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When it comes to hair , lets just say I don't like facial hair of any kind. Its not exactly a pet peeve because it applies only to me. I don't mind it as much on others but I do on myself. And because of this minor obsession of sorts I have tried out almost every method of removing facial hair. This post is a lowdown on products I have tried and the issues I've had with them. Several women want to get rid of their facial hair and are often scared to take the step. If you ask me - do it. Once you do it, there is no way one can go back to being their hairy self ever again. The difference is just too good to stop with one trial.


FACE BLEACHING

Despite my hatred for any visible hair on my face other than the brows and lashes I never ever bleached. Okay I did . Just once. Peer pressure, man. Worst beauty moment in my life. I hated it from day one and couldn't wait for the golden hair to vanish. I avoided the sun at all costs so nobody could see the golden disaster. I personally never liked it on any of my friends so it was worse for me on myself. Anyhoo...the bleach effect vanished in a couple of weeks and I never considered it an option ever again.

If you have thought about bleaching your face, think twice. I know a lot of beauty places in India follow their facial routines with a bleach routine. Lets just please agree on that fact that - they don't know what they are doing. Apart from the horrid golden hair syndrome it leaves one with, one must also consider that its a whole bunch of chemicals on the face. Chemicals that are changing the color of your hair. Imagine what it would do to your skin in a period of time ! Nothing good comes from bleaching - according to me.

The natural golden hair on Megan Fox's face looks pretty okay on her but wont on skin tones like mine. (Click to enlarge)

HAIR REMOVAL CREAMS

Another option is using hair removing creams. I used a couple of those and since they are chemicals one has to be extreme careful. They are cheap , work well, can be done at home but again - be very careful. One of these creams had a bad reaction on my face and my doc had me promise her that I would never touch these things again.

There are a few precautions you must take while using hair removing creams on your face. Close the lid properly. Don't use it if the product has expired. Buy only the ones meant for face. Don't keep it longer than the recommended time for your face. Never reapply on the same spot for at least 48 hours. These are chemicals that almost dissolve your hair from the root - powerful stuff that should not be taken lightly.

FACE WAXING


After my hair removing cream experience I never really cared much about the issue at hand until a couple of years back, when I discovered that face could be waxed too ! Aah the joy of face waxing ! I get my face waxed once every three months and I am completely hair free ! I almost feel like I was born like this ! It is one of the best things I have discovered fr myself. Instantly my face looks brighter, clearer, super soft and most of all hair free. To me the effect I get from waxing is similar to extreme exfoliation. The new cells growing and the complete absence of hair on my face make me look like I have the best skin !I love it love it love it love it.

I don't know if Kareena uses wax or got it laser-ed but the difference is noticeable. The change is brilliant ! (Click to enlarge)

But then waxing has its disadvantages. Some places on your face are a little more sensitive than others so you could get a few nicks here and there . Also there is a whole lot of redness and sometimes, I break out. This happens both when I do it myself and when done professionally. Sometimes these nicks are bigger and a bit deeper. If they are any deeper than the top layer of skin it takes a while to heal and could leave a scar. The maximum time a cut has taken to heal on my face was two weeks. That is to heal. Unfortunately it left a tiny scar right next to my eye.

Because of all this I often go for waxing on a Friday evening and stay at home the whole weekend waiting for my face to heal :(

The brown layer peeled off in a while but a light scar still exists

FACE THREADING

The last option - threading. I have threaded my eyebrows before and the upper lip area. Nothing beats threading as far as eyebrows are concerned. The shape , the thickness everything remains perfect with threading. Every Indian "aunty" you know (who can thread) will tell you about how great threading is and how waxing sucks. The Indian lady I went to once to get my eyebrows threaded said the same things to me. I don't know what the reason behind it is. Probably just an endemic that has spread among Indian aunties.

Despite knowing how great threading is, I dare not thread my whole face. If I could strip off a whole large area at a time with waxing , why go for threading which takes much longer and almost pulls out one hair at a time ? But something compelled me to try threading and that's the scar next to my right eye. I really don't want any more scars ever happening and if that means bearing a little more pain then am all for it.

SUN MAITA THREADER KIT

I was researching on finding the next best thing for me when I came across Sun Maita. I saw the video on their site and was impressed at how easy it looked ! But then again, it was threading. So, about a month back when I was given the opportunity to try it, I was excited and a little skeptical at the same time.


The Sun Maita Threader Kit contains

The Threader
Feel Less Cream - to lightly numb the skin
Chalk - to make hair more visible
The Closer - to soothe irritated skin and close pores
Instructions Manual
11 Extra Threads


The manual gives you simple instructions on how to place the threads on the threader. Once you are done assembling the two kinds of threads you are ready to begin. First you apply the Feel Less Cream and wait a couple of minutes for it to skin in. Once its no longer moist apply the chalk over the area and you can begin threading.

The Pain

The first time I tried it, it was very painful but that was because it was the special time of the month and everything seems ten time worse then. The second time I went for it was later on and I was amazed at how less painful it was. In fact I sat for an hour and threaded my whole face with an ooh or an aah. I am not saying it was not painful . It was bearable pain. Also it helped that I was watching a funny Bollywood movie while doing it.

My Reservations
I do have a few reservations with the kit. After an hour of threading my forearms ached. Its like squeezing a stress ball for an hour. I wish the threader was a little smaller or that my fingers were a bit longer. The product is meant for larger areas on your face so eyebrows are very tough to do with this product. Upper lip can be easily managed ! I also want the numbing cream to numb a little more. But instead from the next time, I plan taking a pain killer pill beforehand. At first it is bit overwhelming to get it right but as with anything new, once you get the hang of it, its a easy ride !

No More Scars !
Overall, I love the threader. For someone who was utterly scared of threading, it worked out well in the end. It removes my threading aunty from the picture and lets me take charge. I can carry it anywhere I want and do it anytime ! No more ruined Friday nights ! I had absolutely no redness or nicks or cuts. Yes, its a bit painful. Yes, it took me a while to get the hang of it. But I'll take temporary pain anytime over breakouts, redness, scars and a whole weekend of no action !

Was this article useful to you ? Obviously a LOT of time went into writing this post but I enjoyed sharing my experience with y'all ! Do you have any questions as far as facial hair goes ? There isn't a lot of information online on this topic and that's why I made this post as detailed as possible. As you see, I've tried it all and have a good idea on this topic. If that lady side burn is bugging you, go ahead and "take care" of her. Trust me, you will never miss her.


Love,
Indian Girl

41 comments

Unknown said... @ June 29, 2009 at 11:13 PM

What brand of facial wax did you use?

An Indian's Makeup Blog said... @ June 29, 2009 at 11:29 PM

Hi Manisha !

I use the Gigi Cream Wax for sensitive face

Anonymous said... @ June 30, 2009 at 12:23 AM

I have used it all too, and my favourite way is definitely threading. It doesn't hurt anymore, it does no harm to my skin and it delivers good results. I think waxing and hair removel creams are so agressive to your skin, so I avoid those.

The Sun Maita kit looks really good, I think I am going to give it a try :)

This article was, btw, very useful !

Vanity Girl said... @ June 30, 2009 at 12:24 AM

Like how detailed the post was....I stick to bleaching, even though I know in the end it's not good, but once in 3-4 months is my ritual. Have heard of people getting horrible dark colored stiff hair after threading/waxing their face, so I've steered clear of that.
What are your thoughts on Laser?

All Things Tat said... @ June 30, 2009 at 12:29 AM

Ooh thanks for that enlarged pic of Megan Fox. It's nice to know that she's a hairy beast, like me!

Jamilla Camel said... @ June 30, 2009 at 12:35 AM

Very impressive! I have Golden Hair Syndrome, but mine is 100% natural, because I'm part Caucasian:

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TBYAPVu98uA/SkhvwVhV18I/AAAAAAAADqU/ixEZ2YUi0j0/s1600-h/DSCF3657.JPG

I have little tiny blond vellus hairs on my face. You really can't see them (like Megan Fox's) unless you are in bright sunlight or in an extreme closeup.

However, I have been thinking of getting rid of my little blond friends, and your post gave me some ideas!

Thanks for all the info--BTW..the Indian threading lady at the Lakme salon said that threading was a waste of time for my brows. The hairs were too tiny, so she recommended staying with waxing. I also have little tiny blond vellus hairs under my brows, too!

I sent you an email re: Lakme Bridal Sutra...please let me know!

Anita said... @ June 30, 2009 at 1:21 AM

I am very interested in the threader.. I can't bleach because my skin is not fair so I look ridiculous with golden hair, waxing gives me allergies (but surprisingly no pain or accidents, just your plain old acne burst after each try) so I usually stick up with my tweezers.. Which is a very long and boring process to get it done... So the threader seems so cool! I saw the video on their page and all.. but 150 dollars? What do you do when the threads are far gone? cant you just buy replacements, or do you have to buy the whole kit again? cause if it is, it ends up becoming a bit too pricey... =\ But it looks like a great solution otherwise! Tweezers take too long...

shivali said... @ June 30, 2009 at 1:45 AM

oh wow, the threader looks quite useful. i like waxing better than threading though. i have thick black hair. so after threading, i might not get any growth on the outside but my upper lip looks green. so i wax because the hair seems to grow softer and lighter. but on the other hand, waxing does not give you good eyebrow results. so i absolutely have to spend 20 bucks for perfect eyebrows every 3 weeks. grrrr!

and this was very helpful, i don't use bleach because i have a skin condition, but waxing the whole face seems a little crazy. my cousin is getting laser hair removal on her face, which is cool but it seems like a pain in the @$$ and also i kno someone whose skin is wreck now, severe, i mean severe acne. i want to get rid of the hair on side of my face, i like to get them waxed, but then my skin looks uneven. dilemma! m scared to try these alternatives. can you elaborate on face waxing experience?

An Indian's Makeup Blog said... @ June 30, 2009 at 1:48 AM

Hi Niya !

Do u have any tips on how to make threading more a comfortable experience ? I usually take a pain killer. Do u use any topical numbing creams ?

An Indian's Makeup Blog said... @ June 30, 2009 at 1:50 AM

Hi Vanity Girl !

I am guessing four times a year is not a whole lot much.As long as one doesn't start seeing any visible damage...may be its fine ? DO u have a favorite brand ?

An Indian's Makeup Blog said... @ June 30, 2009 at 1:51 AM

Hi All Thinga That !

hehee. You're welcome ! Loads of other celebrities have em ! I feel so good knowing they are normal too ;)

An Indian's Makeup Blog said... @ June 30, 2009 at 1:54 AM

Hi Jamilla !
So true ! Blond hair on light skin is really not bad at all ! And...you got mail !

An Indian's Makeup Blog said... @ June 30, 2009 at 1:57 AM

Hi Anita !

Yea , $130 seems alot upfront but I used to pay around $30 for waxing each time. The replacement threads cost $25. They can be bought separately. I get terrible break outs with waxing too. I use neosporin over them - doctor recommended.

An Indian's Makeup Blog said... @ June 30, 2009 at 2:00 AM

Hi Shivali !

I'd love to know how Laser works out for your cousin. I personally dont know anybody whoz gotten it done. I've heard its painful and takes a few weeks to complete the whole process and that during this time one is only allowed to shave their face !!!!!!!! Scary naa...
I dint quite get what you meant by uneven skin. Sorry...will ya email me more and I'll tell ya ll about waxing :)

shivi said... @ June 30, 2009 at 2:08 AM

i am on it!

Anonymous said... @ June 30, 2009 at 4:09 AM

To be honest, I don't really do anything before/when I thread but I do think that threading really doesn't hurt that much when a professional does it. I have been threaded once in India and the girl who did it was amazing, I just felt a thread over my face but no pain at all!

But doesn't that ice-cube numbing thing work for you with threading?

Laura said... @ June 30, 2009 at 5:20 AM

Thanks for the information! I only just recently heard of threading. I'm very interested in trying it on my eyebrows. Not so much on the rest of my face, because I have light skin and blonde hair.

Truckspotter said... @ June 30, 2009 at 10:04 PM

Thanks, that was an awesome overview! I go to aunties for threading as well, but would love to be able to do it at home if possible - I might try the SunMaita kit!

Dee said... @ June 30, 2009 at 10:42 PM

very informative! I like! I've never waxed any hair of my face before (and I never will cause I'm scared, lol), but I do thread sometimes. That kit looks great. Makes me want to get one too!

An Indian's Makeup Blog said... @ July 1, 2009 at 1:41 AM

Hi Niya !

I did try placing ice on my face after waxing for several hours but it did not help me. You're right I think it helps a lotta people because my waxing lady keeps telling me to do it !

An Indian's Makeup Blog said... @ July 1, 2009 at 1:42 AM

Hi Laura !

You should totally try threading for eyebrows. Lemme know how you like it !

An Indian's Makeup Blog said... @ July 1, 2009 at 1:44 AM

Hi Suman !

Do you get anything other than your eyebrows threaded ? I am wondering if I should try it to...just for the heck of it. The kit works well !

An Indian's Makeup Blog said... @ July 1, 2009 at 1:45 AM

Hi Dee !

DO you thread on your own ! If so then I'm super jealous of your talent. I cannot for the life me learn to twist those threads and keep my fingers moving at the same time.

SS said... @ July 1, 2009 at 2:19 AM

Great post!! I appreciate your honesty! I checked out the threader kit that you mention and just bought it. I'm really excited to try it out and hope it comes in a few days!! :-) I tried waxing and I vowed never again after I got a scar like yours on my upper lip. I then found this steel threader - it's like a long, super-tight coil that you bend in an upside down U shape. I think the kit that you mention is much more hygenic. Thanks!!

Rupa said... @ July 1, 2009 at 6:45 PM

Hey actually laser doesn't hurt...one of my friends got it done and says its much lesser a pain compared to threading eyebows...its just a slight pinch...thats how she describes it....

Anonymous said... @ July 2, 2009 at 9:23 PM

Hi Guys

just happened to come across this website and was reading through the posts. anyway ive done exactly what indian girl tried since hitting puberty and getting facial hair!! Anyway i am currently on laser after trying IPL and it being painful as well as not workin on darker skin tones (although im medium mac nc 30 if it helps) anyway laser is very good and can be used on very dark skin tones as well...just use a high sunscreen...but would advise starting it in winter to avoid sun exposure.

Radha said... @ July 2, 2009 at 10:05 PM

When your hair grew back after waxing, was it lighter and softer or did it grow back more coarse?

An Indian's Makeup Blog said... @ July 2, 2009 at 10:17 PM

Hi SS !

Lemme know how it works out for ya !

An Indian's Makeup Blog said... @ July 2, 2009 at 10:18 PM

Hi Rupa !

Isn't that wonderful ! I wish everybody had good experiences like your friend did. Its a lotta time wasted if it doesn't turn good...

An Indian's Makeup Blog said... @ July 2, 2009 at 10:20 PM

Hi Anon !
Thank you for sharing your experience. Have you completed he laser sessions ? Also is one's skin permanently sensitive to sun after laser or is it just during the process...

An Indian's Makeup Blog said... @ July 2, 2009 at 10:22 PM

Hi Radha !

It grew back normal. Definitely not coarser !I have never heard of anyone getting coarser hair after waxing but then again, we are all different. Its usually shaving that leads to coarser hair and very few women use a razor on their face. Also I only wax once in three months which is only four times a year...

Anonymous said... @ August 9, 2009 at 5:17 AM

OMG, I was so inspired by this that I went and ordered it!!! I haven't tried it yet, I will tomorrow. I haven't waxed in a month because I have a weddng on Aug.22nd and wanted to make sure it clean and bump free for it :) I will let you know how it goes...I am a wuss so fingers crossed. One difference if my button is white, how come yours is orange? Also, my chalk came crack :( AND...the bottles for the Feel Less and Closer are small considering how many times you can use the threader before even changes strings!

An Indian's Makeup Blog said... @ August 9, 2009 at 5:21 AM

Hi Anon !

Minez white too ! I added that orange thing just for fun. First time it hurt...second time, i expected the pain so may be it hurt less. But then its been much better. Hope it works well for you too !

Anonymous said... @ August 13, 2009 at 3:51 AM

It's me again! Man, I just re-read my last comment, my typing was SO BAD :S
So, I only had the staima to do a bit under my chin and forehead, it worked well, I can't figure out how to hold it for in between the eyebrows. I am going to do both cheeks this weekend. I'm staying in saturday, so I will start in the centre of my face and work my way out and finish the rest the next day. But yeah, no bumps, no irritation. I did use the feel less lotion beforehand, but not the closer afterwards only because I was threading spots with fine pores. The cheeks will be the worst for me...pray for me :P You can already see what a wuss I am.

Anonymous said... @ September 14, 2009 at 9:35 PM

I'm back again peoples. I have to say, I was planning on returning this threader cause I felt I would never get used to it. I did my whole cheeks 2 days ago (from under eye to side of nose to jaw line to ear). It was not so bad, I did it all in about an hour. I am right handed so my left cheek was done faster and cleaner, so I had to go back to my right cheek to make it look the same as the left. The only thing is this...I got a blister on my thumb from the machine, I mean a real bubble blister that requires a band-aid. Maybe next time I'll use my Mom's thimbles. The point is, I was able to do it and the pain isn't so bad once you go over an area. I would recommend not waiting until the hairs are too long since the thread picks up the hairs from the ends.

An Indian's Makeup Blog said... @ September 28, 2009 at 2:09 AM

Hi Anon !

So kind of you to come back and tell us about your experience. I appreciate it :)
I just used mine today. Its kinda becoming a once a month / once in 1.5 months ritual. I have my friend help me sometimes coz its tough to see the corners of the jaw line and to get the light right so you can see it well. So far this is the best beauty goodie I've found this year. So glad you could work around it too ! Too bad about the blister !!! That's crazy. First time my thumb ached like hell too. later I've realized that if I loosen the threads up a bit , it relieves the pressure on my thumb. Hope this helps ya ! Again, thank you for comin back and sharing your thoughts !

Anonymous said... @ August 16, 2010 at 7:16 AM

It's been nearly a year since you wrote this post and I was wondering what you think of this Threader now. Have you kept up with using it or do you prefer waxing? Do you still think it is a good buy since I'm thinking of buying it?

Ehtesham said... @ April 11, 2011 at 8:58 AM

where can we get this threader ?
I mean from where can one buy this. because i have seem in local market and could not find it.

Anonymous said... @ September 2, 2012 at 10:56 PM

Hello girls!
I used to use bleach and that lightened the hair and made it finer as well over time..I used laser hair removal and it only worked while I had it done..a year later it all came back..save your money...
So the only thing that might work is chickpea/black gram powder and turmeric..that I heard works for Indians who are the harriest.

@Prity zinta (official) said... @ September 23, 2012 at 8:24 PM

Where can you buy the kit and do you know how much it is? I do hand threading but im not dat good at it anytips for that

Anonymous said... @ October 6, 2012 at 3:01 AM

Hi, I would like to know where do you buy Gigi wax in India ?

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