Ask a beauty expert

I'm getting facial hair. What can I do?
First of all, know that you are not alone. Many women find facial hair to be an embarrassing nuisance. Hair growing on the lip line, upper cheek, chin or neck can range from light peach fuzz to dark, thick hairs. Heredity, obesity, age and hormonal changes such as pregnancy and menopause are common culprits. There are several methods of dealing with facial hair, depending on the results you desire.

1. If you're patient and not terribly bothered by your facial hair, try a topical product that minimizes the appearance of hair over time. Aveeno Positively Smooth Facial Moisturizer, 120 mL/$21, contains soy extracts that make hair finer and less noticeable in as little as two weeks.
2. Lighten dark hair with cream bleach if you don't want to get rid of it completely. Jolen Creme Bleach, 28 g/$7 is a tried-and-true choice.
3. Try waxing or a depilatory if you want to be hair-free for a few weeks. Look for gentle formulas specifically made for the face.
4. For longer-lasting results, consult a professional. Laser hair removal has grown in popularity and the technology has advanced so that those with fair skin and dark hair aren't the only ones who benefit from it. Laser hair removal is a more expensive and time-consuming option that requires several sessions, but the end results (hair growth is eliminated or significantly reduced) make it worthwhile.
   

I'm an older woman and currently wear my hair in a long blunt cut to just above my shoulders. My daughter thinks older women should have shorter hair. Is there a correct length for hair once you reach a certain age?
Don't let a number (or a daughter) define you! Whether you're 25 or 45, your hairstyle should be appropriate for your face shape and hair texture, not your age. There are many mature female stars in Hollywood – Demi Moore, Susan Sarandon, Michelle Pfeiffer and Madonna, just to name a few – who refuse to conform to the old-fashioned notion that women over 40 should cut their hair short, and they look fabulous. If you love your longer hair, then why change it? Just remember that healthy-looking hair is never out of style, so keep your locks in beautiful shape with regular trims and deep-conditioning treatments.
TRY: Inecto Pure Coconut Oil Moisture Miracle Hair Repair Treatment, 150 mL/$7.

I have two scars on my forehead and don't often wear makeup. What could I use to cover them up?
Concealer is the best way to hide a scar because its thick consistency covers up imperfections. Before selecting a shade, consider whether your scar is lighter or darker than the rest of your skin tone – the wrong colour of concealer will draw attention to it. If the scar is lighter, choose a shade that's a touch darker than your skin, and vice versa if the scar is darker. Visit a makeup counter to learn how to apply the product. Take home samples of several shades so you can see how they look in natural light.

Are there people who just shouldn't go blond?
There aren't people who shouldn't go blond; they just shouldn't go certain shades of blond. Like finding the right red lipstick, you must take your skin tone into account. The current trend in hair colour is natural warm tones rather than glaringly obvious dye jobs. If your skin has yellow undertones, opt for darker blond shades such as caramel and butterscotch. If you have pink undertones, choose a brighter blond shade such as butter yellow. Blond colours (especially highlights) brighten your face and are a great way to experiment with your hairstyle because they add dimension to any brown shade.

Come back next Monday for another problem solved!