I was about 17 or 18 when my brother ever-so-helpfully pointed out that I had a mustache. It was exactly what I needed to hear during my rather tumultuous adolescence and my younger brother was just exactly the person to hear it from -please note the sarcasm as it was definitely intended.

At the time, I had no idea that facial hair was a common problem for women- I thought I was a freak and didn’t know what to do. My mother didn’t have a mousetache and I had never noticed whether any other members of my family had one. I was severely traumatized.

The hairs are noticeable. I was embarrassed to have a “friend” joke about my stache in a public place the other day, just the same way you would be embarrassed if a friend joked about a pimple- not a nice feeling.

Luckily, for those of us who are less fortunate in the facial hair department, there are many easy options available.

Here’s the low-down on hair removal options for any hair you might have on your upper lip.

Depilatory Hair-removal Creams: There are several hair-removal creams on the market that are available in drug stores.

• The good:  The obvious advantage to the hair-removal creams is cost- they are inexpensive. In addition, the hair-removal creams are quick to use.
• The bad:  Hair-removal creams use harsh chemicals and have adverse side-effects including redness and irritation, especially if the cream is left on too long. As no girl wants to look like Bozo the Clown, the creams should be used with caution. Also, the hair grows back quickly.

Bleaching: You can opt to lighten your facial hair at a salon or at home.

• The good: Bleaching is not too expensive.
• The bad:  Although the hairs will be lighter, you will still have hairs on your lip.

Waxing:  Again, this can be done at home or in the salon.

• The good: It lasts 2-3 weeks. 
• The bad: For about two minutes, it is painful and involves a trip to the salon.

Threading: Threading is the ancient art of using a thread to “lasso” any unwanted hair to remove it.

• The good: It is very precise and quick. Threading is also extremely sanitary and does not involve the use of any chemicals on the skin.
• The bad:  It is tough to find professional threaders.