Facial hair and Ferriman-Gallwey index?
Of late, many ladies are coming for consultation when they have even growth of a few hairs on the face. What is the scientific indication that a particular woman has more hair on the face or less hair on the face or is it ordinary or abnormal? Though sometimes visibly one can assess abnormal hair growth on the face still a curious person may look for an authentic, scientific index. In this context, facial hair and Ferryman-Gallwey index gained importance for discussion.
What is a Ferriman-Gallwey index? How is it related to getting rid of facial hair?
To put it simply, it’s an index whereby the degree of hirsutism or male-pattern body hair growth is calculated for women. Devised in 1961, the original index looked at 11 body areas in women, rating the hair from zero (no hair) to four (extensive hair). This scale was later simplified. Basically, the index now comprises images of hair distribution on areas such as the face, chest, stomach, arms, and legs. A score of eight to 15 indicates normal to mild hirsutism, while a score beyond 15 indicates excessive hair growth.
In continuation of the various methods to prevent and remove hair growth on the face, chin, and other areas in women a little bit of alum is to be taken and mixed with one tablespoon of rose water and one tablespoon of olive oil. Make sure that alum (turn it into a powder) dissolves in the rose water. This paste is to be applied to the affected areas with a cotton ball. Wait till it dries off completely. Apply another layer and wait until dry. Like this, it is to be repeated 6 times, then wash off and hydrate the skin with a moisturiser or a few drops of olive oil.
Egg and Corn Flour Mask
Some ladies mix 2 tablespoons of sugar with one tablespoon of corn flour and one egg to form a thick paste and apply to the face, and allow it to dry for 15-20 minutes. Once it’s dried, peel it off gently and repeat three in a week for maximum results. Others try 2 tablespoons of barley powder mixed with one tablespoon of milk and lime juice each to make a paste and apply it on the face, and let it dry naturally for 20 minutes. Then wash off with lukewarm water.
Gelatin and Milk with two tablespoons of unflavoured gelatin powder, four tablespoons of milk, and a few drops of lemon juice to be mixed all and heat the mixture for about 30 seconds. Let the mixture cool off and then apply it to the face. Wait for 10 minutes and peel it off. This should not be tried if there is sensitive skin. A mix of essential oils can act as an anti-facial hair mask. Two tablespoons of lavender oil and eight drops of tea tree oil to be mixed well in a small bowl. This is to be applied twice a day with a cotton ball. These essential oils act against androgens and can inhibit hair growth.
Some women consider facial waxing to uproot hair from its roots. Skilled ladies can do this at home, but it is usually done as a salon procedure. It is also affordable, as opposed to permanent hair removal techniques, and is easy since groups of hair are removed in one go.
Also, over a period of time, waxing can achieve permanent hair removal if the follicle weakens enough. Soft wax (approved for cosmetic use) is applied over the desired area with an object like a butter knife. Cloth or paper strips are applied over this and pressed firmly into the skin. Then the strip is quickly ripped off in the direction of hair growth.
These days, hard wax is also available, where the wax can be ripped off without the use of a cloth. There can be some downsides, though. To begin with, waxing can often lead to bloody patches on the skin. There can be skin irritation, discoloration, and other allergic reactions as well. This procedure is sometimes painful for sensitive skin.
Shaving the face not only removes hair but also dead skin cells, thus exfoliating the skin. You may have to do it more often to keep hair growth in check. It can also lead to ingrown hairs and leave behind nicks and cuts if not done carefully. Remember to moisturise the skin after shaving to prevent dryness and itching.
Tweezing
Tweezing is like waxing in that it removes hair from the root. One has to use a pair of tweezers to pluck or pull hair from the roots, one by one. Tweezing can be done to shape the eyebrows or to remove any dark hair that stands out, but it is time-consuming to remove all facial hair with tweezers.
Threading
Threading is done by using a thread, which is pulled and twisted to remove unwanted hair from the follicle. It works better than tweezing because one can cover a larger area and remove more hair in less time. Threading is typically done to shape eyebrows and remove hair on the upper lip and chin.
Using an Epilator
An epilator is a device that pulls hair out from the roots, much like a tweezer, but faster and in an efficient manner. There are several types of epilators available nowadays in the market, so one has to choose one that is made to remove facial hair and that suits their needs. It is advised to exfoliate a day or two before epilation to avoid ingrown hair. Tweezing, waxing, and threading are the best ways to remove chin hair because pulling hair from the root traumatizes the follicle. This can slow down regrowth.
