Facial Hair.

Byline: Ellen Miller

Waxing and tweezing tricks that will leave you fuzz-free.

Many women would rather discover their sex tape on YouTube than admit they have facial hair. But they needn't be embarrassed, according to Doris J. Day, a dermatologist in New York City. "I see women with unwanted facial hair in my office every single day," she says. While an excessive amount could be a sign of an underlying hormonal condition and should be brought to a doctor's attention, peach fuzz on the cheeks and jawline is a common problem for fair-skinned women, and coarse, dark hair on the chin and upper lip is common among olive- and dark-skinned women. "Waxing is the best method of temporary removal for both kinds of hair," says Cindy Barshop, owner of Completely Bare Spas in New York City and Palm Beach, Florida, "but you'll need to prep and treat skin differently." It's also important to wait until skin fully heals after a peel or sunburn and to stop using prescription retinoids and Accutane for 48 hours before you wax. With these steps, you'll be keeping your chin up.

PREP

1. Start with clean skin and tied-back hair. If facial hair feels thick and coarse, exfoliate skin with a fine-grain scrub. (Skip the scrub for peach fuzz.) Swipe astringent over the area to eliminate excess oil. Dust on baby powder to absorb any leftover moisture.

HEAT

2. Heat a low-temperature wax according to your kit's directions. Stir the wax thoroughly and test it on the inside of your wrist--it should feel warm but not scalding. If your kit comes with strips, cut them into one-inch pieces.