Sideburns are facial hair that grows on the sides of the face, extending from the hairline to the ears. They can be a source of pride or frustration, depending on your personal preference and style. Some people like to flaunt them, while others want to get rid of them or make them less noticeable.
If you are wondering how to deal with yours, here are five ways that experts recommend.
1. Trim Them Regularly
One of the easiest ways to keep your sideburns in check is to trim them regularly with a pair of scissors, a razor, or an electric trimmer.
This will help you maintain a tidy look, as well as prevent your sideburns from growing too long or thick. You can trim your sideburns to match the length of your hair or go for a shorter or longer style, depending on your preference.
To trim your sideburns, follow these steps:
- Comb your sideburns downward with a fine-tooth comb.
- Hold a pair of scissors or a razor parallel to your sideburns and cut along the edge of your hairline. You can also use an electric trimmer with a guard attachment to achieve a uniform length.
- Repeat on the other side, making sure that both sideburns are even and symmetrical.
- Use a mirror to check your work and make any adjustments as needed.
2. Wax or Thread Them
If you want to remove your sideburns completely or reduce their thickness, you can try waxing or threading them. Waxing and threading are both methods of hair removal that involve pulling out the hair from the root, leaving your skin smooth and hair-free for several weeks.
Waxing involves applying a thin layer of hot or cold wax on your sideburns and then ripping it off with a cloth strip.
Threading involves using a twisted cotton thread to pluck out the hair in a precise and fast manner.
Both methods can be done at home or by a professional, but they can also cause some pain, irritation, and redness.
To wax or thread your sideburns, follow these steps:
- Cleanse your face and pat it dry.
- Apply a thin layer of wax or hold a thread on your sideburns, following the direction of hair growth.
- Pull the wax or thread in the opposite direction of hair growth, removing the hair from the root.
- Repeat on the other side, making sure that both sideburns are clean and smooth.
- Apply a soothing lotion or gel to calm your skin and prevent ingrown hairs.
3. Bleach – But Do It With Caution
If you don’t want to trim or remove your sideburns, but you want to make them less visible, you can try bleaching them. Bleaching is a process of lightening the color of your hair with a chemical agent, such as hydrogen peroxide or lemon juice. It can make your sideburns blend in with your skin tone, especially if you have fair or medium skin.
However, bleaching can also damage your hair and skin, causing dryness, brittleness, and sensitivity.
To bleach your sideburns, follow these steps:
- Do a patch test on a small area of your skin to check for any allergic reactions or irritation.
- Mix a small amount of bleach or lemon juice with water, following the instructions on the package or bottle.
- Apply the mixture on your sideburns with a cotton ball or a brush, avoiding your eyes and ears.
- Leave it on for the recommended time, usually 10 to 15 minutes, or until your sideburns reach the desired shade.
- Rinse off the mixture with water and pat your skin dry.
- Apply a moisturizer or sunscreen to protect your skin and hair from the sun and other environmental factors.
4. Consider Laser Hair Removal
If you want a more permanent solution for your sideburns, you can consider laser hair removal. Laser hair removal is a procedure that uses a beam of light to destroy the hair follicles, preventing them from growing back. Laser hair removal can reduce or eliminate your sideburns for a long time, sometimes forever.
However, laser hair removal can also be expensive, time-consuming, and painful. It may also cause some side effects, such as swelling, scarring, and changes in skin color.
To laser your sideburns, follow these steps:
- Consult a dermatologist or a licensed laser technician to determine if you are a good candidate for laser hair removal. Factors such as your skin type, hair color, and medical history may affect the outcome and safety of the procedure.
- Schedule a series of sessions, usually six to eight, spaced four to six weeks apart, to achieve optimal results. Each session may last from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the size and density of your sideburns.
- Prepare your skin and hair for the procedure by avoiding sun exposure, tanning, waxing, plucking, or bleaching for at least two weeks before and after each session.
- Wear protective eyewear and apply a numbing cream or gel on your sideburns before the procedure.
- Follow the aftercare instructions given by your provider, such as applying ice packs, aloe vera gel, or antibiotic ointment to soothe your skin and prevent infection.
5. Embrace Your Sideburns – They Express Your Personality!
The last and perhaps the best way to deal with your sideburns is to embrace them. Sideburns are a natural and normal part of your facial hair, and they can enhance your features and express your personality.
Sideburns can also be a fashion statement, as many celebrities and icons have rocked them over the years, such as Elvis Presley, David Bowie, and Frida Kahlo. They be styled in different ways, such as thin, thick, long, short, curved, or straight, to suit your preference and mood. To embrace your sideburns, follow these steps:
- Appreciate your sideburns and the uniqueness they bring to your face.
- Experiment with different styles and lengths of sideburns to find the one that suits you best.
- Use products such as gel, wax, or pomade to shape and hold your sideburns in place.
- Accessorize your sideburns with earrings, glasses, or hats to complement your look.
- Be confident and proud of your sideburns and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about sideburns.
Are sideburns attractive?
The answer to this question is subjective and depends on your taste and preference. Some people may find sideburns attractive, while others may not. However, studies have shown that sideburns can affect how others perceive you, such as your age, dominance, and masculinity. For example, a 2013 study found that men with sideburns were rated as older and more dominant than men without sideburns. Another 2017 study found that men with sideburns were rated as more masculine and attractive than men with other facial hair styles.
How long does it take to grow sideburns?
The answer to this question depends on your genetics, hormones, and lifestyle factors. Generally, facial hair grows at a rate of about half an inch per month, but this can vary from person to person. Some people may grow sideburns faster or slower than others, depending on their hair type, color, and density. Factors such as stress, diet, exercise, and health conditions can also affect your hair growth.
How can I make my sideburns thicker?
It depends on the cause of your thin sideburns. If your sideburns are naturally thin, you may not be able to make them thicker, as this is determined by your genetics. However, you can try some of the methods mentioned above, such as trimming, waxing, bleaching, or lasering, to make your sideburns appear thicker or fuller. You can also use products such as eyebrow pencils, powders, or gels to fill in any gaps or sparse areas in your sideburns. If your sideburns are thin due to hair loss, you may want to consult a doctor to find out the underlying cause and treatment options. Hair loss can be caused by various factors, such as hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, infections, medications, or autoimmune diseases.
Can women have sideburns?
Yes. Women can have sideburns, just like men. However, women tend to have finer and lighter facial hair than men, so their sideburns may not be as noticeable or prominent. Women can also choose to keep, remove, or style their sideburns, depending on their preference and comfort. There is no right or wrong way to deal with sideburns, as long as you are happy and confident with your choice.