How to Deal With Excessive Hair Growth

TL;DR Summary

• Understanding Hirsutism and Hypertrichosis: Differentiates excessive hair growth types.
• Symptoms Beyond Hair: Includes deep voice, acne, and menstrual changes.
• Hormonal Imbalance Prevalence: Common in conditions like PCOS.
• Diverse Treatment Options: From shaving and waxing to laser removal and creams.
• Medications as Solution: Vaniqu, Aldoctone, Proscar reduce hair visibility.
• Personalized Approach: Expert consultations for individualized treatment plans.

Introduction

Over my decade in the aesthetics industry, one common concern that surfaces among clients is excessive hair growth. It’s an issue that affects many, stirring both discomfort and a lack of confidence.

In my role at Wellaholic, I’ve guided countless individuals through their journeys to manage and treat excessive hair growth. The key lies in understanding the root causes and exploring effective treatment options tailored to each unique situation.

I have experience helping clients deal with excessive hair growth and I want to share insights and practical advice.

From the latest laser technologies to simple lifestyle adjustments, I’ll delve into the best strategies to manage excessive hair growth. Stay tuned as we explore together the most effective paths to achieving smooth, confident skin.

“The only way to deal with excessive hair growth is to take proactive steps to manage it.”

Understanding Hirsutism and Hypertrichosis

As an expert in the aesthetics industry, I often get questions from clients about excessive hair growth. Two conditions that frequently come up are hirsutism and hypertrichosis. While both involve unwanted hair, there are some key differences to be aware of.

Hirsutism refers specifically to women developing coarse, dark hair growth in male-pattern areas like the face, chest, and abdomen.[1][2] This is caused by an excess of male hormones called androgens. The most common underlying cause is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), but other hormonal imbalances or medical conditions like tumours can also lead to hirsutism.

On the other hand, hypertrichosis is simply excessive hair growth anywhere on the body in both men and women.[3] It’s not necessarily related to hormones – it can be caused by genetics, medications, nutritional issues, or other medical problems. The hair tends to be finer and lighter in colour compared to hirsutism.

So in simple terms, hirsutism in women is about male-pattern hair growth driven by androgens, while hypertrichosis is a more general excessive hair condition that can affect anyone.

Tailored Treatments for Hirsutism and Hypertrichosis

At Wellaholic, we have treatments tailored for both hirsutism and hypertrichosis. For hirsutism, we often recommend medications to address the underlying hormonal imbalance along with laser hair removal. With hypertrichosis, the focus is more on cosmetic hair removal methods since there’s no hormonal factor.

The key is getting an accurate diagnosis first. I always have my clients come in for an evaluation, so we can determine if it’s hirsutism, hypertrichosis, or something else before developing a personalized treatment plan. Proper management makes a big difference in boosting confidence and improving quality of life.

Understanding Excessive Hair Growth Symptoms

As someone with over a decade of experience in the aesthetics industry, I frequently get questions from clients about excessive hair growth, also known as hirsutism. It’s an issue that can really impact a woman’s self-confidence and quality of life.

The main symptom of hirsutism is the growth of coarse, dark hair in areas where women typically only have fine, light hair growth.[1][3] This includes the face (upper lip, chin), chest, abdomen, back, and inner thighs. So instead of just some light “peach fuzz”, you’ll notice thicker, more visible hair in those male-pattern areas.

Beyond the excessive hair itself, some women with hirsutism may also experience other masculine characteristics like a deepening voice, increased muscle mass, or even male-pattern baldness.[1] These additional signs are referred to as “virilization” and indicate high levels of male hormones called androgens.

Exploring Underlying Causes of Excessive Hair Growth

At Wellaholic, we always have new clients come in for an evaluation first. That way, we can properly assess the degree of hair growth using a standardized scale and determine if it constitutes clinical hirsutism.[3] From there, we can explore the potential underlying causes and develop a personalized treatment plan.

While excessive hair growth itself isn’t physically harmful, I’ve seen first-hand how much of an emotional toll it can take. Many of my clients have struggled with anxiety, low self-esteem, and embarrassment before seeking treatment.[6] That’s why getting an accurate diagnosis and the right management approach is so important for improving their overall well-being.

Negative Experiences for Excessive Hair Growth

Many women struggle with the emotional and psychological impacts of excessive hair growth, especially in areas like the face, chest and back. This condition, known as hirsutism, is often caused by hormonal imbalances like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Client Experiences

• Tana Anderson was relentlessly bullied as a child for her excessive hair growth, being called names like “dog legs” and “monkey arms”. She felt like a “freak of nature” and was deeply embarrassed.[1] After years of trying temporary hair removal methods, she finally found a permanent solution through electrolysis.
• Megan Stewart experienced PCOS-induced hirsutism, with excessive dark hair growth on her face, neck and other areas. This led to self-consciousness and having to constantly remove the hair. After trying laser hair removal, she says it has been “a blessing” and she no longer has to worry about visible hair growth.[2]
• Many women with hirsutism report feeling embarrassed, ashamed and distressed about their appearance. The excessive hair growth can severely impact self-confidence and quality of life.[6]
• Nellie-Jean Robinson used her TikTok platform to raise awareness about her experience with hirsutism, in hopes of reducing stigma around the condition for women of colour. [20]

The emotional toll of hirsutism is significant, with many women reporting depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and poor body image as a result of excessive hair growth.[6] Having a strong support system and access to effective treatment options is crucial for improving the psychological well-being of those affected.

What are the Treatments for Excessive Hair Growth?

As someone with over a decade of experience in aesthetics, I frequently get questions from clients about dealing with unwanted hair growth. For women with hirsutism – excessive coarse hair in male-pattern areas like the face, chest and abdomen – it’s often caused by hormonal imbalances like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

At Wellaholic, our first step is to have the client come in for an evaluation. We use a standardized scale to assess the degree of hair growth and determine if it constitutes clinical hirsutism. From there, we can explore potential underlying hormonal causes through testing.

Combating Hirsutism: Medications and Hair Removal Techniques

For hirsutism cases, we typically recommend a combined approach. Medications like birth control pills or anti-androgens can help suppress the excess male hormones driving the hair growth. These are used alongside laser hair removal or electrolysis to permanently reduce the existing coarse hairs.

With hypertrichosis – generalized excessive hair growth not tied to hormones – the treatment focuses more on cosmetic hair removal methods like laser, electrolysis, waxing or depilatories. There’s no need for medications since it’s not a hormonal issue. We usually recommend our SHR hair removal, which works well for cases related to hypertrichosis (with good results).

No matter the type of unwanted hair, I always emphasize managing client expectations. Hirsutism in particular requires patience, as it can take 6–9 months to see full results from hormonal treatments. But sticking with the proper regimen makes a big difference in boosting confidence and improving quality of life.

Are there medications to treat excessive hair growth?

For hirsutism caused by high androgen levels, we commonly recommend medications to help lower those male hormones. The most popular is spironolactone, which blocks androgen receptors and reduces testosterone production. It can be very effective, though side effects like menstrual irregularities and breast tenderness sometimes occur.

Birth control pills are another first-line option, as they contain estrogen and progestin to suppress ovarian androgen secretion. We’ll often combine the pill with spironolactone or another anti-androgen for an enhanced effect.

Finasteride is a newer medication that inhibits the conversion of testosterone to its more potent form dihydrotestosterone. With minimal side effects, it’s become one of my preferred choices for hirsutism patients.

Other drugs like eflornithine cream can be used to slow facial hair growth specifically. Or for severe cases, injectable medications like Lupron may be needed to fully shut down the ovaries.

No matter which route we take, I always emphasize managing expectations with hirsutism treatment. Even with medications, it can take 6–9 months to see the full benefits as those coarse hairs complete their growth cycle. Sticking with the proper regimen is key, but the payoff in terms of confidence and quality of life makes it worth the patience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, dealing with excessive hair growth involves understanding the condition, recognizing its symptoms, and exploring various treatment options. Medications can be effective, but they require patience and consistent use. Side effects are possible, and individual responses to treatment can vary. Therefore, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Remember, every person’s experience with excessive hair growth is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. It’s all about finding the right balance and treatment plan that works for you, helping you to manage the condition and live your life confidently and comfortably. If you need further assistance with excessive hair growth, feel free to arrange an appointment with Wellaholic for a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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How to Deal with Excessive Hair Growth: Unwanted Hair Removal Services and Treatments in Singapore