You are not alone:
Despite the fact that nearly 30% of women have to do something everyday about their unwanted facial hair because it is considered such a taboo subject that it controls many woman’s lives by destroying self confidence and self esteem.
We have had more than one Client tell us that they get up early to deal with the nightly growth before their husbands wake or about the amount of time spent everyday making sure that they get everyone before going out. Sadly though once out of the bathroom it continues to control some women’s lives by sapping confidence playing havoc with relationships and career opportunities.
Electrologist mostly study electrolysis because they have or are going through the problem of unwanted or excessive hair growth, we have tried everything and realise that electrolysis is the only answer but we know and understand what you are going through.
Unexplained hirsutism is the term used for excessive hair growth where there is not a medical reason but in general is caused by an increase production or sensitivity to androgens (normal female levels of testosterone) usually due to puberty, pregnancy and menopause but obesity, illness and some medications may also be the cause.
Androgens are the trigger mechanism for deep rooted, thick hair (not to be confused with vellus hair or the soft downy hair on the face). The dark roots can cause a noticeable shadow under the skin, plucking them out seems like a solution but this generally causes the follicles to become distorted, ingrown hairs then cause spots, boils and damaged skin, the sufferer becomes addicted to plucking even though it is causing her skin infections and looking much worse.
Hirsutism is normally nothing to worry about and is very common in women during puberty, pregnancy or menopause but if there is a sudden increase it could be an indicator of some other underlying problem and not just limited to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), it can be also caused by thyroid, diabetes, menstrual, ovarian
adrenal problems or cushing’s syndrome. The reason may just be a coincidence of genetics, side effects of medicine or life style and nothing to worry about but if your permanent hair removal method is not working or getting worse, it may be time to have a word with your doctor. As electrologists we cannot diagnose, but we can ask you questions that will help you have further discussions with your doctor.
If your doctor diagnoses a problem he can prescribe to control the symptoms and stop new hair growth but the bad news is that won’t reverse the hair growth you already have though there are creams such as Vaniqa that will slow down the hair growth it won’t stop it and any advantage gained will disappear as soon as you stop using it.Unwanted hair for women is not only on the face but also neck, chest, tummy and thighs, all areas can be successfully treated including breast and the areola. Tweezing or shaving this area then wearing tight cloths can cause ingrown hairs which can be treated over time. Please also check out our “Which areas can I have treated page” and our FAQ’s page
You may have tried numerous hair removal methods only to find that after a short time the hair grows back, sometimes stronger and darker than before, Laser/IPL may offer a quick solution but it can only legally advertise as hair reduction but the hair will return over the following months/years and can, as in the case of the writer, trigger more hair growth, and compared to other hair removal methods which you will be paying for the rest of your life, electrolysis is the most cost effective.
A women’s body image is important to her self confidence and self esteem and general well being, having a smooth hair free skin is a part of that image that electrolysis can help you with. Electrolysis will never give you dramatic results but requires time and commitment but if you stick with it will give you a permanent results that will help you attain the self-image of the beautiful person you are and will last the rest of your life.
Please also check out our “Which areas can I have treated page” and our FAQ’s page