How to Slow Hair Growth on the Face

Laser therapy treatments are repeated every four to eight weeks.

Excess facial hair affects both sexes, but it can be a particularly embarrassing problem for women. Usually the result of genetics, excess hair can be treated effectively with professional hair removal techniques that offer long-term or permanent hair reduction. Excess facial hair in women -- also known as hirsutism -- is sometimes caused by high levels of male hormone. This might be symptomatic of a medical condition such as polycystic ovary syndrome. If your excessive hair growth is caused by a hormone imbalance, your doctor will recommend an appropriate course of treatment.

Instructions

1. Try electrolysis. Electrolysis is the only method of hair removal that achieves permanent results. During treatment, a trained therapist inserts a needle into the hair follicle, and passes an electric current through the needle to destroy the follicle. The treatment is suitable for most people, but can be lengthy and uncomfortable since each hair follicle must be treated individually, sometimes more than once. Possible side effects include temporary redness of the treated area, infection, pigmentation changes and, on rare occasions, permanent scarring.

2. Try laser hair removal. Laser therapy involves focusing a beam of concentrated light over the skin to damage the hair follicles. Most people need six to eight treatments to reduce hair growth, followed by periodic maintenance treatments to maintain the results. Rare complications include swelling of the treated area, superficial burns, pigmentation changes and scarring. Though quicker and generally less painful than electrolysis, laser therapy can be expensive. Laser therapy is not suitable for Afro-Caribbean or black skin complexions, and is ineffective for blond or gray hair.

3. See your doctor if you suspect your excess hair may be caused by PCOS or another medical condition. Other symptoms of PCOS include acne, baldness and increased muscle mass. Your doctor may perform an examination, or request blood or imaging tests to make a diagnosis. Common drugs used to treat PCOS include oral contraceptives, antiandrogens and a topical cream called Eflornithine (Vaniqa), which is formulated to treat excessive facial hair in women.

Tips & Warnings

• Discuss hair removal options with your doctor or dermatologist before proceeding with treatment. Professional hair removal treatments should be performed by or under the direct supervision of a dermatologist or other physician who has appropriate training and expertise.

References

• May Clinic: Hirsutism Treatments and Drugs
• DermNetNZ: Hair Removal Techniques
• American Academy of Dermatology: Laser Hair Removal
• FDA: Removing Hair Safely