What Are The Best Natural Hair Growth Inhibitors For The Face?

Have you noticed that natural body hair growth was not an issue for the generations before us? They didn’t do waxing, shaving, threading, or lasers. But instead, they used to apply a mixture of ingredients to their skin to get fresh, hair-less skin. We are more into modern solutions with less results; why can’t we explore our ancestors’s traditional methods to prepare natural hair growth inhibitors for the face and body and boost our outcomes with modern techniques?

Table of Contents:

• Part 1: What Are Hair Growth Inhibitors And What Is Their Mechanism Of Action?
• Part 2: What Are Natural Hair Growth Inhibitors And How Can I Prepare Them At Home?
• Part 3: Are There Any Chemicals That Act As Facial Hair Growth Inhibitors?
• Part 4: Which One Is A Better Hair Growth Inhibitor For The Face?  Natural Or Chemical?

Part 1: What Are Hair Growth Inhibitors And What Is Their Mechanism Of Action?

Hair growth inhibitors are compounds, either natural or synthetic, that inhibit or delay the growth of hair in the follicle cells by different mechanisms. They can be used for facial hair, body hair and bikini lines. These hair-inhibitors work by

• Inhibiting the formation of hair growth by the follicle cells
• Inhibiting the action of enzymes involved in the normal hair growth cycle
• Interacting with hormones to delay normal hair growth
• Providing anti-inflammatory properties to reduce unwanted, excessive hair growth

Part 2: What Are Natural Hair Growth Inhibitors And How Can I Prepare Them At Home?

The most common and effective hair growth inhibitors that are traditionally used across the globe include

Turmeric

Turmeric, also known as the golden spice, is mostly known for its anti-inflammatory properties.

In Asian countries, this spice is commonly used to treat hyperpigmentation and acne during puberty.  It contains curcumin as its active ingredient for inhibiting hair growth. Curcumin has shown many therapeutic responses, including antihistamine effects and antimicrobial properties.

When curcuma oil, derived from curcumin, was tested for its hair growth-inhibiting properties among 60 women for 10 consecutive weeks, it showed significant results and reduced the growth of hair in the tested regions. The research explained that the active ingredients of turmeric directly affect the hair roots and weaken them.

You can apply a turmeric mask by mixing turmeric powder, aloe vera gel, and rose water. You can also add honey or yoghurt (your choice). Let the paste dry and then crumble it off like a natural exfoliator. Sometimes, this paste works as a peel-off mask, which will help in removing the hair roots.

Papaya

Papaya, known for its nutritional values, is derived from the Carica papaya plant and contains the active ingredient papain. Papain is one of the strongest natural hair growth inhibitors. It works by digesting the proteins required for the production of hair.

Papaya seeds, papaya oils, and products containing papain are a good natural source of facial hair growth inhibitors without any side effects. Traditionally, people used to make a papaya paste on their skin to boost their skin health and limit the growth of body hair naturally.

Spearmint

Spearmint, known for its refreshing aroma and cool taste, contains rosmarinic acid as its active ingredient. Rosmarinic acid is believed to contain strong anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and hormone-regulating properties. It does not have any impact on the follicle cells directly but indirectly inhibits the growth of extra body hair. Spearmint oils and tea are also considered the best hair growth inhibitors for the face to treat hirsutism. It has been common practice in Middle Eastern countries to drink spearmint tea as a herbal remedy for treating excessive facial hair.  A journal of alternative and complementary medicine published that spearmint tea or Qehwa, can significantly control the levels of androgens and testosterone hormones, thus inhibiting the growth of facial hair in women.

Tea Tree Oil and Lavender Tea tree oils, when applied locally, improve scalp health and prevent the production of two hairs in one follicle, ingrown hair, dark spots and acne. Terpenes and monoterpenes, found in tea tree and lavender oils, respectively, work as dihydrotestosterone (DHT) inhibitors. DHT is a proactive form of testosterone that helps in the production of male characteristics and male hair growth patterns. Thus, these natural DHT inhibitors work as the best hair growth inhibitors to prevent the growth of coarse, thick and black hair on the face at home.

Part 3: Are There Any Chemicals That Act As Facial Hair Growth Inhibitors?

Depiderm

Depiderm is one of the most commonly used hair growth inhibitors for the face and is considered safe for any skin type. It is a synthetic one but provides natural ingredients to get flawless, hair-less skin. It contains depiline as its active compound, which works by inhibiting keratinocyte multiplication in the follicle cell, thus slowing hair regrowth. It does not affect the skin quality and effectively reduces the frequency of waxing, lasers or shaving.

Eflornithine Sold under the brand name Vaniqa, eflornithine is one of the most potent synthetic hair growth inhibitors. For treating body hair, topical cream can be used. Eflornithine works by inhibiting the enzyme ornithine decarboxylase, which is considered to be an essential enzyme for normal hair growth. During clinical studies, 81% of the women showed positive results after 12 months of treatment. You must consult with your dermatologist before using synthetic hair growth inhibitors if you have any medical conditions.

Part 4: Which One Is A Better Hair Growth Inhibitor For The Face?  Natural Or Chemical?

You might be thinking about which facial hair growth inhibitor would work for you. It is totally based on individualised preferences, skin type (dry or sensitive) and expected outcomes. However, always consult with a dermatologist before choosing any option.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is important to know that both natural and synthetic facial hair growth inhibitors are only effective when hair is already removed by its root. These inhibitors work on the roots, not the hair shafts. Even if there is minor hair growth felt or seen in the roots, the mask, cream or ointment will not give any results. However, when the hair is uprooted either by laser or waxing, the application of hair growth inhibitors to the face may enhance the effectiveness of these hair-removing procedures by up to 70% and reduce the number of sessions required. It is suggested that one should not depend on these remedies but should continue their regular hair-removing treatments while using these growth inhibitors to enhance the outcomes.

FAQ

Can I prepare a mask for hair growth inhibitors at home?

If you are looking for the best natural hair growth inhibitor for your face at home, then a mixture of papaya and turmeric masks can work for you. The active ingredients of papaya and turmeric, papain and curcumin, respectively, will slow down the regrowth of hair. However, if you need results from natural and home-made remedies, you need to have patience and consistency. You must ensure to exclude other medical conditions while applying any of these remedies. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist.

Do natural hair growth inhibitors provide long-lasting results?

No. It is not right to say that natural hair growth inhibitors can provide long-lasting results. But they work as synergists or boosters to improve the efficacy of hair removal methods and speed up outcomes with lasers and waxing. However, these natural ingredients improve overall health and indirectly slow down excessive facial hair growth.

Are there any side effects associated with depiderm?

Hair inhibitors, like depiderm, are generally considered safe for all skin types. Such products mostly get on the market after passing clinical trials and testing.  However, applying it immediately after lasers or waxing may cause some burning or tingling sensations. Therefore, it is advised to apply the cream after 3 to 4 hours of laser or waxing. Stop applying the cream when you feel the growth of hair roots in the skin. Consult with your dermatologist before using depiderm.