Support for Unwanted Hair Growth and PCOS

Laser and electrolysis for unwanted facial and body hair

Unwanted hair growth can affect the face and body and may be influenced by genetics, hormonal changes, medication or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

At The Chelmsford Skin Clinic, we offer both laser hair removal and electrolysis. The most appropriate method depends on the area, hair colour and thickness, skin type and whether the growth appears hormonally stimulated.

Laser can be suitable for certain areas of dark, coarse facial hair following a consultation and patch test.

Where facial hair is related to PCOS or appears hormonally stimulated, we use electrolysis because laser may carry an increased risk of stimulating further facial-hair growth.

Having PCOS does not automatically exclude someone from laser treatment. Laser may still be suitable for non-hormonal facial hair and areas of dark, coarse body hair. Each treatment area is assessed separately.

Understanding PCOS-Related Hair Growth

PCOS can cause darker or coarser hair to develop on areas including the chin, jawline, neck, chest, abdomen and back.

The amount and pattern of hair growth may change over time as hormonal activity changes. This means that previously inactive follicles can begin producing new hairs, even while existing hairs are being successfully treated.

Laser and electrolysis treat unwanted hair; they do not treat PCOS or alter the underlying hormonal influence. Medical management and professional hair removal can therefore sometimes be used alongside each other.

Electrolysis for PCOS Facial Hair

Electrolysis treats each hair follicle individually using a very fine sterile probe and a controlled electrical current.

It can be used to treat:

  • Chin and jawline hair

  • Upper-lip hair

  • Neck hair

  • Coarse individual hairs

  • Mixed areas containing different hair colours

  • Hair that has not responded well to other methods

Unlike laser, electrolysis does not rely on pigment. It can treat dark, blonde, red, grey and white hair.

Electrolysis provides permanent removal of successfully treated follicles. Several appointments are required because hairs grow at different times and can only be treated when visible.

PCOS may continue to activate previously dormant follicles. Any newly developing hairs can be treated as they appear, but this means that the overall process may take longer and occasional maintenance may be required.

What to Expect From Electrolysis

Appointments are available in 15-minute blocks, up to one hour, at £1 per minute.

The most appropriate appointment length will depend on the size of the area, amount of visible hair and personal comfort. Regular appointments are usually recommended initially, becoming shorter or less frequent as the number of active hairs reduces.

Progress is gradual, particularly where hair growth is dense or has been repeatedly plucked. Consistency is important when working towards long-term clearance.

Hair Removal Between Appointments

You can shave or carefully trim the hair between electrolysis appointments. Shaving does not make hair grow back thicker or increase the number of hairs.

Plucking, waxing, threading and epilating should be avoided because these methods remove the hair from the follicle, leaving nothing available to treat.

The hair only needs to be long enough for the practitioner to see and release at your appointment. If you currently pluck regularly, we can advise you on making the transition to electrolysis.

Laser Hair Removal for Facial and Body Hair

Laser hair removal is available for suitable facial and body hair.

It is most effective where the hair contains sufficient pigment and is noticeably darker or coarser than the surrounding finer hair. Potential treatment areas include the:

  • Upper lip

  • Chin and jawline

  • Neck

  • Underarms

  • Chest and abdomen

  • Back

  • Bikini area

  • Legs

Facial hair requires careful assessment because its cause, distribution and texture affect whether laser is appropriate. Where the growth appears hormonally stimulated or related to PCOS, electrolysis will be recommended instead.

PCOS does not automatically make laser unsuitable for body hair. Laser may provide effective long-term reduction when the body hair is dark, coarse and suitable for treatment.

Laser treats multiple follicles at once, making it particularly practical for larger areas. Results vary, and hormonal activity may cause new hairs to develop over time, so maintenance sessions may be required.

All laser clients require a consultation and patch test before treatment.

When to Speak to Your GP

Unwanted hair does not always indicate PCOS or another medical condition. However, consider speaking to your GP if the hair:

  • Appears suddenly

  • Becomes noticeably heavier over a short period

  • Develops alongside irregular or absent periods

  • Is accompanied by significant acne or scalp-hair thinning

  • Occurs with other unexplained hormonal changes

Medical assessment may help identify or manage an underlying cause, while laser or electrolysis addresses the unwanted hair itself.

A Private and Understanding Approach

Unwanted facial hair can affect confidence and everyday life in ways that are often underestimated.

Chloe, our advanced practitioner, has personal experience of PCOS and understands both the practical and emotional impact of hormonal hair growth.

Consultations and treatments are private, professional and completely non-judgemental.

Free Consultation

If you are unsure whether laser or electrolysis is appropriate, book a free consultation.

We will assess the hair and treatment area, explain the suitable options and provide realistic guidance about treatment frequency and expected maintenance.

Where laser is appropriate, the required patch test can also be completed.

There is no obligation to proceed.