What is Paradoxical Hypertrichosis?

Before diving into the details, it’s crucial to emphasize one of the most important pieces of information for anyone reading this: Please, please, do your own research if you are experiencing any hormonal changes and considering laser hair removal. This is of ENORMOUS IMPORTANCE.

Paradoxical Hypertrichosis is an uncommon but striking adverse effect of laser hair removal, where there is an increase in hair density, colour, coarseness, or a combination of these at or near the treated sites. This occurs in the absence of any other known causes of hypertrichosis.

While the incidence of this effect is generally low, ranging from 0.6% to 10% of those treated, the risk is notably higher for individuals with underlying androgen-related hormonal conditions.

If you would like to discuss this topic further, or if you have concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Carrina via phone or email.

It is said to have a low incidence from laser hair removal ranging from 0.6% to 10% of those treated. However, risk increases among those with underlying androgen-related hormonal conditions.

If you wish to speak to Carrina about this subject please do not hesitate to call or email.

The following link is extremely insightful for anyone seeking an honest, up-close, and personal story from someone who has struggled with unwanted hair growth due to PCOS. It is ESSENTIAL to read the full article all the way to the end so you can make an educated decision about permanent hair removal treatments. Grab a cuppa and settle in for a 10-minute read—it’ll really help!

All of a sudden I started sprouting these coarse hairs on my chin. I am only 40 years old. What’s wrong with me?

During your consultation, your electrologist will take a thorough health history to help identify possible reasons for the sudden appearance of these hairs. Some of the questions they may ask include:

• Do you have thyroid problems?

• Are you diabetic?

• Have you experienced menstrual or ovarian issues?

• What medications are you currently taking?

• Do you have a family history of unwanted hair?

It’s also worth noting that some studies show women can experience symptoms of menopause up to 10 years before actually reaching menopause, which could be a contributing factor.

While electrologists cannot diagnose medical conditions, they can guide you to have a more informed discussion with your GP or specialist. Regardless of the cause, your electrologist can help you permanently remove the unwanted hair.

Unwanted hair and the Menopause

Menopause is a natural part of aging that typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. During this time, a woman’s oestrogen levels decline while testosterone continues to circulate, often leading to an imbalance in hormones. This hormonal shift can cause the appearance of male secondary sex characteristics, such as the coarsening of facial hair.

Electrolysis is an effective solution for permanently removing unwanted hair caused by menopause. It can also help control the development of new coarse hair by treating it at an early stage. The beauty of electrolysis is that we only focus on the affected hairs, rather than treating the entire area, which minimizes any potential irritation.

Rest assured, anything discussed during your consultation and treatment will be kept completely confidential.

Anything that is discussed during your consultation and treatment is completely confidential.

I have always had a lot of facial hair. I thought I was the only one, but now I am beginning to wonder – are there others like me?

You’re definitely not alone. There are many of us who struggle with unwanted hair. In fact, it’s likely that your electrologist has spent many hours undergoing electrolysis treatments themselves. Their compassion and understanding come from having walked in your shoes. It’s more common than you might think—there are probably more people dealing with unwanted hair than those without it!

Every Doctor I Have Seen Tells Me to “Just Lose Some Weight” and My Periods Will Become Normal. As Hard As I Try, I Just Can’t Seem to Lose Weight, Plus I Have All This Hair on My Face, Breasts, and Belly, and I Have Trouble Changing at the Gym. What’s Wrong?

If you’re experiencing these symptoms—difficulty losing weight, irregular or absent periods, and excess hair growth in areas more typical of male pattern hair growth—an endocrinologist (a hormone specialist) may be the right person to help. These are classic signs of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a common hormonal condition.

Electrologists cannot diagnose conditions like PCOS, but they can certainly recognize when something is not typical. If you are diagnosed with PCOS, an electrologist can help you by permanently removing unwanted facial and body hair.

I have both acne and chin hair. Will electrolysis help?

Chin hair in women is often worsened by tweezing and waxing. The repetitive irritation from pulling out hairs can cause the hair follicles to produce thicker hairs or lead to ingrown hairs when hairs break off inside the follicle. When women tweeze chin hairs and experience acne specifically on the chin but not on the rest of the face, electrolysis can help.

By stopping the tweezing and allowing the electrologist to treat the hairs properly, you may find that your skin begins to clear up. Hormonally-induced facial hair in women typically grows in patterns, starting with the chin and corners of the upper lip.

A Sensitive Topic, But You’re Not Alone

This topic can be an extremely sensitive one, but rest assured, electrologists, including Carrina, have spent countless hours listening to and helping individuals in the same situation. You are in good hands. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with Carrina to start your hair removal journey today.