If you’re living with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and struggling with unwanted hair growth, you’re not alone. Many people with PCOS experience thick, coarse hair appearing in areas like the chin, upper lip, stomach, chest, and thighs due to hormonal imbalances.
HA Laser supports many PCOS clients on their confidence journey. Our blog will guide you through how PCOS affects hair growth, how laser hair removal treatments can help, and what to expect if you’re considering it as part of your long-term plan.
We understand how challenging it is to keep on top of hormone-related hair growth. We’re here to make it easier. Contact us to find out about our discount for PCOS clients and secure your PCOS laser hair removal booking today!
How does PCOS affect hair growth?
Our body hair growth is largely influenced by hormones and genetics, which are closely linked to our biological sex. When these hormones function properly, the system works smoothly. However, for many women and AFAB individuals, hormonal imbalances can disrupt the natural hair growth.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects how the ovaries function. One of its most common symptoms is excessive hair growth, which is medically known as hirsutism. This usually shows up as thick, dark hair growth in areas you wouldn’t typically expect it, like the face, chest, and back.
Hirsutism affects over 70% of people with PCOS, so you are not alone.
Although it’s common, it’s not easy to manage. Many people living with PCOS and excessive hair growth spend a lot of time and money on daily hair removal methods, like plucking, threading, waxing, or shaving. This can lead to scarring, uneven skin tone, ingrown hairs, and irritated skin.
The cause of excess hair growth typically stems from hormonal imbalances.
Increased Androgen Levels
People with PCOS often have elevated androgen levels, which are the male hormones (like testosterone). These give men their ‘male’ characteristics, like a deeper voice and thicker, darker hair on the face, chest, underarms, and genitals.
In women and AFAB individuals, higher levels of androgen (hyperandrogenism) can have the same effect, triggering increased production of hair follicles and causing hair to appear in areas you might not expect or want. In many cases, this leads to coarse, dark, fast-growing facial hair and body hair.
Sensitivity of Hair Follicles
When people with PCOS have high androgen levels, their hair follicles can react more strongly. This sensitivity can lead to increased hair shaft density and growth in multiple areas, including the upper lip, jawline, chest, and abdomen. But it can sometimes have the opposite effect, causing thinning hair, particularly around the scalp.
Insulin Resistance and Androgens
PCOS is often linked with insulin resistance, which can also boost androgen production and contribute to PCOS symptoms like weight gain and excessive hair growth.
How can laser hair removal treat unwanted hair growth from PCOS?
Laser hair removal is a safe and effective method for reducing unwanted hair caused by PCOS. While it may not be a cure for the root cause of hormonal hair growth, it’s a great solution to manage the symptoms and gain back your confidence.
Most trusted laser hair removal clinics use premium medical-grade lasers, which are safe and effective for all skin tones and hair types. These machines are far more advanced than some of the older methods, like IPL (intense pulsed light) or lower-grade Diode lasers, and are suitable for treating deeper, coarser hair growth caused by hormonal imbalances such as PCOS.
Laser hair removal works by using concentrated light energy to deeply penetrate the thicker hair follicles, damaging them so that they can no longer regrow as quickly or as thickly.
Here’s why many patients choose laser hair removal to treat PCOS-related excessive hair growth:
- It can significantly reduce hair density and thickness
- It’s effective in stopping future hair growth
- It helps prevent ingrown hairs that are usually caused by frequent shaving or waxing
- It’s a time-saving alternative to plucking, shaving, waxing, or using hair removal creams
- Results are long-lasting with regular treatments
Our tips for managing laser hair removal with PCOS
Because PCOS-related hair often stems from ongoing hormonal fluctuations, results won’t be achieved overnight. Here’s what you can do to ensure you get the desired results you’re looking for when starting PCOS hair removal treatment.
Choose a reputable clinic with PCOS experience
Not all clinics have experience treating hormonal hair growth from PCOS. At HA Laser Studio, our laser practitioners are trained and experienced in working with PCOS patients, and we tailor your treatment to your hair and skin type.
Be consistent with laser treatment
For the best results, laser hair removal should be done regularly. We usually recommend booking a treatment every 4 to 8 weeks over a course of at least 8 sessions. PCOS hair growth can be more persistent, so some patients may need maintenance sessions afterwards to stay hair-free.
Don’t pluck or wax between sessions
Plucking and waxing remove the hair from the root, which means there’s nothing for the laser to target. If you do need to remove hair between treatments, shaving is best. Our laser practitioners will guide you through the safest aftercare routine, which can also be found on our laser hair removal treatment page.
Looking to start laser hair removal? Book a consultation with us
At HA Laser, we use medical-grade laser hair removal machines suitable for all skin types and tones to ensure safety and effectiveness for everyone.
We support clients with a variety of concerns, including hormone-related hair growth. By matching the right technology to your individual skin type and goals, we’ll help you achieve smoother skin and a significant reduction in unwanted hair.
Call the team today on 01256 211 445 or complete our contact form, and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Frequently asked questions about laser hair removal for PCOS
Will the hair grow back thicker if I stop treatment?
Laser hair removal doesn’t cause hair to grow back thicker; it’s actually used to reduce hair growth. But if you stop treatment before completing your course or stop coming to your maintenance sessions, the hair may gradually return due to hormonal influences.
Will laser hair removal permanently remove PCOS-related hair?
Laser hair removal can significantly reduce the future growth of PCOS-related hair, but it is not always a permanent solution (unless the follicle is completely destroyed). Most clients notice major hair reduction after finishing their treatment and only need occasional top-ups.
