Dermatologist-Approved “Vaseline Method” + 7 Proven Ways To Get Rid Of Upper Lip Hair

Noticing a little “peach fuzz” (or something a bit darker) above your lip? You’re not alone. From natural remedies to advanced treatments, there are plenty of ways to deal with it — including the increasingly popular upper lip hair bleaching creams.

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Why Do Some Women Have More Noticeable Upper Lip Hair?

1. Hormonal Imbalances

Some women naturally have thicker, darker lip hair. Without makeup, it can be quite visible — and foundation can actually make it stand out more, especially against lighter skin tones. Excessive upper lip hair is often influenced by androgens (male hormones) in the body. The pituitary gland produces adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which can stimulate hair growth. If you tend to have thicker underarm or leg hair as well, chances are hormones are playing a role. Lifestyle habits such as high-fat diets, overly salty or spicy foods, late nights, and high stress can all trigger an increase in androgen production.

2. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS affects hormone balance, often leading to higher androgen levels and lower estrogen. Aside from increased facial and body hair, symptoms can include irregular or painful periods, sudden weight changes, hair thinning, oily skin, difficulty losing weight, and even infertility. If you notice several of these symptoms, it’s best to consult a doctor.

3. Genetics

Hairiness (just like hair loss) can be hereditary. If both your parents have thick body hair, you may naturally have more noticeable upper lip hair. Unfortunately, this doesn’t mean you’ll have equally thick hair on your head — some women experience both excessive facial hair and thinning scalp hair.

4. Wrong Hair Removal Methods

Shaving with a razor — when done properly — does not make hair grow back thicker or faster.

The real problem comes from plucking with fingers or tweezers. Yanking hair out at the root can damage the follicle opening, sometimes causing bleeding, folliculitis (inflammation), bruising, or pigmentation around the lips, leaving the area looking even darker.

5. Hormonal Changes During Pregnancy or After Birth

Even women who usually have fine, barely noticeable hair can experience sudden growth due to hormonal shifts during pregnancy, postpartum recovery, or menopause. These life stages can trigger thicker, coarser upper lip hair.

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Why Remove Upper Lip Hair?

Upper lip hair — especially if it’s dark — can create a shadow that dulls the complexion. It can also prevent foundation from sitting smoothly and make makeup wear off faster. Removing it not only makes the skin look clearer and brighter, but also helps makeup apply more evenly and last longer.

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7 Popular Ways to Remove Upper Lip Hair

1. Shaving with a Razor

One of the cheapest and quickest methods. Many women simply shave their upper lip while in the shower.

Myth-busting: Shaving doesn’t make hair grow back thicker — it just cuts the hair bluntly, so regrowth feels stubbier.

Downside: Without proper lubrication, shaving can nick the skin and strip its natural barrier, leading to irritation. Hair regrowth is also quick, and tiny black dots (stubble) may be visible.

Dermatologist Tip: The Vaseline Method

If laser hair removal isn’t in your budget, try this low-cost, gentle shaving routine:

You’ll need: Razor, lotion, and cotton pads soaked in saline or toner (pre-chilled in the fridge).

1. Cleanse your face thoroughly. Apply moisturizer against the direction of hair growth.
2. Apply a thin layer of Vaseline to the razor blade.
3. Shave with the direction of hair growth. Rinse the area with water.
4. Apply the chilled cotton pad to the area for 1 minute, rinse again, and finish with moisturizer.

2. Waxing (Hot Wax or Strips)

Waxing pulls hair out from the root, giving a smooth result with no stubble. However, hot wax can be tricky to control and may burn the skin. It’s also painful and can trigger redness, swelling, or pigmentation in sensitive areas like the face.

3. Hair Removal Cream

Quick and painless. Special facial hair removal creams dissolve hair protein so it can be wiped away. Many claim to have brightening or anti-pigmentation effects — but results last only 3–5 days.

Caution: These creams contain strong chemicals that can irritate skin or cause pigmentation that takes months to fade.

4. Bleaching Cream

A big trend in the West (and now gaining traction in Hong Kong), bleaching cream lightens hair to a pale gold or white, making it less visible. Results are immediate, but the chemicals can be harsh and may cause irritation — especially on darker skin tones.

5. Threading

A traditional method using twisted cotton thread to pluck multiple hairs at once. While effective, it’s painful and can cause folliculitis if the powder used during the process clogs pores or if bacteria enter the skin.

6. IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)

Uses broad-spectrum light to target melanin in the hair follicle, weakening it over time. IPL is less intense than laser, but requires more sessions (around 12+) to achieve long-term results.

7. Laser Hair Removal

Targets melanin with concentrated light beams for precise, long-lasting results. Typically requires only 4–6 sessions for permanent reduction. More intense than IPL but more effective overall. Sensitive skin types may find it uncomfortable.

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Laser vs. IPL for Upper Lip Hair Removal

When it comes to optical hair removal, laser and IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) are the two most common options — but they work quite differently.

Benefits of Laser Upper Lip Hair Removal

• Noticeable, long-lasting results after just 4–6 sessions.
• Suitable for most skin tones and even sensitive skin.
• Many devices are designed for Asian skin, reducing risk of hyperpigmentation.
• “Permanent” reduction — regrowth is rare unless there’s a major hormonal change.
• Little to no downtime; redness and swelling usually fade within hours.
• Built-in cooling systems make the process almost painless — often compared to a light rubber band snap.
• Rarely causes pigmentation; can even brighten skin and stimulate collagen production.
• Lower risk of ingrown hairs.
• Doesn’t damage the skin’s surface — energy works in the deeper layers.
• Can be paired with treatments like chemical peels before or after to improve texture and tone.
• No special aftercare required for most people.

Risks & Side Effects

• Temporary warmth, redness, or mild swelling post-treatment (usually gone within an hour).
• Poorly trained practitioners or non-certified clinics may use the wrong settings, risking burns, pigmentation, or even blistering and scarring.

Who Should Avoid Laser Hair Removal

• People with moles, open wounds, dermatitis, vascular conditions, keloid scars, or certain skin growths in the area.
• Those with chronic skin conditions like eczema, lupus, or rosacea.
• Pregnant women.
• People with melasma (hormonal pigmentation).
• Those prone to keloid scarring.
• Individuals with blood clotting disorders.
• Light-sensitive individuals.
• Epilepsy patients.
• Anyone currently taking retinoids, tetracyclines, aspirin, or other photosensitising medications should pause them for a safe interval before treatment.

Pre-Treatment Tips

• Plan ahead — full results can take months, so start well before a big event.
• Avoid physical exfoliation before your session.
• Skip sunbathing or tanning lamps.
• Don’t use home hair removal devices or creams for at least 2 weeks beforehand.
• Avoid plucking for at least 2 weeks before treatment.

Aftercare

Caring for your skin post-laser is simple:

• Avoid direct sunlight, hot environments, and active skincare ingredients (like acids or whitening agents) for a few days.
• Use lukewarm water when washing your face.
• Apply sunscreen daily.

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How to Choose a Safe, Effective Laser Hair Removal Treatment

1. Look for Built-In Cooling Technology

Older methods rely on ice packs, cooling gel, or fans. Modern devices cool the skin instantly through the handpiece itself, lowering the risk of burns and minimising discomfort — a must for sensitive areas like the upper lip.

2. Choose the Right Handpiece Size

Fine facial hair can be tricky to remove completely. A device with the correct wavelength and a larger spot size ensures even coverage and avoids patchy results. For example, Sapphire laser technology features a 10mm x 10mm tip, removing up to 500 hairs per second for smooth, uniform results.

3. Go With a Reputable Clinic

Facial hair removal should only be done by experienced professionals using certified equipment. Established medical aesthetic chains with trained therapists and private treatment rooms offer both safety and comfort — crucial when working on such a visible area.

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Tried & Tested: My Experience with Pain-Free Laser Hair Removal — Goodbye, Lip Hair!

I’ve always been self-conscious about my upper lip hair. My go-to method used to be tweezing — until the day I forgot, went out, and a friend teased me about my “moustache.” Mortified, I decided it was time for a more permanent solution.

I booked the A3 Laser Hair Removal Treatment at Perfect Medical, which uses an 808nm wavelength laser tailored for Asian skin. It promised effective results without irritating my skin — plus, a friend had raved about her experience there.

Before starting, the therapist performed a skin test to ensure I’d tolerate the laser well. During the treatment, I felt a light snapping sensation, like a rubber band, but it was totally manageable.

Afterwards, my upper lip was slightly pink for a few hours, but it faded quickly. I just avoided hot water and strong skincare ingredients for a couple of days.

One month later, I’ve seen around a 50% reduction in hair, and the regrowth is noticeably finer and lighter. From a distance, it’s barely noticeable — and I couldn’t be happier.

If you’ve been struggling with upper lip hair, this might be the perfect time to try laser removal for yourself. Perfect Medical is even offering a free trial session — check their website to sign up and finally say goodbye to unwanted lip hair.