Whether it's just a few strands or even quite thick, a mustache can be something that annoys a woman's appearance. If you want to get rid of your mustache, avoid shaving and look for ways that can give you longer results, such as waxing treatments, using depilatory creams, electrolysis, or lasers. In addition, you can also fade the mustache by lightening the color.
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Method 1 of 4: Using Hair Removal Cream
Step 1. Choose a hair removal cream for painless mustache removal
This cream can dissolve the hair on the surface of the skin and if used properly, it will not cause pain. This method can be an option if you want to avoid the pain of waxing treatments or using an epilator.
Step 2. Find a hair removal cream that is suitable for removing facial hair
Since the chemicals used in this process are harsh, look for a cream formulated for more sensitive facial skin. Head to a beauty store and look for products that specifically say "for facial hair" on the label. If you're in doubt, ask a store employee for directions.
Step 3. Test the cream
Apply a small amount of cream to sensitive, but hidden areas (such as the skin on the inside of your elbows) to make sure your skin doesn't react. Leave the cream for the recommended amount of time (usually about 5 minutes) then wash it off. Wait another 10-15 minutes to make sure your skin doesn't itch or turn red.
Step 4. Spread a generous amount of cream on the upper lip
Put on disposable gloves and then pour a small amount of cream onto your fingers. Apply the cream right from under the nose and then smooth it to the right and left of the upper lip. Make sure to apply enough cream so that it forms a thick layer all over the top of the lips.
- If you apply the cream too far to the cheek, immediately wipe the area with a damp cloth.
- If your cream comes with a spatula, you can also use this tool to apply cream.
Step 5. Leave the cream on for 3-6 minutes
Follow the directions on the product carefully. You may be asked to let the cream sit on your skin for 3-6 minutes. However, it's a good idea to leave the cream not too long the first time you use it. If the skin over your lips starts to feel a little sore, immediately wash off the cream.
Step 6. Rub a small part of the skin to see if the hair is falling out
With your fingertips or a cotton swab, wipe a small area of the upper lip to see if the hair has fallen out. If so, you can continue to remove the cream from the skin. However, if not, wait until the maximum usage time.
Never leave the product for longer than the recommended time. Your skin can be irritated or burned
Step 7. Wipe off the cream with a damp cloth
Use a damp cloth or tissue to remove any remaining cream from the skin. You can also wash off the cream with water in the shower.
Step 8. Use soap and water to clean the skin
Rub soap and water on your fingers until it foams and then rub it over your lips to remove any remaining cream. After that, wipe or splash water over the lips to rinse.
Step 9. Use a soft cream afterwards
If the skin above your lips feels dry after the hair removal process, use a fragrance-free moisturizing cream or lotion. Repeat this moisturizing cream or lotion as needed for the next 1-2 days.
Step 10. Repeat this treatment every 3-5 days
Hair removal cream is only a temporary solution, and the mustache will grow back in 3-5 days. You can use this product again after 3 days, but do not use it again if your skin is irritated, itchy, or red.
Method 2 of 4: Using a Waxing Treatment
Step 1. Choose a waxing treatment if you want to get a longer lasting result
Waxing can remove hair from the roots and leave your skin hair-free for 2 weeks or more. However, this treatment may be painful. So, visit a salon that provides this service if you feel you can't do it yourself.
Step 2. Wait for the hair to grow to a length of 0.5 cm
Waxing is only effective if the wax used can adhere to the hair. Therefore, wait for the hair above your lips to grow to a length of 0.5 cm. If you don't want to wait for your hair to grow this long, it's a good idea to use other methods such as bleaching.
Step 3. Find a wax that is suitable for facial hair
Head to a beauty product store or pharmacy to buy at-home waxing kits. Make sure this product is labeled "only for facial hair". You can buy liquid wax or ready-made wax-coated sheets. These ready-to-use sheets are the easier option to use, although they are sometimes less effective.
Step 4. Clean your face with an exfoliating product to minimize pain
Cleaning facial pores and dead skin cells will make it easier for the wax to lift the hair from the follicle. Scrub your face with an exfoliating cleanser or use your regular facial cleanser with a washcloth.
Other ways to minimize pain include using pain-relieving creams, taking a hot shower beforehand, and avoiding alcohol and caffeine on the day you're waxing
Step 5. Heat the wax in the microwave if necessary
Most waxes need to be warmed up first, with the exception of ready-made sheets. Place the wax container in the microwave and heat it for the recommended time. Follow the directions on the product packaging carefully so that the wax doesn't get too hot and cause burns.
Step 6. Spread the liquid wax over the mustache area
If you purchased a liquid wax, use the spoon that comes in the package to spread it along the top of your lips. Apply wax in the direction of hair growth. The wax should cover the mustache area thickly, but avoid the sensitive areas of your lips and nose.
Step 7. Glue the wax paper over the lips
Whether you've just applied wax to your lips or purchased a wax-coated sheet, it's time to apply the paper to the mustache area. Start pasting this paper from one side of the upper lip and move to the middle. Pull the paper tight while flattening it with your fingers. Make sure there are no air bubbles trapped under it.
Step 8. Wait for the recommended time
Follow the instructions for using the recommended wax on the product. Removing the wax too early will make it ineffective, while leaving it on too long will likely not make it any more effective.
Step 9. Pull out the wax paper in one quick motion
Pull the skin on one side of the upper lip tight with one hand and hold one end of the wax paper with the other. Quickly pull the paper in one motion against the hair growth. Do not pull slowly, or in several motions as this will only increase the pain.
Step 10. Use soap and water to clean the entire face
Rub soap and water on your fingers until it foams and then gently wipe over your lips. If you feel that there is still wax residue, moisten the washcloth and then wipe the area clean.
Step 11. Apply hydrocortisone cream to reduce skin redness
Go to the pharmacy and buy a hydrocortisone cream to apply to your lips after waxing. Use this cream for the first 24 hours after waxing to reduce redness and irritation. You can also use a calming oil such as azulene oil.
Method 3 of 4: Fading Mustache Color (Bleaching)
Step 1. Lighten the color of the mustache if you don't want to wait for it to lengthen
Fading hair color is an effective way to hide a mustache that is too short to be removed with wax. If you don't want to wait for the hair above your lips to grow to 0.5 cm in length, you can lighten the color so it's less visible.
This treatment is more suitable for fine hair, but is often not effective for very coarse hair
Step 2. Choose a facial hair color fading cream
Visit a beauty product store for a hair color fading cream. Make sure you choose a cream that is specifically recommended for facial hair, or your skin may irritate it. If possible, choose a cream that suits your skin type (eg oily, dry, etc.).
Step 3. Mix the hair color fading cream according to the directions for use
In the product packaging, there should be an activating cream and powder. Mix these two ingredients according to the directions on the package right before use. You should discard any mixed product residue after using it. So, try to only mix as much product as needed.
Step 4. Test the cream
Apply a small amount of cream to sensitive, but hidden areas of the skin (such as the inside of the elbow) to make sure your skin doesn't react. Leave the cream for the time recommended on the package, then rinse off with water. Wait at least another 10-15 minutes to make sure your skin doesn't itch or turn red.
Step 5. Use a gentle cleanser to wash the upper lip
Before applying a bleaching product, make sure your skin is clean by washing it with soap and water first, or using a regular facial cleanser. Avoid exfoliating cleansers as applying a bleaching cream right after can cause skin irritation.
Step 6. Apply a color fading cream to the mustache area
There should be a spoon in the package, but if not, you can use an old ice cream stick or put on gloves and rub it in with your fingers. Start by applying the cream from under the nose and then to the outside in the direction of hair growth. Be careful not to get the lips or skin near the nose exposed to this cream.
Throw the utensil you used to apply the cream or gloves in a plastic bag because your trash can could get the cream on it
Step 7. Wait for the recommended time
Follow the instructions on the product packaging and do not wait more than the recommended time. Your skin can be irritated or even damaged if you wait too long. Generally, this bleaching cream should not be left on the skin for more than 10 minutes at a time.
Step 8. Wipe off a little cream to see the effect
Use a cotton ball or facial cotton to lift a little cream. Wipe the cream away from your nose and mouth, don't go near them, then check the color of the mustache fur to see if it has faded. If not, wait one more minute. However, do not wait until it exceeds the maximum recommended time.
Step 9. Wipe off the remaining cream with a facial cotton
Use a facial cotton or tissue to remove the remaining cream. Be careful not to touch sensitive skin areas with the cream when you lift it, and throw the cotton swab in a plastic bag.
Step 10. Clean the skin with soap and cold water
Rub soap and cold water with your fingers until it lathers and then gently wipe over the lips to remove any remaining color-fading cream. Pat your face dry with a tissue. It's best not to use a towel just yet in case there's still some color-fading cream left on your skin.
Step 11. Repeat this treatment when the coat color darkens again
After a few weeks, do the same treatment when the coat looks dark again. Stop using the bleaching cream, or use it less frequently if your skin is red, itchy, or irritated.
Method 4 of 4: Using Electrolysis or Laser
Step 1. Choose electrolysis or laser treatment for permanent hair removal
Both electrolysis and laser have the potential to permanently remove hair after several treatments. Although the cost is much more expensive than other methods, these two treatments can save you a lot of time on waxing treatments and fade the color of your mustache in the long run.
Step 2. Opt for laser treatment if your coat is dark and your skin is light
During this procedure, a laser beam will be emitted into many hair follicles at once and kill the hair from the roots. Since laser light targets dark hair best and stands out on light skin, this treatment is not ideal for those with dark skin or light hair.
Skin and coat color factors are not very important in electrolysis treatment which is done by inserting a fine needle into the hair follicle and emitting a current to kill the roots
Step 3. Look for the location and practitioner of this service carefully
Some treatment clinics have better machines, more qualified practitioners (always make sure they are licensed), and better customer reviews than others. Look for reviews online, but never decide to visit a clinic based solely on customer testimonials on its website.
Step 4. Call some clinics and consult with practitioners there
Call the 2-3 clinics of your choice and ask about their services, equipment and training. Some questions you can ask include, how long has the clinic been established, how old is the equipment and whether the equipment is safe and according to BPOM standards, and whether their practitioners are licensed.
You can also ask the total cost of the treatment, if they provide a trial service on a small area of skin, and what side effects might occur
Step 5. Ask the experience of this treatment practitioner according to your hair type
While laser and electrolysis treatments can have permanent effects, and can be very helpful for some people, the results are not the same for everyone. In addition, this treatment is also painful and expensive. Ask several different practitioners for the expected outcome of your treatment. If they promise results that sound exaggerated, consider visiting a clinic that offers more realistic results.
Tips
- The best time to remove mustache is before bed. That way, there's time all night for reddened, irritated, or swollen skin to heal.
- Don't spend 24 hours in the sun after removing your mustache to prevent further irritation of the skin above your lips.
- Use an ice pack after removing the mustache to relieve the irritation.
- After a waxing treatment, use an oily tissue (often sold in cold wax sheets), then to remove the residue from your face, use a facial cleanser, or a gentle facial peel and apply lotion.
- Whatever method of removing mustache you choose, wipe a cotton swab soaked in warm water on your upper lip for 30 seconds to 1 minute to help reduce the pain.
