Many women find that bleaching the hairs on the face or forearms is a good way to camouflage unwanted hair without actually removing it. The results of bleaching usually last for several weeks at a time, and bleaching is easy for most women to do at home, using a commercial bleaching solution or a homemade version. Note: Never use any bleaching preparation on your face except those labeled for facial use, or severe reactions can occur.

Since it is not uncommon for bleaching solutions to cause irritation, it is wise to do a patch test before bleaching. Dermatologists actually suggest that this test be repeated before each bleaching session, as allergic reactions can occur at any time, regardless of how many times you have used bleach before. To do a skin test, blend up a small amount of the bleaching solution and apply it to the inner area of your forearm. Wipe away the solution but don't cleanse the skin with water or soap; wait one hour and check the area, then recheck for a reaction twenty four hours later. If skin is not red, itchy, or irritated, you can use the solution.

The disadvantage of bleaching is that if you don't leave the solution on long enough or fail to blend up a strong enough solution the hair can turn orange rather than blond. The answer is usually to repeat the bleaching process until hair turns pale blond. Never use bleach on an irritated or broken skin area, as severe burning of the skin can result.

Another factor is that, while most young women's skin can tolerate bleaching solutions without severe problems resulting, it is very common for women who are over fortyand whose skin has developed a tendency to be dry and slightly thinner to become irritated. If your skin is not sensitive, you can use the following bleaching solution after performing a patch test (see directions above):

Bleaching Solution

Blend 4 teaspoons lanolia with 2 teaspoons petroleum jelly, 1 ounce of 6 percent (or 20 volume) peroxide and 20 drops of ammonia. Apply to skin area, leave on for 2 minutes, and rinse off with cool to lukewarm water. Apply a gentle fragrance free moisture cream to the skin area.

One important precaution: Never bleach your skin immediately before going out into the sun or into windy, cold weather, as irritation is more likely to develop.