Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects an estimated 1 in 10 women of reproductive age — and one of its most visible and distressing symptoms is hirsutism: excess hair growth in areas typically associated with male hair patterns.
For women with PCOS, unwanted facial and body hair isn't just a cosmetic inconvenience. It can be a daily source of anxiety, affecting confidence and quality of life. Shaving, waxing, and threading provide only temporary results — and on hormone-driven hair, they can feel like a never-ending cycle.
Laser hair removal offers genuine, long-term relief. While it cannot alter the underlying hormonal cause, it can dramatically and permanently reduce the hair growth that PCOS drives.
Why PCOS Causes Excess Hair Growth
In PCOS, elevated androgen levels (particularly testosterone and its derivatives) stimulate hair follicles in androgen-sensitive areas to produce thicker, darker, more visible hair. Affected areas commonly include:
- Upper lip and chin - Jaw and sideburns - Neck and chest - Abdomen (linea alba) - Inner thighs and bikini area - Lower back and buttocks
The hair produced in these areas tends to be coarser and darker than typical female body hair, making it more visible and harder to manage.
Why Laser Is the Most Effective Long-Term Solution
Laser hair removal works by delivering energy into the hair follicle, where it is absorbed by melanin and converted to heat — disabling the follicle's ability to produce new hair. Unlike waxing or shaving, which remove hair at the surface, laser targets the follicle itself.
For PCOS-related hair, laser offers several key advantages:
- **Permanent reduction:** A full course significantly reduces the number of active follicles — fewer follicles means less regrowth - **Finer regrowth:** Any hair that does regrow is typically finer and lighter, much easier to manage - **Confidence:** The reduction in visible hair has a significant positive impact on self-image and daily comfort - **Time savings:** Clients report dramatically reducing the time spent on hair removal after completing a course
Important Considerations for PCOS Clients
Because PCOS is hormonally driven, the management of hair growth through laser differs from standard laser hair removal in a few key ways:
**More sessions may be required:** Elevated androgens continuously stimulate follicles, which can mean more active follicles at any given time. Most PCOS clients require 8–10 sessions rather than the typical 6, and may benefit from more frequent maintenance sessions.
**Active hormone management matters:** If PCOS is being managed medically — with the contraceptive pill, anti-androgen medication, or metformin — laser results are typically more stable. We advise discussing medical management with your GP or gynaecologist alongside laser treatment.
**Maintenance sessions are important:** As long as androgen levels remain elevated, some follicle stimulation continues. Annual or biannual maintenance sessions are generally recommended to maintain results.
Our Approach
At Skin Health Practice, we are experienced in treating PCOS-related hair growth across all skin tones. We use the Nd:YAG laser for clients with darker or olive skin tones, ensuring safety for melanin-rich skin alongside efficacy.
At your consultation, we will discuss the areas of concern, your PCOS management, skin type, and what realistic outcomes look like for your specific case. We provide an honest, individualised assessment — not a generic sales pitch.
We currently offer **up to 50% off** laser hair removal packages. Book your free consultation at Skin Health Practice — call **020 3886 1313** or visit 65-73 Staines Road, Hounslow, TW3 3HW.