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Is the viral dough hack safe for facial hair removal?

Facial hair is a common challenge that every woman has to deal with at some point. No matter how many different methods you try to remove that unwanted peach fuzz, it always turns out to be that unwanted guest in your life. Sure, you might get temporary relief from waxing, threading, or laser treatments, but they come with their own set of discomforts, whether it’s the pain of waxing or the pinching sensation of a laser.
But thanks to social media, there are many hacks available for getting rid of unwanted facial hair, with the latest one involving dough. Yes, you heard that right! Some influencers are swearing by rubbing dough on their faces to get rid of unwanted hair.
The recipe is surprisingly simple: mix atta (wheat flour), haldi (turmeric), ghee (clarified butter), and milk, knead it into a dough, and then rub it on your face.
Wondering if this hack actually works? The real question is whether it is safe to pull out your facial hair using this DIY method.
Dr Ruby Sachdev, consultant aesthetic physician at Gleneagles Hospital, Bengaluru, says that the viral dough hack is an interesting take on traditional DIY remedies. However, while it may have some mild benefits for the skin, there are several aspects that you must consider before using this method regularly.
On the other hand, Dr Vidushi Jain, dermatologist and medical head at Dermalinks, NCR, tells India Today that dermatologists frown upon the idea of removing facial hair using dough, adding that this hack might show mild and temporary effects but can be risky.
Dr Sarita Sanke, senior consultant dermatologist at Yashoda Super Speciality Hospital, NCR, shares that all these ingredients have been used in our culture for a long time, and they work wonders for all skin types. But, she cautions, you should always consider their side effects.
While wheat acts as a natural exfoliant, it may be too abrasive for sensitive skin if used frequently. Turmeric contains curcuminoids and flavonoids, powerful antioxidants that combat free radical damage, but they can sometimes cause irritation or allergic reactions.
Ghee, on the other hand, is known for moisturising the skin, but it can also clog pores, especially for those with acne-prone skin. And in some cases, the lactic acid in milk can strip the skin of natural oils, especially if used too often or left on for too long, leading to dryness, tightness, or flakiness.
This DIY hack can have many benefits, such as exfoliation of dead skin, brightening of the complexion, and improved blood circulation. It can also help clean the pores and may weaken the hair roots while scrubbing. These weakened hair roots can eventually fall out, giving you the impression of hair removal.

Pulling out facial hair can lead to skin problems (Photo: Getty Images)

However, Dr Jain mentions that while the dough process is organic, constant pulling of hair can cause friction on the skin, which may lead to redness and even ingrown hair or minor disruption of the skin barrier if done aggressively. Those with sensitive skin may also have to deal with skin irritation and sensitivity because of the constant pulling of hair.
Dr Sanke states that she would recommend this hack only occasionally, specifically for removing tan, and not as a regular facial hair removal method. She warns that overuse may cause skin irritation or major skin issues.
“While this method may work for some individuals as a short-term solution, I would not recommend it for regular or long-term use. Its abrasive nature can damage the skin barrier, especially for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin,” adds Dr Sachdev.
The doctor goes on to share some other hair removal methods that you can consider:

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