Unwanted hair on the face or body is one of the most common cosmetic concerns we treat at Advanced Dermatology of the Midlands. Whether it is coarse facial hair, excess body hair, or hair growth tied to a hormonal condition, there are more treatment options available today than ever before. This post walks through the causes of unwanted hair growth and the full range of removal options so you can make an informed decision about which path is right for you.
Hair Growth in Unwanted Locations
Hair growth in various unwanted locations is extremely common. In most cases does not signify any underlying medical conditions. Select cases have shown certain signs and symptoms are present, therefore needing further investigation.
In women, some of the most common areas that are problematic are:
- Upper lip
- Chin
- Neck
- The chest, especially the area around the nipples
- legs
- Bikini area
In contrast, men are most often bothered by unwanted hair growth on the back and ears. As well as excessively thick hair of the eyebrows and the region between the eyebrows known as the glabella. This causes the problem frequently referred to as the monobrow or unibrow.
Hormonal Conditions and Unwanted Hair Growth
Laboratory investigation (blood tests) will be done to rule out an underlying hormonal disorder. For example, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), is a complex hormonal condition in women. High levels of testosterone in women with PCOS can cause irregular menstrual cycles and the development of excess body hair.
PCOS is a common cause of hirsutism in women and is a result of high levels of androgens. Hirsutism refers to the growth of coarse dark hair in areas where females typically grow fine or no hair. Anti-androgens and hormonal contraceptives or birth control pills treat hirsutism.
Females with Cushing syndrome may also have signs of androgen excess. Men with Cushing syndrome do not develop excess body hair but may have acne.
Thyroid disorders can also contribute to changes in hair growth patterns. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism may cause hair thinning in some areas while triggering unwanted growth in others. A dermatologist can help determine whether bloodwork is warranted based on your specific presentation.
Weight loss can also lower your androgen levels and stop excess hair growth.
Men and women both have androgens, but men typically have higher levels of them. The adrenal glands secrete androgens, and hair follicles respond by growing thick hair. Irrespective of that, there is good news! Many different treatment options are available for unwanted hair growth.
Unwanted Hair Removal at a Glance
| Method | Best For | How Long Results Last | Works on All Hair Colors? |
| Laser Hair Removal | Dark, coarse hair | Long-term to permanent | No, works best on dark hair |
| Vaniqa (prescription) | Facial hair | Ongoing (results stop when use stops) | Yes, including blonde, gray, red |
| Electrolysis | All hair types | Permanent | Yes |
| Dermaplaning | Fine facial hair, skin texture | 3 to 4 weeks | Yes |
| Waxing / Threading | Any area | 3 to 6 weeks | Yes |
| Shaving / Plucking | Any area | Days to weeks | Yes |
| Depilatory creams | Fine to medium hair | 1 to 2 weeks | Yes |
Medicinal Hair Removal Treatments
Vaniqa (pronounced vanika) is a medicine that you apply twice daily to the skin. Vaniqa is FDA-approved for unwanted facial hair. Though not successful in every case, Vaniqa can be very helpful for some patients.
Its effect only lasts as long as you use the medicine. Vaniqa works best on thicker, coarse hairs, and generally will not do much for that thin peach fuzz known as lanugo hair. The best thing about Vaniqa (especially when compared to laser), is that it can work on any hair color including gray/white/blonde/red. As with any topically applied medication, it can have some side effects, and a prescription is required.
Laser Hair Removal Treatments
Laser treatment for unwanted hair can be one of the very best treatments available. It is generally very safe and works best for dark coarse hair. Laser hair removal can be a long-term solution for removing hair that grows in unwanted places.
However, in cases where the laser doesn’t destroy hair follicles completely, slow hair growth may occur. For more detailed information on laser hair removal/treatment, look here for more information: Laser Treatments. We offer laser treatment with the Lumenis Lightsheer Laser—one of the best hair treatment lasers in the world.
Most patients require a series of 6 to 8 sessions spaced several weeks apart for optimal results. Because laser targets pigment in the hair follicle, it works best on individuals with dark hair and lighter skin, though newer laser technologies have expanded the range of treatable skin tones.
Mechanical and Electrical Hair Removal Treatments
Dermatologists treat unwanted body hair using various other methods. This includes traditional shaving, plucking, and waxing, as well as electrolysis. However, dermatologists don’t use electrolysis as much as they once did. This is likely due to the other available treatments that have come to the market.
Dermaplaning can help temporary removal of unwanted hairs. This special treatment can help smooth and rejuvenate the skin as well. We offer dermaplaning services through our clinics for cosmetic enhancement of the skin. Please refer to our recent blog to learn more about it: Dermaplaning.
Threading is another popular option for facial hair removal, particularly for shaping the eyebrows and removing upper lip and chin hair. It uses a twisted thread to pull hair from the follicle and is a good option for individuals with sensitive skin who cannot tolerate waxing.
Depilatory creams dissolve the hair shaft at the skin’s surface using chemical agents. They are widely available over the counter and provide results that last slightly longer than shaving. However, individuals with sensitive skin should patch test first, as some formulas can cause irritation.
What to Expect at Your Consultation
At your first visit, your provider will review your medical history, ask about the location and pattern of hair growth, and determine whether bloodwork is appropriate to rule out a hormonal cause. From there, you will discuss which treatment or combination of treatments aligns best with your skin tone, hair color, and goals. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, and our team is here to help you find the approach that works for your individual situation.
Advanced Dermatology of the Midlands | Best Dermatologist Omaha & Council Bluffs, IA | Board Certified Dermatologists
At Advanced Dermatology of the Midlands, we offer consultative services for all concerns related to hair, including unwanted hair growth and hair loss. Our board-certified dermatologists and licensed providers will help you identify the right treatment plan for your specific needs. Call us at (402) 933-3770 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.
