Written By: Dr. Anna H. Chacon

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) affects 4% to 20% of people of reproductive age worldwide. The disorder can cause many symptoms, including thicker, darker, and more excessive facial and body hair growth. While medical treatments can lead to improvements in symptoms, PCOS’ effects on hair often persist for many. However, there are solutions available to address them.

If you have unwanted hair growth due to PCOS, the right hair removal solution can help you manage growth and improve your self-esteem.

Fact 1: PCOS Facial Hair and Body Hair Growth Is a Common Problem

Excessive hair growth—or hirsutism—can often lead to feelings of isolation, but the problem is very common among those with PCOS. In fact, 70% to 80% of people with the disorder experience hirsutism. To understand why, you first need to know what PCOS is and how it affects the body.

PCOS occurs due to an excess of androgens, a group of sex hormones. Elevated levels of androgens can cause problems with the menstrual cycle, skin, weight, and more. In addition, high levels of androgen can impact the growth of facial and body hair. Hair may grow faster and thicker than before. Hirsutism associated with PCOS can also result in darker, more noticeable hair growth on the face, back, chest, abdomen, arms, and legs.

Fact 2: Waxing Is an Effective Hair Removal Option

Waxing can be a simple yet effective solution for hair growth due to PCOS. Because it removes the full hair, waxing leaves skin feeling very smooth. Results can last for three to four weeks, much longer than shaving, which leaves the root intact, enabling regrowth to begin almost immediately. Waxing treatments can be performed on small areas, such as the chin and upper lip, and on larger areas, including the back, chest, legs, and arms. 

Fact 3: Preparation Is Important When Waxing With PCOS

The right pre-wax care routine can maximize results and minimize discomfort during wax treatments for those with PCOS. Follow these tips to enhance results:

• Stop shaving and tweezing five to seven days before your appointment.
• Exfoliate your skin before your consultation using a mild product, like EWC SLOW™ Body Polish.
• Time appointments for the middle of your menstrual cycle to reduce sensitivity.
• If you have sensitive skin, consider taking an over-the-counter pain reliever before your appointment.
• Wear loose-fitting clothing made of natural fibers, like cotton or linen.

Fact 4: Laser Hair Removal for PCOS May Be Advantageous

Laser hair removal is another potential treatment option for people with PCOS-related hair growth. During a session, a laser targets hair follicles on the back, legs, upper lip, or other areas, destroying the follicles without affecting the surrounding skin. 

With just a few laser hair removal sessions, it’s possible to see a dramatic reduction in hair. For many, hair doesn’t regrow in the affected area. Generally, laser hair removal produces the most dramatic results for people with light skin and dark hair. A laser hair removal professional can tell you whether you’d be a good candidate based on your skin tone and the color and thickness of your hair. 

Fact 5: Managing Ingrown Hairs Is Key After PCOS Hair Removal

Ingrown hairs develop when regrowing hair stays under the skin's surface, often due to clogged pores. Many people experience this after waxing, but those with PCOS are often more prone to ingrown hairs due to the accelerated rate of hair growth. 

Fortunately, you can take steps to lower the likelihood of ingrown hairs. Regular exfoliation can remove dead skin before it can block pores, reducing existing blockages. If ingrown hairs do arise, EWC TREAT® Brightening Ingrown Hair Wipes may help soothe skin and aid in the healing process.

Fact 6: PCOS Hair Removal Won’t Worsen Growth

One of the biggest myths about hair removal for PCOS is that treating the problem with waxing or laser hair removal is ineffective or will make hair growth worse. This misconception has arisen due to misunderstandings about the hair growth process. When hair first emerges from the follicle, it often feels coarser or sharper. However, if you allow it to get longer, it becomes softer like the original growth. People commonly mistake the texture of emerging new hairs as a sign that hair growth has worsened.

Hirsutism associated with PCOS happens due to excessive androgen levels. Waxing and laser hair removal treatments don’t alter hormone levels or cause hair to grow faster or come in thicker, whether you have PCOS or not.

Fact 7: Professional Guidance Matters

There are many ways of managing PCOS-related hair growth, but not all solutions are ideal for everyone. That’s why it’s important to consult an experienced professional about PCOS hair removal options. A professional can recommend treatments based on skin type, hair density, and personal preferences. They can provide individualized advice on how best to care for your skin before and after hair removal treatments to improve your results.

Fact 8: Consistent Treatments Can Improve PCOS Facial Hair & Body Hair 

There is no cure for PCOS, but consistent hair removal treatments can lead to significant improvements in managing PCOS-related hair growth. A knowledgeable hair removal professional can recommend the right maintenance plan for you. Following this advice may even reduce future growth, especially if you combine hair removal treatments with other PCOS treatments recommended by your healthcare provider.

Fact 9: Adopting New Habits Can Help Maintain Results

Following a daily skincare routine of cleansing, moisturizing, and regularly exfoliating can help promote healthy skin and reduce irritation associated with hair removal. For people with PCOS, eating a well-balanced diet, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight have also been shown to support better hormonal balance and reduce PCOS symptoms.

Fact 10: Hair Removal Is a Journey

No hair removal treatment can completely eliminate PCOS-related facial and body hair. However, finding the right hair removal method based on your unique needs, adhering to the recommended maintenance schedule, and making healthy lifestyle choices can lead to long-term improvements. As you embark upon your hair removal journey, be patient with yourself. Celebrate the changes you observe after each treatment and use those incremental, positive changes as motivation to continue your progress.

Learn More About PCOS Hair Removal

PCOS facial hair and body hair changes are common concerns for people with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Healthcare providers can develop treatment plans to ease symptoms of the underlying condition. For those with PCOS, waxing and laser treatments are two effective hair removal methods that can help manage unwanted hair growth as a complement to treatment plans. 

The best method of removing PCOS facial and body hair will depend on your individual preferences and needs. At European Wax Center, the team of experts has experience helping guests weigh their options and select the right approach for hair removal. They’ll explain the benefits of available services and provide personalized advice on which options best align with your unique needs. 

Find the European Wax Center location nearest you and book an appointment today to take the first step toward addressing unwanted hair. Learn more about EWC’s waxing and laser hair removal services, and feel free to come to us with any questions. Contact EWC today and take the first steps toward managing hair growth!

About the Author

Dr. Anna H. Chacon is a double Ivy League-educated board-certified dermatologist. Following medical school at Brown University, Dr. Chacon completed a fellowship in dermatologic & laser surgery at the University of Miami, in which she authored many articles, book chapters, and managed several clinical research studies. She then completed a one-year surgical internship at Orlando Regional Medical Center. She completed her dermatology residency at LAC+USC Medical Center in Los Angeles. She is currently a board-certified dermatologist in South Florida. She speaks multiple languages including English, Spanish, and French; and aspires to treat her patients like family. She has an interest in rural health and providing healthcare to underserved areas. She serves as the first and only dermatologist that provides medical care to the Native Americans of the arctic slope of Alaska. She currently is the most licensed female dermatologist and is licensed in 46 states to practice medicine across state lines. She loves dermatology and also enjoys writing in publications, magazines, online websites, research studies, and scientific articles.