you begin growing out your facial hair, it’s crucial to understand what kind of hair you’re dealing with. Women can deal with two common types of facial hair; vellus and terminal.
Understanding your facial hair can make the growing out process more manageable if you know its hair type. Vellus hair looks and feels much more different than terminal hair. So, how can you tell these two hair types apart?
Terminal Hair
Terminal hair is usually darker or thicker strands of hair that can be found on the face. You may notice that you’ll have terminal hair on your upper lip or near your sideburns. However, it can appear elsewhere on the face depending on your genetics.
Shaving is a common way to remove terminal hair, but it may not always be the most effective.
Vellus Hair
Vellus hair is much softer, finer, and unnoticeable on the face. Also, vellus hair is known as peach fuzz. You’ll notice these strands are lighter in color and can appear translucent. You may only see vellus hair if the sun is hitting it directly.
You can also shave vellus hair, and it’s less likely to grow back dark or cause skin irritation.
Why Females May Grow Facial Hair
While some people may find it odd that females can grow facial hair, it’s entirely normal for others. You may even be wondering why women can grow facial hair? In most cases, it’s normal for hair to appear all over the body, including the face.
However, everyone’s facial hair may look or feel different. You may have been shaving your face and decided it’s not the best choice anymore. Also, what can cause women to grow facial hair?
Genetics
Some women are naturally hairier than others. Some ethnicities may grow more body hair than others too. It’s crucial to note that there is nothing wrong with body or facial hair, especially if it’s meant to be there.
So, your genetics and DNA can determine how much hair you can grow or where it will appear on the face or body.
Medical Concerns
Another reason why females may grow facial hair is due to a medical issue. This may indicate that you have a hormone imbalance or another medical issue. If you have an excess or an abnormal amount of hair, it may be wise to visit a doctor.
Women dealing with PCOS, menopause, and other medical concerns can be more likely to grow thicker or more noticeable facial hair.
What Can Happen When You’re Shaving The Face?
The hardest part about putting down your facial razor is how your skin reacts when your hair starts to grow again. This grow-out phase that occurs when you stop shaving can be uncomfortable and it may be tempting to start shaving again.
You may notice your skin becoming dry or ingrown hairs may appear. Thankfully, you can reduce the impact of these side effects.
Itchy, Dry Skin
It’s no secret that shaving can irritate the skin. While it may exfoliate the top layer on the skin, some razors and shaving products can produce dry or itchy skin. This may also be a common issue when you’re in the grow-out period.
Thankfully, dry and itchy skin can be minimized with the help of a nourishing and hydrating cream. You can also choose one with active ingredients that target the pores or follicles.
Darker Or Coarse Facial Hair
Can your facial hair become darker or thicker if you shave?
Surprisingly enough, the razor you use may create the appearance of thicker and darker hair because it makes a blunt cut. However, shaving won’t be able to alter the genetic makeup of your facial hair.
So, this can explain why you may feel as if the hair is growing back thicker or darker.
Ingrown Hairs
Ingrown hairs can quickly appear on the face, primarily if you use incorrect shaving techniques. For example, shaving against the grain or pressure close to the face can produce ingrown hairs. Also, it can put you more at risk of getting razor burn.
Ingrown hairs can also produce unwanted bumps that can cause more discomfort. However, with the correct chemical exfoliants, you can easily treat ingrown hairs.
Shadows
Another reason why shaving may not be the most beneficial option is that the hair can grow back fairly quickly. However, how fast your hair grows back can also be due to genetics. Regardless, you may notice a shadow a day or two after shaving.
This initial shadow can be tough to push through if you’re a woman looking to stop shaving. This is especially true if your hair is naturally darker or you’re dealing with terminal hair.
Discoloration/Scarring
Lastly, you may want to stop shaving because it can lead to scarring or discoloration on the face.
You can easily nick your face while shaving, and if it doesn’t heal properly, it can turn into a scar. It may also lead to discoloration from leftover scars or pimples.
However, their appearance can be reduced with the proper regimen during the grow-out phase.
How To Handle The Grow-Out Period Post Shaving
We’ve mentioned numerous times how the grow-out phase can be uncomfortable. Thankfully, you can do a few things to make the process more bearable. For example, invest in products with skin-healing ingredients.
It may take some time to see results, but it may be worth it to get rid of shaving irritation.
Invest In A Hydrating Cream
Find a nourishing cream to combat dry, itchy, and irritated skin. Shaving can wreak havoc on your skin, so try to find a product with ceramides.
Ceramides and other barrier-repairing components can strengthen the skin even when you’re growing out facial hair. You may notice a softer and smoother complexion while still having facial hair.
Your skin will better recover from shaving when you have a hydrating element like a cream to keep the skin nourished.
Incorporate An Exfoliant
You may also want to start using a chemical exfoliant in your routine. For example, a BHA like salicylic acid will benefit women growing out facial hair. BHAs will exfoliate from within the skin and reduce ingrown hairs, bumps, and acne.
It can help promote cell turnover and a softer, even complexion while you’re growing your hair.
Wear SPF
Do you scar easily or have leftover discoloration from shaving your face? Sunscreen can help. Wearing SPF daily will ensure that your skin is protected and can heal during your grow-out phase. It will promote a brighter and even skin tone.
This tip is essential if you plan to use a BHA. Chemical exfoliants can make you more sensitive to the sun, and without SPF, you won’t notice much of an improvement in your skin or facial hair.
Adjust Lifestyle Choices
If you’re dealing with a medical concern like PCOS, you may want to adjust your lifestyle to remedy your symptoms with facial hair. For example, you may need to incorporate certain foods into your diet to balance your hormones.
When You Should See A Physician
If you’re not noticing an improvement with growing out your facial hair, it may be time to consult a dermatologist or doctor. Facial hair can be normal, or it can be the result of another medical concern in extreme cases.
Regardless, if you stop shaving your face and nourish it during the grow-out phase, you can reduce the chance of irritation or ingrown hairs. Also, everyone can have different facial hair journeys, and it’s crucial to show self-love.
Takeaway
There are two types of facial hair, vellus and terminal. The right regimen can help you stop shaving your face and pass the grow-out period.
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