PCOS Hirsutism Explained Why the Hair Keeps Coming Back

If you have PCOS and you’re shaving your chin every morning, you’re not dramatic.

You shaved yesterday.
It’s back today.
And somehow it feels thicker.

This cycle is exhausting. And it’s one of the most common frustrations women with PCOS deal with.

Let’s break it down properly:

• What hirsutism actually is
• Why PCOS causes stubborn regrowth
• Why waxing and shaving don’t solve it
• Whether laser hair removal can genuinely help

No hype. Just clear answers.

What Is Hirsutism?

Hirsutism means excessive, coarse, dark hair growth in women in areas where men typically grow hair.

Common areas include:

• Chin
• Upper lip
• Jawline
• Neck
• Chest
• Stomach
• Lower back

Around 70 to 80 percent of hirsutism cases are linked to PCOS.

It’s not “just genetics.”
It’s hormonal.

Why PCOS Causes Excess Hair Growth

PCOS often leads to higher levels of androgens. These are male-type hormones like testosterone that women also produce, just in smaller amounts.

When androgen levels rise:

• Fine vellus hair (peach fuzz) converts into thick terminal hair
• Hair follicles stay active longer
• More follicles get stimulated at the same time

So it’s not that your body is “broken.”
It’s that the hormonal signal to grow hair is stronger.

Why Does It Feel Like It Grows Back So Fast?

There are three main reasons.

1. Hormones Keep Reactivating the Follicle

PCOS doesn’t just grow one hair. It keeps sending signals to the follicle.

So even if you remove the hair, the root is still active underneath.

2. The Hair Is Thicker

Thicker, darker hair is more noticeable when it grows back through the skin.

It may not actually be growing faster.
It just feels more obvious.

3. You’re Only Removing It at the Surface

Shaving cuts the hair at skin level.
Waxing pulls it out, but does not damage the follicle permanently.

Neither method changes the hormonal trigger.

So the cycle repeats.

Does Shaving Make PCOS Hair Worse?

No.

Shaving does not make hair grow thicker or darker. That’s a myth.

What’s actually happening:

• The blunt tip of shaved hair feels coarser
• PCOS is already stimulating thicker regrowth

It’s hormonal. Not your razor.

Can Laser Hair Removal Help with PCOS Hirsutism?

Short answer: yes, but with realistic expectations.

Laser hair removal works by targeting pigment in the hair follicle during its active growth phase. The light energy converts to heat and damages the follicle.

Over multiple sessions, this leads to long-term hair reduction.

For women with PCOS:

• You may need more sessions than someone without hormonal imbalance
• Maintenance sessions are common
• The goal is reduction and control, not always total removal

Laser does not cure PCOS.
But it can significantly reduce the visible hair caused by it.

And that changes daily life.

How Many Laser Sessions Do You Need with PCOS?

Most clients without hormonal issues need around 6 to 8 sessions.

With PCOS, it can be:

• 8 to 12 sessions
• Followed by occasional maintenance

Hair grows in cycles. Laser only works on hairs in the active growth phase. That’s why sessions are spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart for facial areas.

Consistency matters.

Is Laser Hair Removal Safe for Darker Skin?

This is especially important for South Asian, Middle Eastern and Black women.

Older laser systems carried higher risks of burns or hyperpigmentation on melanin-rich skin.

At Laser Me Out, we use Soprano Titanium technology, which:

• Gradually heats the follicle instead of using aggressive single pulses
• Is safe for darker skin tones when performed correctly
• Reduces risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

This matters, because many women with PCOS also deal with pigmentation and acne scarring.

You need the right technology and experienced therapists.

What Results Can You Realistically Expect?

After 2 to 3 sessions:

• Slower regrowth
• Softer texture
• Less daily shaving

After a full course:

• Significant reduction in thickness and density
• Fewer ingrown hairs
• Reduced dark shadow on the chin and jawline

For many clients, the biggest change is not just physical.

It’s mental.

Less anxiety.
Less mirror checking.
Less panic before social events.

Will the Hair Come Back If My Hormones Fluctuate?

Possibly.

PCOS is a long-term condition. If androgen levels increase again, some follicles can reactivate.

That’s why maintenance sessions are often recommended once or twice a year.

Think of it like managing the condition, not fighting it once.

Does Laser Make PCOS Hair Worse?

When done properly, no.

What can cause problems:

• Inconsistent sessions
• Using the wrong settings
• Treating very fine hair that is not suitable for laser

Laser works best on dark, coarse hair. A proper consultation and patch test are essential before starting.

The Bottom Line

PCOS hirsutism is not your fault.

The reason the hair keeps coming back is hormonal stimulation at the follicle level.

Shaving and waxing do not address that root cause.
Laser hair removal can reduce the density and thickness long-term, but it requires the right plan and realistic expectations.

If you’re tired of daily shaving, we can assess:

• Your skin tone
• Your hair type
• Your medical history
• Your hormone background

At our clinic in Marylebone, we start with a consultation and patch test before any treatment. No pressure. Just a clear plan based on your skin and hair. If you’re living with PCOS and facial hair, you’re not alone. And you don’t have to keep fighting it every single morning.