News & Updates

Why Some Women Get Facial Hair

18 November 2022
by Grand Aesthetics

Hair is one of the most notable distinguishing features between men and women. While men often go bald, women seldom do and alopecia is a distressing condition for that reason. Women will shave their legs and armpits, while men stay hairy there. The list goes on.

Facial hair is one area of particular note. For men, that becomes a matter of personal choice and fashion, from bushy beards to a clean shaven look and a wide spectrum of stubble.

The situation is rather different for women. Because facial hair is seen as a ‘manly’ thing, it can be seen as an embarrassment and unattractive, something to be dealt with cosmetically.

Of course, facial hair can be shaved or waxed off. But for a more permanent solution, ladies may look for laser hair removal in Brighton, something we can provide to resolve what can be a persistent issue.

It can be useful to understand why some women get facial hair in the first place. A Guardian report in 2017 noted that one in 14 women have hirsutism, a condition that means they grow hair in a similar pattern to men, including on the face. It also noted that women with facial hair spend about 104 minutes a week managing it, so think of the time you could save by having it removed!

Not all the women with facial hair are classed as having hirsutism, but it is clear that it is very common, so even if it is something you want to get rid of, you are certainly not alone.

Some of the most common reasons for facial hair on women have to do with hormonal changes or medication. This can apply with cancer treatments, but a lot of it can be a response to changes in oestrogen levels from taking oral contraception, having a copper IUD fitted or even pregnancy. Many medications contain hormones like testosterone, which hairy men have more of naturally.

Other fertility-related conditions that have the side effect of excess facial hair include polycystic ovary syndrome, while hormonal disorders including the excess production of some hormones can also be a factor.

Understanding that all these things can play a part and that they are common means you need not feel shy or embarrassed about wanting to do something about facial hair. The question is – what?

If spending 104 minutes a week is a reality for you, as you look to shave, trim, wax or apply creams every day, then you might well feel like this is too much like hard work. Moreover, there will always be some awkward occasion when you are very busy and just don’t get the time to do it, even though you might have an event coming up when you want to be looking your best.

That is why laser hair removal can be so useful. By not just cutting off the branches but going to the roots (or the follicles, in this case), you can save so much time and worry. It means you can enjoy greater confidence and concentrate on other aspects of your appearance, or even doing other things with your time.

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