How To Get Rid of Mustache Shadows [+ Hair Removal Options]

How To Get Rid of Mustache Shadows: Key Takeaways

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• Mustache shadows are often caused by melasma, sun exposure, or irritation from waxing or threading, something most of us only figure out after trying every hair removal method out there
• Treatment options vary, from laser, electrolysis, and peels to natural remedies like aloe, licorice, or turmeric
• Aleya offers both advanced laser and electrolysis to match your skin and hair type

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Melasma affects up to 63% of pregnant women, thanks to a mix of hormones, sun exposure, and genetics.

It usually shows up as brown or grayish patches on the face, most commonly on the cheeks, forehead, and upper lip.

That’s where the term ‘mustache shadow’ comes from. It’s the darkened skin above the lip that sticks around even when there isn’t a single hair in sight.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through:

• What causes mustache shadows and why they’re so common

• How to get them to fade using cosmetic treatments and natural remedies

• Which upper lip hair removal options, such as laser hair removal and electrolysis, are available at Laser by Aleya

How To Get Rid of Mustache Shadows: 4 Cosmetic Hair Removal Options

If you’re tired of that shadow sticking around, especially after spending time and money on temporary fixes, these hair removal options might be worth exploring.

1. Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal targets the pigment in your hair to slow growth, and over time it can really thin the hair out. 

It works best on darker hair and usually takes a few sessions, but it’s a great choice if you want to fade that mustache shadow for good. 

2. Electrolysis

Electrolysis gets rid of hair for good by sending a tiny zap of electricity into each follicle. 

It works on all hair colors and skin tones, even blonde or gray hairs that lasers usually miss.

It takes a little more time and patience, but the results are permanent.

3. Chemical Peels

With gentle acids, chemical peels resurface the skin, lighten dark spots, and help fresh skin shine through.

They come in different strengths, so your provider can tailor the treatment to your skin type and level of discoloration.

4. Dermaplaning

Dermaplaning uses a small blade to remove dead skin and peach fuzz, instantly brightening the upper lip area.

Quick and painless, it smooths your skin, helps makeup glide on evenly, and makes skincare products more effective.

How To Get Rid of Mustache Shadows Naturally

Not quite ready to jump straight into laser or electrolysis? Natural remedies might be worth a try.

They might take a bit longer, but with some patience, DIY treatments can help fade discoloration and even out your skin tone.

1. Aloe Vera

You’ve probably heard aloe vera praised in skincare circles (and for good reason!)

Not only is it super soothing, but it can also help fade dark spots over time.

Just dab a thin layer on your face before bed, leave it overnight, and rinse it off in the morning.

2. Green Tea

Green tea is a gentle, antioxidant-rich option that can help fade pigmentation, especially melasma.

You can press a cooled tea bag on the area for a few minutes, or opt for an easier fix with green tea extract in a brightening sheet mask or soothing serum.

3. Licorice Extract

Looking for something more targeted?

Licorice extract gently blocks melanin production and is commonly found in brightening serums and moisturizers.

It’s usually well-tolerated, and like most skincare products, it works best when you stick with it.

4. Turmeric

Turmeric, thanks to its curcumin content, can help brighten skin. Mix a little with honey or yogurt for a quick DIY mask.

Just a heads-up: it can stain your skin or towels, so don’t go too crazy with this method.

5. Soy Extract

And then there’s soy extract, which is known for helping even out blotchy skin and lighten dark spots over time.

It’s easy to find in daily moisturizers or brightening creams, so you can just work it into your normal skincare routine.

Why Mustache Shadows Happen

Ever wonder why that shadow keeps popping up above your lip, even when there’s no hair? Let’s get into it.

Melanin, also known as the pigment that gives skin its color, is made by cells called melanocytes in the lower layer of the epidermis.

When hormones shift or skin gets irritated (like from waxing or threading), those cells can go into overdrive, leading to dark patches, especially above the lip.

Mustache shadows and melasma tend to show up more in women, especially during pregnancy and other hormonal changes.

How To Prevent Mustache Shadows

Treatments can fade a mustache shadow, but a few simple habits can help keep it from coming back:

• Don’t skip sunscreen: UV rays are one of the biggest triggers, so use SPF 30 or higher on your upper lip every day (even when it’s cloudy.)

• Easy on hair removal: Frequent waxing or threading can irritate the skin and make pigmentation worse. Try spacing out sessions or switching to gentler options.

• Watch out for heat: Things like hot yoga, saunas, or even leaning over a steaming pot can sometimes trigger discoloration in sensitive areas.

• Utilize brightening skincare products: Products with vitamin C, niacinamide, or licorice extract can help even out skin tone and keep pigment cells calm.

• Take care of your body: Staying hydrated, managing stress, and keeping hormones balanced (especially during pregnancy) can make flare-ups less likely.

Feeling Self-Conscious About Mustache Shadows?

If you’ve ever felt frustrated (or even embarrassed) by that shadow above your lip, you’re not alone.

It’s one of the most common concerns we hear about, and it can feel extra discouraging when it lingers even after hair removal.

The silver lining is that mustache shadows are treatable.

With the right care and treatment, you can fade the pigmentation and feel more confident in your skin again.

Explore Expert Upper Lip Hair Removal Options at Laser by Aleya

If you’ve tried everything, waxing, threading, bleaching, and that upper lip hair keeps coming back (or leaves behind that dreaded shadow), it might be time for a real solution.

At Laser by Aleya, you’re not locked into a one-size-fits-all treatment.

Laser? Electrolysis? Don’t stress because Aleya offers both!

• Laser with the Lumenis Diode LightSheer: Perfect for darker hairs, this laser works quickly and comfortably, especially on small, delicate areas like the upper lip. Sessions start at just $30.

• Electrolysis with the Apilus XCell: Safe for all hair types, this advanced technology treats each follicle with precision for permanent results. A 15-minute session is only $30.

More importantly, Aleya knows when to use them. That means safer sessions and better results.

Mustache Shadow: FAQs

What is a mustache shadow?

A mustache shadow is that darker patch of skin right above your upper lip that can look like a faint mustache, even if there’s no visible hair at all.

Is a mustache shadow always from hair?

No, it’s not always about hair.

Factors like melasma, sun exposure, or irritation from waxing and threading can all cause mustache shadows. 

How does laser hair removal work?

Laser hair removal uses focused light to target the pigment in your hair follicles.

The heat weakens the follicle so it can’t grow hair as easily.

Since hair grows in cycles, you’ll need a series of sessions to catch each follicle at the right time for the best results.

How does electrolysis hair removal work?

Electrolysis works a little differently.

A super-fine probe goes into each follicle, delivering a tiny pulse of electricity that destroys the root for good.

Because it treats each follicle individually, it works on any hair color or type, even blonde, red, gray, or very fine hairs.

Can I do laser and electrolysis on the same day?

No, you can’t do laser and electrolysis in the same area, on the same day.

Treating the same spot with both methods back-to-back can irritate your skin and slow down healing.

Most laser specialists and technicians recommend waiting at least one to four weeks between sessions, depending on which treatment you start with and how your skin responds.

Does laser hair removal work on blonde and red hair?

Laser works best on hair with plenty of pigment, so darker blonde shades might respond, though results can vary.

Red hair is trickier. Because it contains less melanin, it doesn’t absorb laser energy as easily.

Some people might still see results, but it usually takes extra sessions and carefully tailored laser settings.

I’m pregnant. Can I still get laser hair removal?

We don’t recommend undergoing laser hair removal for pregnant clients because there isn’t enough research to confirm its safety.

Pregnancy also brings skin changes, like increased sensitivity, higher risk of hyperpigmentation, and slower healing, that can make treatments less predictable and more uncomfortable.

Is laser hair removal safe while breastfeeding?

Yes, most breastfeeding moms can safely have laser treatments, particularly on areas such as the legs, arms, or face.