Treatments
Hormonal facial hair: PCOS, perimenopause and menopause
If hair has started to appear on your chin, jawline, upper lip or neck, and it is darker, coarser or faster-growing than it used to be, you are far from alone. Hormonally driven facial hair is one of the most common reasons people come to Kolaine, and it is one of the things we are best at treating.
Why hormonal hair is different
Hair growth on the face is sensitive to androgens, the hormones that rise or shift with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), during perimenopause and after menopause, and with some medications. When the hormonal signal continues, the follicles keep being stimulated. That is why plucking and waxing feel like a losing battle, and why a treatment plan for hormonal hair needs to be built for the long term rather than a quick clear.
We are not doctors and we do not diagnose hormonal conditions. If you have not spoken to your GP about new or rapidly increasing hair growth, we will suggest that you do, and we are happy to treat you alongside any medical care.
How we treat it
Electrolysis. For hormonal facial hair, electrolysis is usually the backbone of the plan. It treats each follicle directly, it works on the fine and fair hairs that hormones so often produce, and it is precise enough for the chin, jawline and lip. Regular sessions gradually clear the area while new growth is dealt with as it appears.
Laser. Where the hair is dense and dark, laser can clear the bulk quickly and comfortably, reducing the amount of electrolysis needed later. With hormonal hair, laser is often the first stage rather than the whole answer.
Together. Many of our clients with PCOS or menopausal hair growth get the best result from laser first, then electrolysis to finish, with occasional maintenance as the hormonal picture changes. We plan this openly, so you know what to expect and what it will cost over time.
Electrolysis hair removal · Laser hair removal
What to expect
A private, unhurried consultation where we look at the hair and the skin, ask about what has changed and when, and explain the options honestly. Treatment starts when you are ready. Skin is left slightly pink for a few hours after each session and nothing stops you carrying on with your day.
Because hormonal hair growth is ongoing, we are honest that courses take longer and that some maintenance is normal. What we aim for is steady, visible progress, with further sessions or maintenance planned honestly as your hair responds.
Frequently asked questions
Will the hair keep coming back?
Electrolysis treats each follicle directly, and treated follicles usually stop producing hair, although some need more than one treatment. New follicles can be activated while the hormonal driver continues, which is why maintenance sessions are sometimes needed. Over time these usually become fewer and further apart.
Should I see my GP first?
If the hair growth is new, sudden or increasing quickly, yes. We will happily treat you at the same time as any medical care, and treating the underlying hormonal picture can make our work more effective.
Is it embarrassing?
It should not be, and at Kolaine it is not. We treat hormonal facial hair every single day. Consultations are private and we will never make you feel awkward about it.
Which is better for the chin, laser or electrolysis?
For most hormonal chin hair, electrolysis, sometimes after a short laser course to reduce dense growth. We will recommend what is right for your hair.
Your next step
Related: Electrolysis hair removal · Laser hair removal · Nutritional therapy