How to Remove Hair from Upper Lip Naturally (2024)

Natural remedies such as sugaring or using honey may help remove unwanted hair from your upper lip. In some cases, a dermatologist can recommend additional hair removal options.

Share on Pinterest

Removing hair from your upper lip can be challenging. Techniques that may be used on other parts of the body may be too harsh for this area.

Discover natural methods of upper lip hair removal along with more conventional, yet still gentle, techniques that may help.

Practitioners of natural remedies offer a variety of hair removal methods that focus on the upper lip.

They claim that these remedies will not only remove hair but reduce its growth rate and may result in permanent elimination of the hair when used over time.

Turmeric and milk

One natural method promoted anecdotally is a combination of turmeric and milk.

A 2017 study and a 2018 study suggest that Curcuma aeruginosa Roxb., a close relative of turmeric, may help inhibit the growth of armpit hair. Both studies used lotions that contained the plant.

Studies are needed to determine whether turmeric or C. aeruginosa Roxb. may specifically help remove upper lip hair.

1. Thoroughly mix 1 tablespoon of turmeric and 1 tablespoon of milk in a small bowl.
2. Once mixed, use your fingers to gently apply the mixture to your upper lip.
3. Wait about 20 minutes for the mixture to fully dry.
4. Once fully dry, gently rub your upper life with wet fingers — in the direction opposite of your hair growth — until the dried paste is completely removed.
5. Rinse the area with cold water.

Gelatin

While gelatin doesn’t remove hair on its own, some beauty bloggers consider it a key ingredient in homemade hair removal masks. The idea is that once you remove the mask from your upper lip, unwanted hairs will peel off, too.

Research in this area is lacking.

One clinical study suggests that gelatin may complement in-office hair removal methods, like laser hair treatments. Gelatin and glycerin could help cool the skin in such cases.

1. Mix 1 tablespoon of unflavored gelatin, 1½ teaspoons of milk, and 3 drops of lavender essential oil in a small microwave-safe bowl.
2. Put the bowl in a microwave and heat on high for 12 seconds.
3. While the mixture is warm (not hot), use a small wooden stick or tongue depressor to apply it to your upper lip.
4. Once the mixture has dried, peel it off against the direction of your hair growth.
5. Rinse the area with cold water.

Spearmint tea

According to an older 2007 study involving just 21 people, drinking 1 cup of spearmint tea twice a day may help limit the growth of facial hair in women with hirsutism.

While you can safely drink herbal teas like spearmint daily, there’s no evidence proving that this method inhibits hair growth.

Honey

Some people who use honey to remove hair from their upper lip find that it’s milder than wax but is similarly effective at pulling hair out of its follicles.

Some fans of natural remedies also include lemon juice to naturally bleach and lighten the remaining hair. However, the fruit acids in lemon may cause stinging or irritation.

While there has been extensive research on honey’s antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits for the skin, its ability to remove hair requires further study.

In addition to following the recipe below, you may find honey-based wax removal kits at drugstores and online.

1. Combine 1 tablespoon of honey and ½ tablespoon of lemon juice.
2. Apply the mixture to your upper lip.
3. Leave it on for 20 minutes.
4. Soak a washcloth in warm water and wring out the excess water.
5. Gently wipe off the paste and rinse the area with cool water.

Some people may prefer the ancient hair removal practice of sugaring, also known as sugar waxing.

Researchers note that sugaring, like other methods that remove the hair follicle and bulb, yields temporary results.

1. Place four chamomile tea bags in a saucepan and cover them with water. Bring to a boil.
2. After boiling for 2 minutes, remove from heat and let cool for 30 minutes.
3. Remove the tea bags and ¼ cup of the tea-infused water. Pour this water into a separate saucepan.
4. Over medium heat, add 2 cups of sugar and ¼ cup fresh squeezed lemon juice to the tea water until fully combined.
5. Bring to a boil and reduce heat for a few minutes.
6. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and let it cool.
7. Use a small wooden stick to spread the mixture over your upper lip.
8. Place a cotton waxing strip over the area and hold it for a few seconds.
9. Pull off the waxing strip quickly in the opposite direction of your hair growth.

If you don’t use all of the mixture, you can store it in an airtight container for later use.

Also called plucking, tweezing is perhaps the least expensive way to get rid of hair on the upper lip.

You may also find the results last longer than other methods, averaging 3 to 8 weeks. This is because the process removes the hair root.

The downside to this method is that it can be painful. You can minimize pain by gripping one hair at a time closest to the root and then pulling each one quickly in the direction of hair growth. This process may also be more time-consuming than other hair removal methods.

In threading, professionals rapidly move and twist two cotton threads over the unwanted hairs.

Experienced professionals typically perform threading. If you undergo threading treatments, expect the results to last between 4 to 5 weeks.

This option is ideal for removing hair in small areas quickly. It’s also better suited for sensitive skin than other hair removal methods.

The downside to using threading in the upper lip area is that this method works best in areas where you want to keepsome of the hair, like the eyebrows. The extent of the amount of hair you want to be removed could ultimately determine whether threading is a good option for you.

Also called depilatories, hair removal creams or lotions work by dissolving the hair at the skin’s surface.

They work quickly and are relatively inexpensive. You can expect the results to last for up to 2 weeks.

Hair removal creams aren’t suitable for all skin and hair types. The chemicals and fragrances in these products may irritate sensitive skin and possibly lead to allergic reactions. Also, this hair removal method may not be as effective if you have coarse hair.

Regardless of skin or hair type, it’s important that you find a hair removal cream that’s designed for the face. Avoid body depilatories, as these may contain stronger ingredients unsuitable for the upper lip.

While not necessarily painful, hair removal creams can cause skin burning and irritation. You can opt for a fragrance-free formula to help reduce the risk of skin irritation.

To use hair removal creams on the upper lip, follow these steps outlined by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD):

1. Apply a thick but even layer of the product to the upper lip area.
2. Allow the product to sit for the designated time as outlined on the package. In the meantime, wash your hands thoroughly.
3. Wipe the cream off of your skin with gentle strokes.
4. Rinse the area with lukewarm water, and then pat dry.

Shaving is arguably the quickest and least painful method of upper hair removal.

Before you use any razor, it’s important to select one that’s smaller in size to avoid accidental nicks and cuts around your mouth and nose.

The downside to this hair removal method is that shaving only removes the hair at the skin’s surface. You may need to shave more often to maintain the desired results. Hair may grow back 1 to 3 days after shaving.

You may see two types of upper lip hair razors on the market: electric razors and traditional ones.

To shave upper lip hair with a traditional razor, follow these steps outlined by the AAD:

1. First, wet the skin with lukewarm water.
2. Apply a shaving gel or cream to the upper lip area.
3. Press the razor gently against your skin, shaving with the direction of hair growth. This will help decrease the risk of ingrown hairs and razor bumps.
4. Rinse the skin and pat it dry.
5. Also, rinse your razor and store it in a dry area between shaving sessions.

If you don’t see the desired results from other hair removal options, consider speaking with a dermatologist about hair growth inhibitors. As the name suggests, these work by inhibiting, or stopping, the growth of hair.

You may see results within 4 to 8 weeks.

Note that this method won’t remove existing hair from your upper lip. You will first need to remove unwanted hair and then start using this product twice daily for the best results. While effective in reducing hair regrowth, this method may not be ideal if you’re looking for quick results.

If you’re interested in removing facial hair on your upper lip, you have a number of natural options. You can also stick with tried-and-true methods, like tweezing and shaving.

Start by discussing your unwanted hair with a doctor. They can provide information tailored to help you choose the best course of action for your specific situation, especially if you have sensitive skin.

A doctor may also refer you to a dermatologist if you’re looking for more permanent hair removal options. A dermatologist may provide information about in-office hair removal treatments, such as laser hair removal and electrolysis.