The bearded lady

Hi all,

Here's a query which I could only make on a site with kind, understanding friends:

being 75 means I rival father Christmas with beard and moustach - but as I'm female, I need to get rid of it. In pre-AF days, (ie last year), I used to have electrolysis, but now I'm worried about having it with AF. No real help on the internet generally, and the beautician who usually treats me is understandably reluctant, so can anyone advise me? I realise this a question which could involve a very personal answer - but maybe you've read about it, or heard it from a friend?? I'm really only asking about AF and electrolysis, as I'm aware of alternatives, like depilatory creams, laser treatment, hedge-trimmers, etc.

Love to all,

Pat.

[Buffafly]

No idea, but interested in the electrolysis, I'd like to try it!

[Hidden in reply to Buffafly]

Hi Buffafly! It's v effective, although you may need several treatments. It involves a tiny shock being delivered through a needle into the hair follicle, which stops the hair growing. (Sorry if you knew this already!) In my 20's, I had a course which solved the problem for years, but after menopause, it started again, hence my return to treatment. It's the effect of the shocks I'm worried about, now I'm in AF.

Pat.

[Delle]

Hi Pat....feel your pain being three weeks off 73, but all I've ever done with my "beard" is dry shave it with a man's razors.....works fine and refines your skin a wee bit too...!

Sorry I've no technical response, but maybe you could try my time proven method of staying without a bead!

Good luck

Delle x

[Hidden]

Have you tried 'threading' an ancient art usually performed by skilled Asian ladies...Very quick and neat results for eyebrows face etc..A painless none invasive treatment...

[Beancounter Volunteer]

Hi Pat

Agree with Caromia, threading is the ideal solution, and if you are in London which I am fairly sure you are, then easy to find in any of the Asian areas.

Here in Harrow they even do it in the middle of the shopping centre, but loads of beauticians do it a little less publically with tea and a smile.

Be well

Ian

[Bagrat]

Sorry we ladies have these issues. I wax andthen tweak the crispy ones! I think the leaflet says not recommended for oldies. On a lighter note a young friend's 4 year old has just caused much embarrassment by saying to an older lady " Why have you got a beard, are you a boy or a girl" so I guess we have to persevere!!

[Hidden in reply to Bagrat]

Yes - it's just perseverance, but at least it can be the source of much amusement! By the way, which leaflet did you mean?

Love,

Pat.

[Bagrat in reply to Hidden]

Hidden the one that comes in the waxing strips!!

[Whimsicalitys]

Hi Pat! I am going through the same thing and believe it must be from a beta blocker I am also taking. What is really strange is all the hair that fell out when I started the meds is coming back... I had tons of hair!

But this chin hair is driving me insane. Tweezing takes forever so I started to shave and I swear I created more!

I heard drinking Spearmint tea has some what of a lessening effect. Have to try this... stay in touch?

Thanks!

[Hidden]

Spearmint tea sounds good!

I hadn't associated the hair with the beta blocker I'm on; just thought it was age.

Looks as though nobody is suggesting electrolysis is safe with AF, so I'd better stay with my scissors.

I'll certainly stay in touch - thanks for your empathetic post.

Pat.

[irene75359]

My daughter took me to have my eyebrows threaded - incredibly efficient and quick. Her dark-haired friends often have facial hair done too.

[Hidden in reply to irene75359]

Thanks, Irene! Can you tell me roughly how long the threading lasts? (I mean how long before the hair reappears?)

Pat

[irene75359 in reply to Hidden]

The hair is completely removed at the root so it was some weeks before I noticed any regrowth. I think it cost (in London) about £5 to have my eyebrows done. Having it done made my eyes water but I was astonished at actually being aware of scores of hairs being removed at the same time. I swear I heard them pop out! It was a completely different sensation from wax. The reason waxing isn't recommended for the elderly is because the skin is looser but a really good practitioner would support or hold the skin taut.