How to get rid of Baby Hairs

How to get rid of Baby Hairs
How to get rid of Baby Hairs

I think baby hairs are cute. However, if you have frizzy hair type like mine, it is a little difficult to tame those angelic hairs. They are not always that cute when you want a neat hair-do. Check out more on how to get rid of baby hairs

Baby Hairs

A woman’s hair is her crown’ this bests explains why most women are obsessed with having great, healthy hair where they are willing to spend a lot of time and money to achieve the fabulous neat look where each strand is in place. So picture this, after spending a lot of time and money at the salon, you check the mirror just before stepping out and there are some wispy hairs at the forehead or sides of the cheek that are just not in place and they destroy the whole look.   These hairs are referred to as baby hairs.

Baby hair is also known as vellus hair can be described as the very fine and delicate hairs found on the edges of the hair and the beginning of the face skin. Depending on the hair type, color and texture they may appear curly, long or short, light or dark colored. In childhood, they blend well with the hair but as we advance into adulthood they seem to grow a temperament of their own.    The hairs often don’t blend with the rest of the hair and when it comes to styling they are a bit wildly and unmanageable.

This is usually a very big concern to females as they are not accustomed to a lot of body hair. Theses hairs appear at the nape of the neck, the forehead and sides of hairline which resemble the beard in men.

If fully embraced baby hairs at minimal length do portray a youthful look though this requires a lot of patience, however, the baby hair becomes too wild to the extent they affect the shape of the face then it’s best to seek alternatives.

Types of Baby Hairs

Fine baby hair.  On women, the presence of this kind of baby hair can be very irritating. It is almost impossible to manage and disguise since it is short, delicate and appears in a lighter shade.

Dark colored baby hair appears to be longer and it distinctively separates for the rest of the hairline.  It appears curly or straight and it can at least be tamed though not permanently especially if in excess.

What Causes Baby Hairs

Genetics

A family history of fast baby hair growth especially those of African, Latin and Asian descent can be one of the causes of excess growth.

Hair growth in humans is a very systematic and natural process. It occurs simultaneously in three particular phases which include the anagen, catagen and the telogen. At the anagen or growth stage, any inhibitions can affect the full growth process leading to the production of very fine textured hair of different lengths.

In Asians, this phase is usually longer and if it is inhibited it may result in dark haired baby hairs

Hormonal imbalances

During pregnancy women experience a gush of hormones that allow for rapid hair growth with minimal hair loss, meaning that the hormones support the anagen phase more than the telogen phase. However, immediately after birth, the shift of hormones may stunt the growth process resulting in short hair that is slippery in texture on the hairline.

The presence of excess male androgens such as testosterone in females may cause an increase in the formation of baby hair on the hairline. This is because it inhibits the growth of normal hairs resulting in the development of short, delicate hairs. This may also be as a result of Cushing’s syndrome which causes increased production of cortisol hormone that triggers production of excess baby hairs.

Stress and medicine allergy trigger the release of hormones which hinder the full development of hairs along the hairline.

Hair breakage. Though hair falls out is natural during the telogen phase of growth, use of hairstyles that use extreme heat and pull the hair can trigger. For persons who wear spectacles often may experience thinning and breakage on the sides of the hair. This is because all the hair follicles are independent and go through the cycle independently. So if it is interfered with during the anagen phase then it will lead to the development of baby hairs.

Inactive hair follicles may trigger the growth of new hair along the hairline and because they are a bit constricted and lack enough nutrients it may result in thin, stubby hair that doesn’t respond to the rest of the hair.  This may be caused by anorexia nervosa an eating disorder that starves the body of its nutrients.

Why Remove Baby Hair?

  • The use of hair and face products can get stuck in the tiny hairs creating a buildup which can cause skin irritation and acne on the forehead.
  • Due to exposure to the sun rays, the baby hair may cause the skin around the area to become very dry.
  • Though very tiny the baby hairs can trap in a lot of moisture leaving the skin a bit sweaty and uncomfortable.

How to Tame Baby Hairs

Unlike the hairs on the head, baby hairs are not perfectly patterned such that they cannot be easily parted. Because of this, the hair removal method used should be carefully selected to avoid ending up with a messy look. However, if the hairs are in small quantities they can be easily managed by:

  • Using coconut oil known for its stimulating properties. Its overnight application over time stimulates new hair growth and prevents breakage. This allows the hair to grow evenly in terms of type and texture thus reducing the occurrence of baby hair. On application, the hairs should be lightly trimmed every morning to create evenness.
  • On peach fuzz or dark hair, the use of clear mascara will help to smoothen the edges of the baby hair such that they are being linked to the other hair. However, this should be done with caution as its excessive use may cause a clear separation from the rest of the hair creating a weird look.
  • On an old toothbrush spray a good amount of strong hold hairspray and use this to comb the hairs on the hairline.Since it is in gel form it will help to relax the hair.
  • Olive oil and almond oil can also be used to hold the hair in place.
  • Applying hairstyles that prevent extreme pulling back of the hair to prevent breakage that may result in the formation of baby hair.

If the hair growth is extreme and unbearable then the following techniques can be used:

How to get rid of Baby Hairs

Also referred to as depilation methods, these techniques   work on the removal of the hair from the skin surface and they include:

Shaving to get rid  of frizzy baby hairs

This is considered as one of the easiest methods but it is very demanding. It involves the use of razor and shaving cream and the razor should be used cautiously as there are risks of injuries and possible skin irritations

Deplaning

This procedure is similar to shaving as it uses a razor but it is more professionally conducted.  A sharp razor is used very close to the skin to remove the hairs on the skin surface and it requires precision.

Use of depilatories or hair removal creams

Considered as one of the best remedies for removing dark and fine hair this method makes use of chemicals that melt the hairs eliminating them. It is affordable, fast and painless however this method is not very effective on sensitive skin as it can trigger skin irritations due to chemical use and cause the abnormal growth of the hairs in other parts of the body.

Epilation methods

They work on the hair from the inside out which is the area of the hair that is under the skin surface directly targeting the follicle and root. The methods include:

Waxing to get rid of hair flyaways

It involves the use of waxing strips and cold or hot wax applied to the surface.  This technique works best on dark hair since it appears a bit firmer. It may prove challenging on peach fuzz hair since it’s too fine and slippery.

It should also be avoided by persons who have a very sensitive scalp that is usually affected by dandruff. This is because the skin will become too sensitive and if the wax touches the hairline it may cause damage and increase sensitivity.

Be careful not to wax out your hair

Threading to remove hairs that stick up

It involves the use of thread intertwined to form an ‘X’ shape. It traps the baby hair and uproots them from the roots. The process is time-consuming and very painful and often leaves the skin irritated.

Tweezing

Using sterilized tweezers or the fingers it involves plucking the baby hairs from its roots. The process is time-consuming but slows down the regrowth of the hairs.

Sugaring to tame baby hairs on forehead

The use of rough like ingredients which when rubbed against the hair strands create friction which helps to eliminate the hairs. This technique makes use of homemade recipes that include:

Recipe 1

  • Mixing together three teaspoons of sugar, few drops of lemon juice and water make a paste
  • Apply on a clean forehead and leave for fifteen minutes until dry.
  • Wash with cold water and pat dry. This should be done at least twice a week for effectiveness.

Recipe 2

  • 3 tsp. honey
  • 2 tsp. lemon juice
  • Mix thoroughly.
  • Apply on opposite direction of the hair growth on the clean area of the forehead, nape of neck and sides of the hairline. Leave for fifteen minutes and wash with cold water.

 Recipe 3

  • Blend together egg white for its astringent properties, sugar and corn flour and apply the face mask.
  • Peel off the dry mask after 20 minutes. Do it carefully in the opposite direction of the hair growth. This helps to pluck off from the roots.
  • For effectiveness, this should be done at least once in a fortnight for effectiveness.

Recipe 4

  • Mix into a paste two teaspoons of water and yogurt. Add to the mixture a pinch of turmeric powder and a quarter gram flour.
  • Apply and leave on baby hairs for about 15 minutes.
  • Peel in opposite hair growth direction
  • Wash with lukewarm water.
  • Use this twice a week.

How to get rid of Baby Hairs Permanently

These methods are referred to as permanent epilation since they work permanently. They destroy the hair follicles and roots thus curtailing any growth.  They are quite expensive and may cost up to $ 1300

Laser removal

A highly non –invasive treatment, the laser produces light which is converted to heat energy. It penetrates through the hair follicles and melanocytes in the hair and kills the hair root. This inhibits any form of growth.

Kim Kardashian before and after lasering her baby hairs
Kim Kardashian before and after lasering her baby hairs

Laser use is best for dark baby hairs as it targets only the pigmented hairs for destruction. This means that it may not be effective on very lightly colored or peach fuzz hair. For effective results, one is expected to attend six to eight treatments. These are performed after every two or three months.

However, due to the heat produced by the laser, it can affect the surrounding hair follicles. This may cause abnormal growth in other areas

Electrolysis

This method destroys unwanted hairs permanently. It is also used for a wide variety of hair and skin types.

This technique applies electric charges to the different hair shafts destroying each individual hair follicle and root. Since it works on each strand it is time-consuming. It is however very effective since it works on all hair color and types.

Read more on electrolysis hair removal here

Electrolysis poses a high risk of ingrown hairs, Skin pigmentation and an increase in hair growth.

 

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