If I were to ever go on University Challenge, I’d choose two specialist subjects: moisturizing and facial hair removal. I was blessed with the sort of hair that grows in all places at all times, and learning how to best remove facial hair quickly and effectively has become my life’s work. From bracing myself to pull off wax strips to dabbling in laser hair removal to trying to avoid inhaling the fumes of powerful hair removal creams, rare is the hair removal method I haven’t experimented with.

All of this experience means I know the best method for you will depend on many factors: Your threshold for pain, whether you’d prefer to do it yourself or see a professional, how quickly your hair grows back, and the sensitivity (or not) of your skin. Here’s a breakdown of the best way to remove unwanted hair, directly from the experts.

One caveat before we dive in: whether you choose to keep or remove facial hair is a personal preference. This is for people who are looking for advice on removing it in a skin-safe way.

What’s the best method to remove facial hair?

Waxing

One of the quickest ways to remove facial hair, waxing can leave skin noticeably smoother and hair-free for anywhere between two and four weeks. At home, wax strips are the most common way to remove facial hair, while in a salon, hot wax is more likely to be used.

“In addition to hair removal, waxing also gently exfoliates the skin by removing dead skin cells,” Monica Ella Botros, managing director at Strip Hair Removal Experts, tells Vogue. “However, facial skin is significantly more delicate and sensitive than the skin on the rest of the body, so it does require extra care.”

One concern about facial waxing is that some people experience bumps and small breakouts afterwards, something Botros says is avoidable with the right after-care routine. “Breakouts and bumps happen when bacteria enter the freshly ‘opened’ pores (the removal of the hair follicle leaves an opening in the skin),” she explains.

“For the first 12 to 24 hours, you must avoid using any perfumed products on the treated area, as well as refraining from hot baths, showers, sunbathing, sun beds, swimming and strenuous exercise.” Steam, sweat, and SPF are all things that can trigger post-wax irritation. This also applies to strong topical treatments, like retinol, potent exfoliators and peels.

Benefits of waxing

• Quick
• Cost-effective
• Easy to do at home
• Extended hair-free period

Drawbacks of waxing

• Depending on your pain threshold, it can hurt
• Possibility of post-wax breakouts
• Can increase the likelihood of ingrown hairs
• Can cause irritation in sensitive skin types

Threading

Threading involves taking a carefully twisted piece of cotton thread and using the tension to hold and pull on unwanted hairs.