PCOS, or polycystic ovary syndrome, is a condition where a person’s ovaries produce high or abnormal levels of androgen, which is a hormone usually only found in small amounts in those with ovaries. This condition affects millions of people around the world and causes a variety of symptoms ranging from uneven skin complexion to excessive hair growth (and more!). Depending on the symptoms experienced, those with it can manage most symptoms of the condition through medication or external habits, including hair removal.
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Because the symptoms of PCOS are so varied, people can treat the condition in multiple different ways - especially when it comes to removing PCOS hair growth from various parts of the body. If you’re looking for the best tips and tricks to tackle your PCOS-related hair removal, we’ve got the best ways to keep the skin as smooth as you want!
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What is PCOS?
As we said prior, PCOS stands for polycystic ovary syndrome. This condition is characterized by the development of small cysts that form in the ovaries due to the excess production of androgen. However, because this condition is so varied, some people never even develop the cysts customarily associated with PCOS.
The causes of PCOS are not entirely known but have been linked to genetic predispositions and insulin resistance. Those with family histories are thought to be more susceptible to the condition than those with no other record of PCOS in their families.
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Symptoms of PCOS
PCOS is a condition that can often be hard to diagnose at face value because of its varying symptoms and signs, especially since some with the condition never develop the cysts the condition is usually characterized by.
This condition goes beyond just the development of cysts, however, and can impact the menstrual cycle and hormone balances as a whole. If you frequently experience missed or irregular periods, it could be a symptom, as are extremely light periods. This condition can also cause infertility, so if you suspect you might have it, it’s best to consult your doctor to manage symptoms and determine how to proceed.
Additional common symptoms of PCOS include:
- Excessive hair growth on the body, including chest, back & face
- Abnormal weight gain, particularly in the abdomen area
- Hormonal acne or oily skin
- Thinning hair or balding
- Skin tags
- Dark patches of skin under the breasts, in the armpits, or on the back of the neck
If you have one or two of these symptoms, don’t freak out! These symptoms can be indicative of a variety of hormonal-related factors, so don’t automatically link oily skin or skin tags to PCOS. If you do suspect some of these symptoms you might exhibit are linked to the condition, consult your gynecologist or doctor to get tested or screened.
PCOS is generally treated conditionally, as it depends on the symptoms exhibited by each individual person. Some doctors will recommend a change in diet or activity, or will prescribe medication or birth control to manage symptoms.
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Hirsutism Hair Removal
When looking up symptoms of PCOS and PCOS hair growth, you might come across the term ‘hirsutism’. This refers to excessive hair growth in those who produce abnormal levels of androgen or testosterone. Though not everybody who has hirsutism has PCOS, both conditions are often linked, and PCOS is a frequent cause of hirsutism.
Whether the source of hirsutism is caused by PCOS or not, it can still be treated with hair removal in the same manner as hair growth caused by PCOS, whether through shaving, laser, or waxing.
PCOS Treatment for Hair Growth
Because so many people with polycystic ovary syndrome often experience excessive hair growth, they’ll often look for ways to treat and manage the hair on their body. Though body hair or facial hair growth is never something to be ashamed or self-conscious of, many people just address PCOS hair growth to be more comfortable.
There are many types of hair removal approaches to manage PCOS-related hair growth, and some work better than others to keep hair under control and managed in the way you’d like.
Types of PCOS Hair Removal
From shaving to waxing to laser hair removal, many people approach their PCOS hair growth in many different ways. Because of the amount of hair growth some may experience in awkward areas or in parts of the body they may not be used to, many look for more permanent hair removal for PCOS to avoid having to constantly maintain and deal with their excess facial hair or body hair.
PCOS Body Hair
Since PCOS symptoms can include growing unwanted hair on the face, chest, back, stomach, and pubic and underarm regions, many people try to find body hair removal methods that cover large areas and have long-lasting results.
Additionally, shaving these areas can easily become cumbersome, or just impossible depending on how accessible or inaccessible certain areas are. After all, it’s hard enough to shave your legs, never mind trying to reach your back! On top of this, shaving is abrasive to the skin and doesn’t offer long-lasting results.
PCOS laser hair removal has grown in popularity over the years, but the procedure unfortunately is rather expensive, isn’t ideal for all skin types, and requires multiple sessions to see results. However, if you can afford it and have a skin type that can work well with these lasers, it can be a good option for permanent results over time.
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PCOS Facial Hair
In the same vein as those looking for hair removal methods for their PCOS-related body hair, shaving and laser hair removal are also popular options for removing PCOS hair from the face.
For many women who aren’t familiar with shaving their face, they might not want to have to keep up with shaving or plucking facial hair. Plus, as is the case with body hair, shaving can easily cause irritation and has to be frequently kept up with to keep hair under control.
Laser hair removal for PCOS facial hair can also be inhospitable for many skin types, and also requires multiple sessions to start seeing results. The cost can also make the procedure inaccessible for many who lack the budget to keep up with laser hair removal sessions.
Just as is the case with removing PCOS body hair with laser, however, if your skin type works with the procedure and you have the budget, laser hair can bring great permanent results over the course of many sessions.
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PCOS and Waxing
PCOS waxing is a very popular method to target unwanted hair growth that results from the condition. It is cheaper than laser hair removal, works with more skin types, and provides much longer-lasting results than shaving.
Not only does waxing provide long-lasting results, but when hair does eventually grow back, it comes in finer and softer in comparison to the blunt hairs that grow back after shaving. Because waxing removes hair from the root, it also allows hair to thin out and grow back less over time.
Waxing also makes the perfect approach to PCOS hair removal not only because of its long-lasting results but also because of its accessibility. Waxing can remove hair from all over the body at lower costs than laser hair removal, and provides better results with less irritation than constant shaving.
Looking for the best formulas for PCOS hair removal?
Starpil offers many different formulas for a variety of hair and skin types. For those looking for full-body waxing results and relief from PCOS body hair, our Blue Stripless Hard Wax and Pink Stripless Hard Wax will allow clients to enjoy complete and efficient hair removal on all parts of the body.
Our Pink Hard Wax is particularly known for its ability to grip even the finest or hardest-to-reach hairs, which makes it perfect for PCOS facial waxing and for use on sensitive areas.
For clients with sensitive skin, our Starsoft and Calendula hard wax formulas provide gentle hair removal for even those with low pain tolerances or who are prone to breakouts, ingrowns, or inflammation.
These specialty formulas will give the best full-body waxing results and are amazing for use on sensitive or easily-irritated facial areas.
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At-Home PCOS Waxing
For those looking to solve their PCOS hair growth at home, there are many options out there for PCOS waxing - even outside of a professional salon environment. Though we always recommend going to a professional esthetician for the best possible waxing results, with the right at-home waxing kit, you’ll be able to achieve long-lasting smooth skin throughout the body.
When it comes to PCOS waxing at home, you’ll want to invest in a Facial Waxing Kit to address any excess facial hair growth resulting from PCOS symptoms.
Our Standard Hard Wax Kit is also ideal for those looking for full-body waxing options to curb and manage their hair growth.
Remember, though hair growth, especially from PCOS, is never anything to be ashamed of if it would make you more comfortable to be hair-free and smooth, both professional and at-home waxing is the way to go.
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Final Thoughts
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a condition that impacts millions of people worldwide, and which comes with a huge variety of symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms of this hormonal condition involve excessive hair growth, which many seek to manage through a variety of hair removal options.
From shaving, to laser, to waxing, there are a variety of options available to address excessive PCOS hair growth. However, there’s no question that PCOS waxing is the best way to go. Though hair growth should never be something to be self-conscious about, you can enjoy hair removal and smooth skin with the longest-lasting results with the right hair removal methods.
