Upper lip hair could be a result of hirsutism, which is a condition wherein excessive hair grows on face, especially on the chin and above the lip due to an excess of male androgen hormones in the body. There could be unwanted hair growth in other parts of the body as well. This condition tends to be inherited and is more common in women of certain ethnicities such as Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Asian.
The use of certain medicines/treatments such as hormone therapy, anabolic steroids, and the endometriosis drug, danazol is also known to lead to hirsutism.
Another common cause of upper lip hair is polycystic ovary syndrome (POS) that is caused by an imbalance of hormones in the body, leading to the formation of cysts in the ovaries. The symptoms of this condition are infertility, irregular menstruation, and inexplicable weight gain.
Relatively rare reasons for the growth of upper lip hair are Cushing’s syndrome, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, or tumors. Cushing’s syndrome occurs when the body has unusually high levels of the stress hormone, cortisol. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia is an inherited condition wherein the adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol. It causes irregular menstrual cycles or infertility. Tumors in the adrenal glands or ovaries may cause overproduction of male hormones in the body.
Regular methods of upper hair removal are plucking, threading, bleaching, or waxing. These techniques either remove the hair temporarily or mask it to become less noticeable. Apart from bleaching, all these methods are painful.
Natural remedies can slow down the growth of upper lip hair or make it less noticeable. These methods take a while to have an effect but they are painless and safer than conventional techniques.
1. Turmeric and milk
A paste of turmeric and milk is applied to the upper lip. When dry, it is rubbed off with moistened fingers. Regular application of this paste will retard the growth of hair.
2. Turmeric and water
A thick paste of turmeric and water also has the same effect as turmeric-milk paste. Gradually, the growth of hair on the upper lip will reduce.
3. Egg white with corn flour and sugar
A thick mixture of egg white with corn flour and sugar can be used as a peel-off pack for upper lip hair. There is considerable reduction in hair growth upon regular use of this pack.
4. Chickpea flour with turmeric and milk
A thick paste of chickpea flour with turmeric and milk is applied to the upper lip. As it dries, it is rubbed off. This remedy should be used at least twice a week. A teaspoon of cream can also be added to this paste for more benefits.
5. Lemon juice
Lemon juice is very effective natural bleach. A cotton ball or a Q-tip can be used to apply lemon juice to upper lip hair in the direction of growth. Once it dries, it can be washed off with warm water. You should be careful when going out in the sun because lemon juice makes the skin more sensitive to the sun’s rays.
6. Lime juice and honey
A mixture of one tablespoon of honey and two tablespoons of lime juice can be applied to the upper lip every day for at least four days. This method helps lighten the hair and make it less noticeable.
7. Sugar wax
Sugar wax can be made by melting a tablespoon of sugar in a pan along with the addition of a few drops of lemon juice. When it has cooled down, it can be applied to the upper lip. Using a cotton cloth strip, the hair can be pulled off in one quick pull.
8. Yoghurt with gram flour and turmeric
Another effective home remedy is a mixture of yoghurt with gram flour and turmeric. When the paste is dry, rub off with moist fingers.
9. Lemon juice and sugar
A mixture of lemon juice, sugar, and water can be applied to the upper lip area and left on for 10-15 minutes until it dries. Next, it is washed off with warm water.
10. Brown sugar wax
Two cups of brown sugar, one cup of lemon juice, and one cup of water is heated in a pan on medium flame. The mixture is stirred continuously until a thick brown liquid is obtained. This liquid can be used to pull off upper lip hair.
