Hirsutism and Excess Hair Treatment in London
Hirsutism treatment can provide a longer-term way to manage unwanted facial and body hair. At our London clinic near Oxford Circus, we use personalised laser hair removal to reduce suitably pigmented hair, visible shadow and the irritation caused by constant shaving or plucking.
Hirsutism treatment cannot control the hormones behind excess hair growth. Laser hair removal can, however, provide a longer-term way to reduce suitably pigmented facial and body hair, visible shadow and the irritation caused by constant shaving or plucking.
At Skin Perfection London near Oxford Circus, we create personalised laser hair removal plans for patients experiencing hirsutism, hormonal hair growth and recurring unwanted facial or body hair.
Book a Consultation Not ready to book? Enquire nowWhen Unwanted Hair Starts Shaping Your Day
Perhaps you remove the hair in the morning, only to notice regrowth or shadow later that day.
You may avoid getting too close to people, feel uncomfortable without makeup or find yourself touching your face to check whether hair is visible. Shaving, waxing, threading and plucking can also leave the skin sore, inflamed or covered in recurring bumps.
These experiences are common, but that does not make them insignificant.
The goal of treatment is not simply to remove hair. It is to give you more freedom from the checking, planning and skin irritation that can quietly become part of everyday life.
What Is Hirsutism?
Hirsutism describes coarse, dark hair growth in women in areas where hair is more commonly associated with a male-pattern distribution.
It may affect the:
- Upper lip
- Chin and jawline
- Cheeks and sides of the face
- Front of the neck
- Chest and area around the nipples
- Abdomen and navel line
- Lower back
- Buttocks
- Inner thighs
The pattern and density of hair growth vary considerably between patients. Some experience a small area of coarse chin hair, while others notice unwanted growth across several areas of the face and body.
What Causes Hirsutism?
Hirsutism is often linked to increased androgen activity or greater sensitivity to androgen hormones.
Polycystic ovary syndrome, commonly known as PCOS, is one of the most frequent causes. Other possible factors include genetics, hormonal changes, certain medicines and, less commonly, an underlying medical condition.
Sometimes there is no clearly identifiable cause.
Laser practitioners cannot diagnose hirsutism or treat its underlying hormonal cause. If the hair appeared suddenly, is becoming noticeably worse or is accompanied by other hormonal symptoms, speak to your GP before beginning cosmetic treatment.
Patients with diagnosed PCOS can find more specific guidance on our laser hair removal for PCOS page.
Read about laser hair removal for PCOS
Laser Hair Removal as a Hirsutism Treatment
Laser hair removal can progressively reduce coarse, dark hair by targeting pigment within the hair.
The laser energy travels down the hair and converts into heat within the follicle. This helps disrupt the follicle’s ability to produce new growth.
Across a carefully planned course, treatment may help achieve:
- Slower and less frequent regrowth
- Finer and softer returning hair
- Reduced hair density
- Less visible facial shadow
- Smoother-feeling skin
- Fewer recurring ingrown hairs
- Less irritation from shaving and plucking
- Longer periods between hair-removal routines
Laser hair removal works most effectively on hair containing enough pigment for the laser to target. It cannot effectively treat white, grey, very blonde or some red hair.
Honest Expectations for Hormonal Hair Growth
Every hirsutism treatment plan should begin with realistic expectations. Laser hair removal cannot cure hirsutism or control the hormones responsible for new growth.
It can provide meaningful, longer-term reduction in the hair currently present. However, hormonal changes may stimulate new follicles over time. This means patients with hirsutism may require additional sessions or occasional maintenance after completing their initial course.
We will never promise that the hair will disappear permanently.
Your practitioner will assess the colour, thickness and pattern of your hair before explaining what treatment is realistically likely to achieve for you.
Laser Hair Removal for Every Skin Tone
Patients with darker skin tones need carefully selected laser technology and appropriate treatment settings because the skin contains more melanin.
Our Cynosure Elite+ platform combines Alexandrite and Nd laser technology. This allows your practitioner to choose the wavelength and settings most appropriate for your skin tone, hair and treatment area.
We regularly treat Asian, Black, Afro-Caribbean, Mediterranean, mixed-heritage and lighter skin tones.
Every patient begins with a consultation and patch test. Your practitioner will assess your skin and hair before deciding whether laser treatment is suitable and selecting the appropriate settings.
Facial and Body Areas We Can Treat
Facial Hair
Treatment may include the upper lip, chin, jawline, cheeks, sides of the face and front of the neck.
Facial hair can be particularly difficult emotionally because it is visible and may return quickly after shaving or plucking. Reducing coarse facial hair may also help the skin feel calmer by reducing the need for daily removal.
Chest and Abdomen
Hormonal hair growth may appear between or around the breasts, around the nipples, across the abdomen or along the navel line.
These areas can be treated privately and sensitively as part of an individual or combined-area treatment plan.
Back, Buttocks and Thighs
Coarse or excessive hair may also affect the lower back, buttocks and inner thighs.
Your practitioner can assess several areas during the same consultation and recommend a practical treatment plan based on the amount and pattern of hair growth.
Several Areas or Full Body
Treatment can cover one small area, several combined areas, half-body packages or full-body laser hair removal.
Your practitioner will help you choose the most appropriate approach without encouraging you to treat areas that are unlikely to respond well.
What Does Hirsutism Treatment Involve?
Consultation and Patch Test
Your first appointment includes a private consultation and patch test.
We will discuss your concerns, medical history, previous hair-removal methods and any factors that may influence your results. Your practitioner will then assess your skin tone, hair colour, thickness and growth pattern.
The £25 consultation fee is redeemable against treatment when you proceed.
Preparing for Your Appointment
You will normally need to shave the area before treatment. Do not wax, pluck, thread or epilate the hair during your course because the laser needs the hair to remain connected to the follicle.
Your practitioner will give you complete preparation instructions before your first session.
During the Laser Treatment
Your practitioner will position the Cynosure Elite+ handpiece carefully across the treatment area and deliver individual laser pulses using settings selected for your skin and hair.
You may feel brief warmth or a sensation similar to a light elastic-band snap. Comfort varies depending on the area, hair density and individual sensitivity.
After Treatment
The skin may look slightly red or feel warm after treatment. This generally settles, although reactions vary between patients and treatment areas.
Follow the aftercare advice provided by your practitioner. You will usually need to avoid exercise, hot showers, saunas, swimming and other sources of heat for the period advised.
Book a Consultation Not ready to book? Enquire nowHow Many Sessions Will I Need?
New patients normally require a minimum course of eight treatments.
Hair grows in cycles, and laser treatment works most effectively when a hair is in its active growth phase. Not every hair reaches this stage at the same time, which is why one appointment cannot treat every follicle.
Facial areas are usually treated at shorter intervals than body areas because their growth cycles differ.
Hirsutism may require additional sessions or ongoing maintenance because hormonal activity can continue to influence hair growth. Your practitioner will monitor your response and advise when to return.
Why Choose Skin Perfection London?
Experience Since 2012
Skin Perfection London has provided professional laser and skin treatments from its Central London clinic since 2012.
Treatment for Diverse Skin Tones
Our practitioners have experience treating a broad range of skin tones using individually selected laser settings and wavelengths.
Medical-Grade Laser Technology
We use the Cynosure Elite+ platform, combining Alexandrite and Nd technology to support personalised treatment planning.
Convenient Oxford Circus Location
Our clinic is located near Oxford Circus, making appointments easier to fit around work, travel and everyday life.
Feel Less Defined by Unwanted Hair
You do not need to plan every day around plucking, shaving or checking whether regrowth is visible.
Your first step towards hirsutism treatment is a private consultation where we can assess your skin and hair, answer your questions honestly and explain whether laser hair removal is suitable for you.
Book a Consultation Not ready to book? Enquire now
