Hair removal

Beard for women

Dr. med. Mareike Prinz October 22, 2019 Read 4 min

A lady's beard or increased hair growth, especially on the face, is an undesirable reality for many women, which is often perceived as very annoying and can affect their self-esteem and general well-being. Despite the widespread prevalence of excessive facial hair growth in women, this topic is rarely discussed openly.

The most common causes of facial hair in women are hormonal changes, genetic predisposition, hirsutism and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Hormonal fluctuations during puberty, pregnancy or the menopause can promote increased hair growth on the face. However, a genetic predisposition can also lead to women having a natural tendency to facial hair. In hirsutism, women produce more male hormones, which leads to excessive hair growth in typical male areas, while women with PCOS often have increased androgen levels, which can promote excessive hair growth on the face and other areas of the body.

Treatment options

There are various options for removing facial hair in women:

Shave: A quick and inexpensive solution that can be carried out in the comfort of your own home. However, the hair grows back quickly and can cause stubble, and shaving can also cause irritation if you have sensitive skin.

Plucking/waxing/threading (thread epilation): The hair is removed at the root, which results in longer-lasting smoothness. However, the process can be painful and time-consuming. There is also a risk of ingrown hairs.

Depilatory creams: These creams are painless and easy to use. However, they can cause irritation to sensitive skin and only offer short-lived results as the hair grows back quickly.

Laser hair removal: During the treatment, laser beams penetrate the skin and hit the color pigments of the hair. This burns the hair. If the hair is in the growth phase and is still connected to the hair root, not only the hair itself is damaged, but also the surrounding cells that supply it. The hair root is destroyed and new hair can no longer grow. This process works best on dark hair.

Around 20% of hair can be removed per session. The total number of treatments required varies greatly. Some patients need 3-10 sessions. Patients with hormonal disorders may also require permanent treatments. In total, hair can be reduced by around 80%, but there is no guarantee of success.

There should be an interval of 4 weeks between individual laser sessions on the face and 8-12 weeks on other parts of the body. We use the latest generation of devices. This method is not suitable for all hair types, but only for dark hair in men and women.

Electrolysis: Electrolysis is a method of permanent hair removal that is achieved by destroying the hair follicle using electrical energy. In this procedure, a fine needle is inserted into the follicle, through which an electric current is then passed to stop hair growth. Electrolysis requires several sessions as not all hairs can be treated at the same time and is particularly suitable for smaller areas such as the face. Although electrolysis can be painful, it offers a permanent solution to unwanted facial hair.

The choice of a suitable method depends on individual preferences, skin and hair type. When choosing the right method for removing facial hair, various other factors such as skin sensitivity, pain tolerance, cost, time available and desired result should also be taken into account. A professional consultation is therefore recommended to determine the best method and to ensure that the treatment is safe and effective.

Summary

Facial hair in women can be effectively controlled through various treatment options tailored to individual needs. Whether temporary solutions such as shaving or long-term investments such as laser hair removal - there is a suitable option for every woman. At Hautwerk, we have opted for laser epilation and only offer this. This is the only method (professionally supervised) that achieves the best long-term results.

 Your self-confidence and well-being are paramount, so don't hesitate to consult with professionals to find the best solution.