Electrolysis
This is regarded as the only true permanent method for unwanted facial hair removal. Each hair follicle is treated with an electric current which destroys the follicle's ability to form new hair.
There is mild discomfort and a qualified practitioner can do much to alleviate the anxiety and minimize the pain.
4 to 10 hours may be required to treat the upper lip and 2 to 12 hours for the chin depending on how much hair growth there is. Quotes range from $25 to $100 per hour so the total cost for the upper lip can be anywhere between $100 to $1,000 and between $50 and $1,200 for the chin area.
Laser Hair Removal
Laser is often regarded as a permanent unwanted facial hair removal method although there can be regrowth. Pulsed light is used to cover many hair follicles at a time and so the cost is obviously less than electrolysis. The upper lip can be treated in less than 1 minute and the chin in 2 to 3 minutes. 3 to 8 treatments may be necessary and a typical cost would be around $500 per hour.
Thorough consultations with the practitioner are necessary to establish whether this method will work for you. It is a good idea to have a test done on an area of skin not so visible.
Waxing Or Sugaring
This method of unwanted facial hair removal is extremely popular as it is quite inexpensive and easy to do at home. Numerous waxing or sugaring kits are available on the market, some with ingredients to soothe the skin and minimize redness, especially appropriate for the facial areas.
Wax adheres to the hair and skin whereas sugar pastes adhere only to the hair. When the strip is pulled back there is less pain with sugaring. Also many natural sugaring pastes are available so the skin is not so affected as with the chemicals in some waxing preparations.
Results may last for 3 to 6 weeks depending on the individual and rate of hair growth.