Why Woman Get Unwanted Facial Hair: Causes, Hormones & Permanent Solution

Unwanted course or dark hairs appearing around the chin, jawline, upper lip, chest or nipples can feel incredibly distressing for many woman. We often associate these hairs with ageing, picturing the “chin whiskers” our grandmothers had, so when they appear earlier in life, it can feel confusing, embarrassing or even frustrating.
But here’s the truth: hirsutism is extremely common across all ages, not just in older woman. Around 1 in 10 woman experience true hirsutism, and an even larger number have several isolated course hairs on the chin or jawline. You are absolutely not alone, and your experience is far more common than most people openly talk about.

What Exactly Is Hirsutism?

Hirsutism refers to a pattern of hair growth in woman that appears in areas more typical of male hair patterns, usually course, pigmentated hairs on the face or body. The hair itself is harmless, but the emotional impact can be significant. Understanding the why behind it can be grounding and empowering.

The Most Common Cause: Androgens

The majority of hirsutism cases are linked to androgens, hormones present in both men and woman. Woman produce small, necessary amounts of androgen through the ovaries and adrenal glands. When these levels rise or when the body becomes more sensitive to them, hair follicles respond by creating thicker, darker hair.

Why Androgens Become Out of Balance

Genetics: If unwanted facial or body hair appears frequently among woman in your family, there may be a hereditary tendency to produce slightly higher androgen levels or to be more sensitive to them.
Ageing: After menopause, estrogen levels drop more rapidly, allowing androgens to become more dominant. This shift often results in coarse chin or jawline hairs appearing more frequently.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A very common cause of elevated androgens. POCS may involve having irregular periods, acne, increased facial and body hair as well as difficulty losing weight.
Insulin Resistance: High insulin levels can stimulate the ovaries to produce more androgens, contributing to unwanted hair growth.
Adrenal or Pituitary Conditions: These glands help regulate hormones. Disorders affecting them can increase androgen production. Though these causes are less common.
Cushing’s Syndrome: Excess cortisol can lead to hirsutism, weight gain and changes in the skin.
Medications: Some medications can raise androgen levels or act like weak androgens such as: corticosteroids, testosterone based medications, and danazol (used for endometriosis or fibrocystic breast conditions).
Idiopathic Hirsutism: Sometimes, all hormone tests are normal, yet the hair persists. This simply means the hair follicles are naturally more sensitive to normal androgen levels.

What Androgens Actually Do

Despite their reputation, androgens are not “bad”. They regulate:
- Libido
- Bone strength
- Muscle mass
- Skin oil production
-Overall hormonal balance
The issue only arises when their levels increase or the hair follicles become more responsive to them.

You’re Not Alone, And It’s Not About Age

We often think of coarse chin hairs as something only older woman get, but this isn’t true. Many younger woman experience stray hairs or patches of thicker growth. Hormones, genetics and follicle sensitivity all play a role, regardless of age.
You haven’t “done anything wrong”. Your body isn’t failing you. And you’re certainly not alone in this experience.

Electrolysis: The Gold Standard Permanent Solution

While there are many temporary hair removal options (shaving, waxing, threading, dermaplaning), electrolysis remains the only medically recognised permanent hair removal method for unwanted hairs, including those caused by hormonal imbalance or hirsutism.

Why Electrolysis Works So Well

Electrolysis treats each hair follicle individually, using a tiny, sterile probe to deliver a controlled amount of energy. This eventually destroys the follicle’s ability to produce hair again. Key benefits:
- 100% permanent, once a treated follicle is destroyed, it cannot regrow
-Works on every hair colour (unlike laser/IPL)
- Works on every skin tone
- Effective even when hairs are hormonal driven
- Ideal for chin, jawline, neck and nipple hairs
- Safe, targeted and precise
- Perfect for dealing with one or many persistent “problem hairs”

Why It’s Considered the Gold Standard

Hormonal hairs tend to be stubborn and can remain active even when hormones fluctuate or settle. Electrolysis removes them at a follicle level, making it the most reliable long-term solution for:
- PCOS related hair
- Menopausal hair growth
- Genetic course hairs
- Nipple hairs
- Random persistent dark hairs
- Idiopathic hirsutism
No other method offers the same level of permanence and precision.

At Solace, I understand how emotionally heavy unwanted facial or body hair can feel, especially when it’s hormonally driven, persistent or affecting your confidence day to day.
My approach to electrolysis is grounded in precision, comfort and genuine care, ensuring every treatment supports not only skin, but also your sense of self. If you’re curious about whether electrolysis is right for you, or you’d simply like a safe and judgement free space to talk through your concerns, you’re warmly invited to book a consultation. There is always a Solace treatment ready to support you.