Facial hair varies between people and may change with age, hormones, genetics, and some medications. New or rapidly increasing growth can have several causes; this article cannot diagnose one.
A lot of women can't seem to solve their problem with growing facial hair and they thought it has nothing to do with the reasons why their skin area is not smooth and spotless like before.
The truth is; there are many reasons for this condition happening – you might not know some of them – let's check it out below:
Facial hair begins as peach fuzz
Most people don't realize that the little bit of soft downy hair on your face doesn't just pop up quickly overnight. Before those strands become visible to the naked eye, they start out very small and barely noticeable.
Androgens influence hair growth, but hormone levels and hair patterns vary widely. A change in facial hair alone does not identify a specific condition.
Hormonal changes cause facial hair growth
Some medicines can affect hair growth. Do not stop a prescribed medicine on your own; ask the prescriber if you notice a change.
Hormonal contraception affects people differently and should not be assumed to cause facial hair growth. Discuss a new change with a clinician or prescriber.
Sometimes, it's caused by underlying health conditions
Doctors aren't sure about what causes poly cystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) but suspect that it may be due to a combination of defective eggs and hormone problems.
Facial hair can occur for many reasons. Do not use an unsourced prevalence figure or assume it means PCOS; a clinician can assess symptoms and decide whether testing is appropriate.
If facial hair growth is new, rapidly increasing, or accompanied by other concerning changes, discuss it with a health professional.
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Stress can cause hair growth
It's not just women's hormones that go haywire during times of stress – their adrenal glands do too. These small glands, located just above the kidneys, are responsible for secreting a number of hormones in response to stress, including cortisol and adrenaline.
Stress is not a reliable universal explanation for facial hair growth. Hormonal and medication-related causes vary; seek clinical advice for a sudden change.
You can't stop it but you can disguise it
Unfortunately, there's not much you can do to stop facial hair growth. However, there are a few ways you can disguise it.
If your hair is light in color, you can try using a tinted wax or cream to cover it up. If your hair is darker, consider using a depilatory cream or hair removal laser treatments to get rid of it. You can also try shaving, but be sure to use a sharp razor and plenty of moisturizing cream to help reduce the risk of irritation.
Whatever method you choose, be patient and take your time – it may take a few tries before you find the solution that works best for you.
Can i get rid of facial hair permanent?
Hair-removal options can reduce or remove visible hair, but results vary and no method guarantees permanent removal for everyone. Discuss skin type, area, risks, and cost with a qualified provider.
Electrolysis may provide long-term hair removal, but it requires trained treatment and results vary. Do not promise that follicles will never produce hair again.
Avoid home electrolysis devices unless they are specifically authorized for that use and used according to their labeling. Improper use can injure skin; consult a qualified provider.
Understand what “fast growth” means for you
Facial hair growth differs with genetics, age, hormones, medications and the area involved. A few hairs may be normal, and shaving does not make hair grow back thicker; a blunt cut tip can feel stubbly as it emerges. If growth is new, rapidly increasing, or comes with acne, irregular periods, voice changes or other body changes, discuss it with a clinician. A medical assessment can look for a cause instead of treating the hair as a cosmetic problem alone.
Compare temporary options
Shaving is quick and does not remove the follicle, but use a clean razor and gentle technique to reduce nicks and irritation. Tweezing removes individual hairs but can inflame follicles if the skin is repeatedly picked. Threading removes hair with a twisted thread and depends on provider skill and skin tolerance. Waxing covers a larger area but can lift or irritate skin, especially with certain medications or active skin products; tell the provider about prescriptions and do not wax broken or irritated skin. Depilatory creams can irritate, so use only a formula labeled for the face and follow its timing and patch-test directions.
Longer-term choices and aftercare
Laser hair reduction and electrolysis require a qualified practitioner and a consultation about skin tone, hair color, cost, risks and likely maintenance. Laser is less effective on some hair colors and is not the same as guaranteed permanent removal. Avoid home devices near eyes unless they are specifically cleared and labeled for that use. After any method, cool the skin gently, avoid rubbing and stop products that sting. Seek care for persistent rash, infection or scarring. Choose by area size, sensitivity, budget and desired maintenance; if the pattern changed suddenly, treat that as a health question first.
