How To Get Rid Of Hormonal Facial Hair

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Along with poochy bellies and sleep disturbances, menopause can straight up make our faces hairer. Yes, I’m talking about hormonal facial hair. This change can take the form of more peach fuzz on your cheeks, coarse hairs on your chin, and even rogue white or gray hairs that seem to show up overnight. It’s important to know that increased facial hair is totally normal, and that it happens to many of us women making the journey through menopause. That said, assuming your facial hair is unwanted, there are ways you can get rid of it! 

Why facial hair happens

As with most mid-life female body challenges, an uptick in facial hair is driven by shifting hormone levels. During menopause, and afterwards, our estrogen and progesterone levels decline while our level of testosterone (a hormone heavily present in men) stays the same. Without estrogen and progesterone to take it down a notch, testosterone can trigger the production of facial hair. 

Now, let’s talk about how to get rid of it.

How to get rid of unwanted facial hair

Fortunately for us, there are several solid and dependable ways to deal with menopause-related facial hair. 

1. Laser hair removal

Laser hair removal—specifically with a Motus AX Laser machine—is a highly effective treatment that is pain-free and works for all skin tones. Laser hair removal typically requires several sessions, but overtime the hair growth decreases. The only drawback here is that lasers do not work on gray hair. So if you choose this method, you’ll want to book an appointment at a medical spa, dermatologist, or even a plastic surgeon’s office where this service is offered ASAP.  

2. Professional dermaplaning 

Also known as “scalpel facials,” dermaplaning is basically face-shaving by a trained professional, like a dermatologist or licensed esthetician. The treatment requires an office visit, where they will shave your face with a medical grade, single-blade scalpel. This is best for skin that isn’t hypersensitive, or prone to acne or rosacea. 

3. Electrolysis hair removal 

Electrolysis hair removal is considered the only permanent hair removal treatment out there. This method uses an electric current to destroy the unwanted hair follicles, preventing any hair from regrowing in that area. This service is usually offered at medical spas, dermatologist offices, or upscale salons. Make sure that wherever you’re going, you look into the credentials of whoever is doing the treatment. You want a professional who has a long history of performing this treatment—this is your face, after all.

4. Vaniqa

Vaniqa is a brand name for a generic drug called eflornithine hydrochloride. This is the only FDA-approved prescription medication available for the purpose of inhibiting unwanted facial hair growth in women. If this interests you, talk to your doctor or a dermatologist about getting a prescription. 

5. Chemical depilatories 

“Chemical depilatory” is a fancy term for the hair removal products we see at the drugstore—think Nair and Veet. These products are crafted with alkaline-based chemicals, which break down keratin, weakening the hair to a jelly-like state so it can be easily wiped away once the recommended time has elapsed. This is an effective, affordable option—just make sure you buy the kind that is safe to use on your face!

6. Wax, thread, pluck, or shave. 

If you would prefer to go the DIY route, you can wax, thread, pluck, or shave your face. If you are scared that the hair will grow back coarse (like leg hair), I recommend the following “shaving” products.

At the end of the day, facial hair is not harmful, and there’s nothing wrong with having it. It does, however, cause feelings of self-consciousness and affect confidence in many women. Facial hair is a normal part of aging after menopause—but if you want to remove it, you now have the tools to do so! 

For more advice on dealing with menopause and the aftermath (and a group of women who have been through what you’re going through), join our Private Pure Joy Wellness Facebook Group! 

Xo, 

Renata