There are a number of methods that can permanently remove unwanted facial hair. Medications, cosmetic procedures and even lifestyle changes are used to get rid of facial hair. However, the cause of this hair growth often influences the available method. Hormones, heredity and certain medications can all trigger unusual facial hair growth in women, so you'll need to determine the exact cause of the facial hair before deciding on a treatment method.
Step 1
Consult your dermatologist or doctor. Blood tests, physical exams, pelvic exams, CT scans, ultrasounds and medical histories can all help medical professionals determine a cause for facial hair growth and prescribe the appropriate form of treatment before trying to remove the hair on your own.
Step 2
Shed excess pounds, suggests the National Institutes of Health. Women suffering from obesity tend to have high levels of androgens, or male sex hormones, which can cause male pattern hair growth. By losing weight, you lower androgens in the body, reducing the hair growing on your face.
Step 3
Take an oral contraceptive. If weight loss fails to stop hair growth, or other hormonal factors are producing facial hair, your doctor may recommend oral contraceptives. Like weight loss, birth control pills can control hormone levels and stop the growth of facial hair.
Step 4
Inhibit hair growth with an antiandrogenic medication. This type of drug prevents the production of androgens from the ovaries. With less male sex hormones in the body, facial hair should cease to grow. Spironolactone is by far the most common, according to the Mayo Clinic, but your doctor may prescribe a different medication.
Step 5
Undergo laser hair removal. If medications fall short of your expectations or no cause is found for the facial hair growth, treat the affected areas with laser hair removal. The laser energy damages the follicles, causing them to go dormant and cease producing hair.
Step 6
Destroy the facial hair follicles with electrolysis. Instead of laser hair removal, you may want to opt for electrolysis. This cosmetic procedure delivers an electrical spark to burn out the follicle and permanently stop it from producing hair.
Tips and Warnings
- Your doctor may also prescribe eflornithine to inhibit facial hair growth. This medication interacts with the enzymes needed to produce hair, slowing the rate of hair growth. It does not stop it permanently.
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