In most cases of excessive hair growth, hereditary factors play a role. Sometimes hormonal activity, or imbalances can trigger off sudden growth of unwanted hair. During menopause, for instance, facial hair growth can occur.

There are several methods of hair removal. Your choice would depend on the area from which hair must be removed. It is alos essential to know the pros and cons of the various methods.

Shaving
Many women choose to shave their legs and under their arms. It is probably the quickest method of hair removal, but it has to be very regular, because regrowth is very fast. A stubble can appear within three days, or even less. You should shave towards the direction of hair growth and exercise caution by applying a mild anti-septic solution, in case of nicks or cuts. If there is bleeding apply ice to stop it.

Waxing
This is probably the most popular method of removing hair on the body. It is most convenient to have it done at a beauty salon. Varieties of wax may be available, but  the sugar and lemon mixture is most commonly used. The ingredients are heated to form a sticky syrup, which is applied on the body. Strips of cloth are then pressed on the area to be waxed and quickly ripped off. The cloth brings away the unwanted hair with it. Initially, the method may be painful. The sugar and lemon actually benefits the skin, making it soft and smooth.Regrowth is also known to slow down with waxing, the results lasting for four to five weeks. Waxing should never be done for facial hair.

Chemical depilatories
Hair removers, or chemical depilatories, contain chemicals that dissolve the hair. They should never be applied on the face, or on areas of the body where there may be pimples, rashes, or broken skin. Depilatories do not destroy the hair roots, so regrowth is inevitable. If there is any burning sensation when you apply the hair removing cream, wipe it off immediately. Your skin may be sensitive to certain substances in the remover. Skin irritation or allergic rashes have been known to occur with the use of such products. Regular use of chemical depilatories has also caused discolourations on the skin, in some cases.

Removal of Facial Hair
It is facial hair that causes the most anxiety to women. The way you deal with it depend on the nature and amount of hair growth. There may be fine downy hair, or only a few dark hairs on areas like the chin. Or, perhaps, it is matter of thicker, coarser growth. Beauty salons employ several methods for the removal of facial hair, like bleaching, plucking, threading, electrolysis and so on.

Bleaching
Many women have their facial hair bleached in order to camouflage them. In fact, the hair on the arms and legs may be bleached too. A peroxide solution is used to lighten the colour of the hair. This method may help fine downy hair. Great caution must be exercised. Before applying the solution on the face, dab a little on the hairs at the back of your hand. If there is no burning sensation and the results seem satisfactory, it may be used on the face. Burns have occurred during bleaching, so it is essential to take great care. As with all chemical preparations, one must follow instructions carefully. The knowledge of the procedure is incomplete without an awareness of the dangers involved.

Plucking
Plucking is done with tweezers and is suitable for the removal of isolated hairs, on the chin, or between the brows. Before plucking, wipe the area with cotton wool soaked in a mild astringent or antiseptic solution and remember to wipe the tweezers too. Remember also that plucking is not meant for hair on the upper lip area. Any hair growing from a mole should not be pulled out. You should consult a doctor first.

Threading
Beauty salons use threading not only for shaping the eyebrows, but also for fine hair on the face, including the area above the upper lip and along the hair line. With threading, there is the possibility of skin irritation, specially if it is done frequently. Some amount of redness may occur immediately after threading. If this happens, apply a little zinc ointment. In most cases, where acne or some skin conditionis present, threading should be avoided, as it can aggravate the problem and even cause it to spread.

Electrolysis
If your facial hair is dark and coarse and source of real embarrasment to you, electrolysis may be tried. It is said to be permanent method of hair removal, but regrowth has been known to occur. With electrolysis, it is important to know the pros and cons. It is an expensive procedure and takes time. A light growth of fine hair may take five or six sessions. The interval between sessions should not be less than 14 days. With shorter intervals, or very frequent sessions, there is a chance of scarring.

With electrolysis, you should know exactly what you are going in for. The diathermy method is more popular. An electric current is passed through a fine needle, which is inserted into the hair follicle. This cauterizes the hair root and destroys the papilla, in order to check regrowth of hair. It is very important to choose your electrolysist with care. In the hands of an unskilled operator, there may be regrowth or scarring. The skin can get pitted if the operator, is not skilled in the procedure. Talk to people who have had hair removed by electrolysis and find out as much as you can. You should also take care to see that sterile disposable needles are used.

Perma-tweeze
Perma-tweeze is a newer method of facial hair removal. In this procedure, a tweezer is used, that is electrically operated. It does not involve the use of needles, so the risk of scarring is not present. Perma-tweezing also requires several sittings. The number of sittings depends on the texture and amount of hair growth.

Shapeel, a honey-apricot peel-off mask can help in case of fine, downly facial hair, by discouraging growth, when used over a period of time. The mask is removed by peeling it off the skin, weakening the roots over a period of time. At the same time, honey moisturises the skin, while apricot has a nourishing and tightening effect.