10 Best Upper Lip Hair Removal Methods, According to Pros (2024)

• Dr. Robyn Gmyrek is a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm.
• Dr. Jennifer L. MacGregor is a board-certified dermatologist at Union Square Laser Dermatology in Manhattan.
• Rachel Lee Lozina is a licensed esthetician, laser technician, and the founder ofBlue Water Spain Oyster Bay, NY.
  
• Ginille Brown is a registered aesthetic nurse practitioner and the founder of Ginille Beauty Aesthetics.
  

Shaving

Despite urban myth, dermatologist Robyn Gmyrek, MD, says that the hair will not grow in thicker or darker if you shave. "It might feel a bit thicker, but that is only because you cut it in the middle of the hair, which is a bit thicker than the tapered tip," she explains. While shaving won’t remove hair from the root, it still has its perks. "[The downside to shaving is that the hair] will grow back quickly and many will have to shave every day or every other day,” she admits. “[Shaving] is advantageous, however, because there is less risk of getting any ingrown hairs since you are not pulling the hair out at the root.”

For best results, Dr. Gmyrek says to look for a razor designed specifically for the face, as they tend to have small blades that can easily cater to the contours of the face.But, there are several options available to you should you choose to shave.If you’re comfortable with a straight razor, Dr. Gmyrek recommends the Dorco Tinkle Everglow Razor ($9).

If you’re uncomfortable with a straight razor, you can opt for a body razor designed for sensitive skin (ideally one with a moisture strip), which will still allow you to provide extra care for your complexion.

Lastly, if you despise traditional razors, dermatologist Jennifer L. MacGregor, MD, says to opt for an electric shaving device. They gently clip the hairs close to the skin and there’s much less risk of potentially cutting yourself in the process.Alternatively, some top-rated epilators can also be very effective at removing facial hair without hurting delicate skin.

Depilatory Cream

Depilatory creams use chemicals to dissolve hair from the surface of the skin. But, given their ingredients, some might be weary of applying them to their face, which makes total sense. According to Dr. Gmyrek, depilatory creams can be irritating— they have strong odors, and can, in some cases, cause allergic reactions. On the upside, if you don’t experience any of those adverse effects, you can look forward to your upper lip hair staying away for longer than a few days, as these creams sink deep down to dissolve hair beyond the surface of the skin (though not quite to the root).

If you’re feeling optimistic about this method, Dr. Gmyrek says to buy a formulation that is designed specifically for the face and, if possible, one that’s labeled for sensitive skin. “Do a patch test first to be sure you are not allergic and follow the directions exactly,” she instructs.

Threading

"Threading is a common, precise option to remove hair from the follicle resulting in longer-lasting smoothness and can be effective in removing short hairs," says nurse practitioner Ginille Brown. "The biggest downside is that people find this can be very painful, especially on sensitive skin. Additionally, some people may have redness and light irritation to the skin after threading."

Use a Gentle Facial Trimmer

Facial trimmers like the Flawless Finishing Touch are generally inexpensive, effective, small, and discreet. This particular device will instantly (and painlessly) remove unwanted facial hair—including along the upper lip. However, it's worth noting that the results don't last particularly long. And while your hair will not grow back darker or thicker, the texture of the hair in that area may feel rougher to the touch when it first starts growing back because the hair is shorter than it was before.

Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal can be performed all over the body, including on the upper lip. According to Dr. MacGregor, it’s quite simply the best way to permanently reduce hair growth.

The trick is to seek laser removal for the right type of hair, at the right time. That’s because, as Dr. Gmyrek points out, it’s only effective on darker hair, as the laser specifically targets the pigment of the hair. So if you have blonde, light brown, or red hair, or if your hair has turned gray, it likely won’t work for you.

Effectiveness aside, cost is worth mentioning. While the treatment itself only takes a few minutes, Dr. Gmyrek says that each treatment typically costs between $200 and $500, and that to thoroughly remove the hair, it often requires five to seven treatments. In other words, it's pricey. But given that it’s the most effective form of hair removal, it’s up to you to decide whether or not it’s worth it. Just remember that it does come with its risks—namely, skin discoloration, blistering, and scarring—though, they are rare.

If you have darker skin, then it's important to ask your practitioner to use a laser that is suitable for your skin. "As a cosmetic nurse practitioner, I love using the Aerolase Laser for my patients because it works on all skin types and tones," Brown says. "The Aerolase works safely at removing hair and has additional benefits like improving hyperpigmentation, skin texture, and acne, and it stimulates collagen."

Electrolysis

Electrolysis is, in a way, a combination of laser hair removal and depilatory creams. That’s because, according to Dr. Gmyrek, it removes individual hairs by destroying the growth center with chemicals or heat.

“A fine probe is inserted into the follicle and then the chemical or heat can target and destroy the follicle,” she explains. “This is a permanent hair removal option and is a good one for small areas such as the upper lip.”

That said, it’s worth noting that this treatment isn’t performed by dermatologists but by those certified in electrolysis. “The pro is that it’s permanent,” Dr. Gmyrek says. “The cons are that it must be done follicle by follicle so treatment sessions can last 30 minutes or more for an upper lip. Plus, multiple sessions are needed to reach each hair, and scarring can occur if the heat or chemical gets onto the skin surface and not deep into the follicle.”

Dermaplaning

If you’ve never tried dermaplaning before, you’re in for a treat. The treatment—which can be performed in-office or at home—uses a blade to not only shave off the hair but also exfoliate away any dead skin cells on the surface.

“The advantage is that you get a very thorough hair removal and it is not painful,” Dr. Gmyrek says. “The disadvantages [if you get it performed in-office] are that it is not permanent and it is more expensive than doing it yourself at home.”

While an in-office treatment will cost you around $100 in a metropolitan area like New York City, you can perform the treatment safely at home with one of our favorite dermaplaning devices.

Waxing

Another option is waxing, which warrants some caution if you have sensitive skin. Dr. MacGregor says this option is less favorable, in her opinion. That said, there are two sides to every debate and, according to Dr. Gmyrek, waxing is affordable and effective at removing the hair in a way that will last longer than other at-home options. “However, it can be painful and some people will experience redness or even irritation of the follicles for several days after,” she warns. If waxing at home, she says that the best way to avoid adverse effects is to use the strips as directed.

Slow Down Re-Growth With Eflornithine

If your upper lip hair seems to be growing at a super-fast rate, Dr. MacGregor recommends consulting your doctor or dermatologist about prescription Eflornithine. This medicated cream slows down the hair growth cycle and, subsequently, can thin out the hair. That said, she points out that it doesn’t actually remove hair on the spot, it just slows down future growth.

Sugaring

Esthetician Rachel Lee Lozina, recommends sugaring as an alternative method for removing unwanted upper lip hair. "Sugaring isanancient Persian method of removing hair and it differs from waxing because the sugar paste is room temperature when applied and less invasive than traditional hair removal," she says. "Sugaring paste is applied against the hair growth and removed with the hair growth, yielding a less painful follicle removal.Results with sugaring last approximately 4 to 6 weeks depending on each individual."

Lozina says it's important to pause any medication that causes your skin to thin, such as blood thinners before you try sugaring. Otherwise, your skin might not be able to handle the exfoliation that comes with the procedure. If you'd like to try sugaring at home, she says you can also DIY your sugaring paste.