Threading and waxing are the most commonly used methods for removing facial hair, but they are sometimes very painful and could make the skin red and blotchy. Laser treatments are another way of getting rid of facial hair, but it is also expensive and there is a risk of side effects, so not many choose to do it.

Here’s a list of some of the most effective at-home hair removal treatments that you can choose from. What’s more? They’re all free of any side-effects.

• Lemon juice and sugar
  Lemon juice and sugar have been used as an ancient beauty technique to remove facial hair. For this method, simply mix some sugar and lemon juice in a little water and stir until the sugar dissolves. Apply it on your face with the help of a spatula. As the pack dries, the hair will get attached to it and will come off when you remove the pack. Lemon juice also lightens facial hair and skin. You can do this every alternate day, but avoid going out in the sun after application.
• Banana and oatmeal
  Mash a ripe banana and mix it with powdered oatmeal. Apply the paste on your face and massage it against the direction of the hair growth before washing off with cold water. Apart from being one of the most effective at-home hair removal treatment methods, this pack also moisturizes the skin and removes dead skin cells.
• Lemon and honey
  The combination of lemon and honey is one of the oldest and most effective at-home hair removal treatments. Simply mix lemon juice, honey, and a little water, and heat this mixture for 2-3 minutes in the microwave. Apply it in the direction of hair growth. Then, place a strip of cloth over the area, just like while waxing, and pull to remove unwanted hair.
• Turmeric and milk
  Mix half a teaspoon of turmeric powder with one teaspoon of rice flour, and add sufficient milk to make a paste. Apply this pack on the face and scrub a little with gentle hands when it dries. With time, you will notice less facial hair and brighter skin. Due to its antibacterial properties, turmeric also helps get rid of acne and pimples.
• Potato, lentil, and lemon juice
  Make a paste with ground lentils and grated potato, and add some lemon juice and honey to it. Apply this on your face and massage in circular motions to remove unwanted facial hair. Leave it on for 10 minutes and wash off with cold water. Potato and lemon bleach and brighten the skin, while the coarse lentil removes dead skin cells.
• Papaya and turmeric
  Mix mashed papaya and turmeric powder to make a paste. Apply the mask on the unwanted hair and massage it in a circular motion for 15-20 minutes. The papain enzymes found in papaya open the hair follicles and help remove the hair.
• Lavender and tea tree oil
  These essential oils are considered to be the most effective at-home hair removal treatments. Mix these oils in a bowl and apply on your face with a cotton ball. These oils are known for their androgenic properties, which reduce hair growth. You can do this twice a day for a few months.

Be careful when trying these treatments at home if you have extra-sensitive skin. Also, it’s advisable to do a patch test first to confirm that there is no skin irritation or adverse effects.