PCOS, Hirsutism and Unwanted Facial hair


PCOS, Hirsutism & Unwanted Facial Hair


How Electrolysis Can Help

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition that can affect ovulation, metabolism, and androgen (male hormone) levels. For many women, elevated androgens can lead to hirsutism—excessive, coarse hair growth in areas such as the chin, upper lip, jawline, neck, chest, or abdomen.

Unwanted facial hair isn’t just a cosmetic concern. It can deeply affect confidence, emotional wellbeing, and how someone feels in their own skin. If you’re dealing with this, you’re not alone—and there are effective options.


Why Electrolysis Is the Gold Standard for PCOS-Related Hair

Electrolysis is the only permanent method of hair removal recognised by medical bodies worldwide. Unlike lasers, which targets pigment and may be less effective for hormonal hair growth, electrolysis treats each individual hair follicle, regardless of hair colour, skin tone, or hormonal influence.


For clients with PCOS and hirsutism, electrolysis is particularly effective because:

  • Hormonal hair can be resistant or recurrent with other methods
  • Facial hair is often mixed in colour and texture
  • Precision is essential in sensitive areas such as the face and neck


Electrolysis works by delivering a controlled current into the hair follicle, permanently disabling its ability to regrow.


What to Expect with PCOS & Electrolysis

It’s important to set realistic, compassionate expectations:

  • Consistency matters – Hormonal hair growth often requires a course of treatments over time
  • New hairs may appear due to ongoing hormonal stimulation, but treated follicles will not return
  • Progress is cumulative – Density, thickness, and visibility reduce gradually and noticeably


Many clients notice not only smoother skin but also a profound sense of relief and restored confidence as treatment progresses.


A Holistic Perspective

While electrolysis addresses the hair itself, some clients choose to support results by also working on hormonal balance through lifestyle, medical care, or complementary therapies. A holistic approach can be especially supportive for those with PCOS.



Why Hair Must Be Left Untouched for 4–6 Months Before Electrolysis

For electrolysis to be effective, the practitioner must be able to treat the hair at its root, inside the follicle. This requires the hair to be present, intact, and growing naturally.

When hair is repeatedly removed by plucking, waxing, threading, tweezing, or epilating, it disrupts the natural growth cycle of the hair follicle. This makes permanent treatment far more difficult.


Understanding the Hair Growth Cycle

Each hair grows through three main phases:

  • Anagen (active growth phase) – the ideal stage for electrolysis
  • Catagen (transition phase)
  • Telogen (resting phase)


Frequent removal methods such as tweezing or waxing:

  • Pull hairs out before they reach full anagen
  • Cause hairs to regrow out of sync with each other
  • Lead to distorted, deeper, or curved follicles

This results in more treatments, slower progress, and increased skin sensitivity.


Why 4–6 Months Makes a Difference

Allowing the hair to grow untouched for 4–6 months helps to:

  • Restore natural growth patterns
  • Allow more hairs to enter the anagen phase
  • Make follicles easier to access and treat
  • Improve comfort, accuracy, and long-term results
  • Reduce total treatment time overall

Although this period can feel emotionally challenging, it significantly improves the effectiveness and efficiency of electrolysis once treatment begins.


What Is Allowed During This Time

To support both confidence and treatment readiness:

  • Shaving or trimming is usually permitted (as it does not disturb the follicle)
  • Bleaching may be acceptable in some cases
  • Your practitioner will advise what’s best for your skin and hair type


A Compassionate Note for Clients with PCOS or Hirsutism

If you’ve been managing unwanted facial hair for years, asking you to stop removing it can feel daunting or distressing. This recommendation is never about judgement; it’s about giving your body the best possible foundation for successful, permanent results.

Many clients find that this preparatory phase is the final step before real, lasting change begins.


In Summary

Leaving hair untouched before electrolysis is not a delay — it’s an investment in better outcomes, fewer sessions, and smoother, healthier skin long-term.


A Gentle, Honest Note

Electrolysis addresses unwanted hair growth but does not treat the underlying hormonal causes of PCOS. Acupuncture and TCM are supportive therapies and are not a replacement for medical care. If you suspect PCOS or experience symptoms such as irregular cycles, acne, or metabolic changes, we recommend consulting your GP or a qualified healthcare professional.


Menopause Related Hair Growth

Menopause-related hair changes can feel confusing and unfair — especially when they appear suddenly after years of stability.


How Electrolysis Can Help with Menopause-Related Hair Growth

During menopause, natural shifts in oestrogen and progesterone can lead to a relative increase in androgen activity. Even if androgen levels don’t rise, the change in balance can stimulate unwanted hair growth — particularly on the chin, jawline, upper lip, and neck.

For many women, this hair appears:

  • Coarser or darker than before
  • More persistent and fast-growing
  • In areas that were previously hair-free

This can be distressing and can impact confidence at a time of significant physical and emotional change.


Why Electrolysis Is Especially Effective During Menopause

Electrolysis is the only permanent method of hair removal. It treats each individual hair follicle directly, permanently disabling its ability to produce hair.

It is particularly well suited to menopause-related hair growth because:

  • Hormonal changes can make hair unpredictable and resistant to other methods
  • Facial hair during menopause is often light, grey, or mixed in colour, making laser less effective
  • Electrolysis works on all hair colours and all skin tones
  • Precision is ideal for small, hormonally sensitive facial areas

Once a follicle is successfully treated, it will not regrow — even if hormonal changes continue.


What to Expect with Hormonal Hair Growth

It’s important to set realistic expectations:

  • Electrolysis treats existing hairs permanently
  • Ongoing hormonal changes may stimulate new follicles over time
  • Regular, consistent treatments lead to progressive reduction in density and coarseness
  • Maintenance sessions may be required for some clients

Many clients notice significant improvement in both appearance and confidence within the first months of treatment.


Supporting the Skin During Menopause

Menopausal skin can be thinner, drier, or more reactive. A skilled electrolysis practitioner will:

  • Adjust intensity for comfort and skin integrity
  • Prioritise healing and barrier support
  • Space treatments appropriately to prevent irritation

With proper technique and aftercare, electrolysis remains safe and well tolerated during menopause.


A Holistic Perspective

Some clients choose to combine electrolysis with broader hormonal or nervous system support — such as lifestyle adjustments, acupuncture, or medical guidance — to feel more balanced during menopause. While these approaches don’t remove hair, they can support overall wellbeing during this transition.


A Gentle Reminder

Electrolysis permanently removes unwanted hair, but it does not treat the underlying hormonal changes of menopause. If you are experiencing additional symptoms such as hot flushes, sleep disruption, mood changes, or sudden hair growth, we recommend speaking with your GP or a qualified healthcare professional.


Your Consultation


At your consultation appointment we will discuss the electroepilation process, how the different types of modalities work for hair removal, assess your medical history, and also include a skin analysis and test patch. We will evaluate any contraindications and create a treatment plan that is appropriate for you at this time.


Following your patch test, it is rare to have any adverse effects from treatment, and any redness usually dissipates within 2 to 3 days. After which we can schedule your treatment.