How Do I Get Rid of Menopausal Facial Hair?
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How Do I Get Rid of Menopausal Facial Hair?

Nikira Medvedesku0

Contents:

Quick Answer: Menopausal facial hair can be managed through temporary methods (shaving, threading, waxing), semi-permanent solutions (dermaplaning, electrolysis), or permanent options (laser hair removal, prescription creams like eflornithine). Results vary by skin type, hair density, and individual hormone levels. Most women see improvement within 3-6 months of consistent treatment.

Understanding Why Menopause Causes Facial Hair Growth

During menopause, your oestrogen levels plummet whilst androgens (male hormones) remain relatively stable. This hormonal shift is the culprit behind the coarse, dark hair that suddenly appears on your chin, upper lip, or cheeks. Around 40% of women experience noticeable facial hair growth during perimenopause and beyond.

The hairs that appear are typically thicker and darker than the fine vellus hairs you had before—often called terminal hair. This happens because elevated androgen sensitivity in hair follicles triggers dormant follicles to produce visible hair. The condition is known as hirsutism, though the severity varies widely among individuals.

How Do I Get Rid of Menopausal Facial Hair: Quick-Fix Solutions

If you need results this week, these temporary methods offer immediate gratification:

Shaving

Despite the myth, shaving does not make hair grow back thicker or darker. It’s fast, inexpensive, and works for light to moderate facial hair. A quality women’s razor designed for facial hair (around £8-15) removes hair at the skin surface. Results last 1-3 days. The downside: you’ll need to shave regularly, sometimes every other day, and there’s a risk of irritation if your skin is sensitive.

Threading

Threading removes entire hair roots and offers precision that suits areas like the upper lip and eyebrows. A professional threading session costs £5-12 and results last 3-4 weeks. The technique is ancient, non-chemical, and excellent for sensitive skin. Pain level is mild to moderate—most women describe it as a slight pinching sensation.

Dermaplaning

A dermatologist or trained aesthetician uses a sterile surgical blade at a 45-degree angle to remove facial hair and dead skin cells. At £30-60 per session, it provides immediate smoothness and works on all skin types. Results last 3-4 weeks. Unlike lasers, it doesn’t discriminate between hair colours, so it works on blonde, grey, or white facial hair—something laser can’t do effectively.

Semi-Permanent Solutions for Lasting Results

Ready to commit to something longer-lasting? These methods require multiple sessions but deliver 4-8 weeks of smooth skin between treatments:

Waxing

Professional waxing removes hair from the root. A single facial wax (lip and chin) costs £8-15 and lasts 3-6 weeks. You’ll need regular appointments to maintain results—typically every 4-5 weeks. Some women experience stubble regrowth after 2-3 weeks. Skin sensitivity, redness, and occasional ingrown hairs are possible. Always patch-test first, especially if you’re using retinoids or other active skincare.

Electrolysis

This is the most permanent option available on the NHS and privately. A trained electrologist inserts a fine needle into each hair follicle and applies an electrical current to destroy the hair root. One session costs £30-80, and you’ll need multiple sessions (typically 6-12 or more) spaced 1-4 weeks apart. Results are permanent because electrolysis destroys individual follicles rather than just damaging them.

Each hair follicle must be treated separately, so larger areas take longer. Total costs can range from £300-800 for a chin and upper lip area, depending on hair density. A respected electrologist, like Margaret Chen, Advanced Electrologist (registered with the Institute of Electrolysis), notes: “Electrolysis works on all hair colours and skin types, which is its greatest advantage. Unlike laser, it doesn’t require contrast between hair and skin. I’ve successfully treated women with grey, blonde, and very dark facial hair.”

How Do I Get Rid of Menopausal Facial Hair: Permanent Options

Laser Hair Removal

Laser targets the pigment (melanin) in hair and heats the follicle to prevent regrowth. It’s fast—a full face takes 15-20 minutes—and results are semi-permanent to permanent depending on your individual response. Costs range from £150-400 per session, with most women requiring 6-8 sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart. Total investment: £900-3,200.

Laser works best on dark hair and lighter skin. If you have grey, blonde, or white facial hair, laser won’t be effective because it relies on pigment contrast. Similarly, darker skin tones risk hyperpigmentation or burn marks, though newer technology (diode and Nd:YAG lasers) is safer for all skin types. You must avoid sun exposure for 2 weeks before and after treatment.

Prescription Creams: Eflornithine (Vaniqa)

Eflornithine is the only prescription topical cream clinically proven to slow facial hair growth. It works by inhibiting an enzyme essential for hair growth. Applied twice daily (morning and evening), it reduces visible hair growth by 60% within 6-8 weeks. A tube (30g) costs approximately £25-35 on prescription or £45-60 over-the-counter from private pharmacies.

Results plateau at 3-4 months and revert if you stop using it. It works best when combined with laser or electrolysis—the cream slows regrowth whilst the other method permanently removes existing hair. Side effects are rare but may include skin irritation or redness at the application site.

Hormonal Management and Prevention

If facial hair is severe, your GP may investigate hormonal causes and discuss hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Some women find that oestrogen dominance during HRT reduces hirsutism over 6-12 months. Certain HRT formulations (particularly those with less androgenic progestogens) are gentler on facial hair growth. Discuss this specifically with your GP if facial hair is a concern when weighing HRT options.

Spironolactone, a medication that blocks androgens, is sometimes prescribed off-label for hirsutism. It requires monitoring and takes 3-6 months to show results, but it addresses the root hormonal cause.

Timing and Seasonal Planning

Winter (November to February) is ideal for starting laser or electrolysis because you’ll need sun protection anyway, and you can avoid beach holidays or outdoor events during the healing phase. Spring (March to May) is when many women ramp up facial hair removal before summer. If you’re planning a holiday, aim to have your final laser or electrolysis session at least 2 weeks before travel. Threading and dermaplaning need 24-48 hours before any social events to allow redness to fade.

Combining Methods for Best Results

Many women find that layering approaches works faster than any single method. A common winning combination: use eflornithine cream daily whilst undergoing 6-8 laser sessions. The cream slows new growth whilst laser permanently removes existing follicles. Follow-up sessions every 12-18 months maintain results. Total cost: approximately £1,200-1,500 plus £25-35/month for cream, but results often last years.

What Your Choice Depends On

Your best option depends on these factors:

  • Hair colour: Grey, white, or blonde hair? Choose electrolysis or dermaplaning. Dark hair? Laser is effective and faster.
  • Skin tone: Darker skin tones require Nd:YAG or diode lasers rather than older alexandrite lasers. Electrolysis and dermaplaning work for everyone.
  • Budget: One-off cost (shaving £8, threading £8-12) versus investment (laser £1,200+, electrolysis £300-800).
  • Time commitment: Quick temporary fixes require frequent repetition; permanent methods demand upfront time and multiple sessions.
  • Pain tolerance: Waxing and threading sting; laser and electrolysis have minimal discomfort with modern techniques.

Key Facts About Menopausal Facial Hair Removal

  • Facial hair growth affects 40% of menopausal women, peaking between ages 55-65.
  • Electrolysis is the only genuinely permanent hair removal method.
  • Laser hair removal results last 1-3 years before occasional touch-ups are needed.
  • Eflornithine cream works best as a supplement to laser or electrolysis, not as a standalone solution.
  • Results vary by individual; hormonal sensitivity, genetics, and baseline testosterone levels all influence outcomes.

FAQ: Menopausal Facial Hair Removal

Is menopausal facial hair permanent?

Yes, if left untreated, menopausal facial hair is permanent because the hormonal shift is ongoing. However, it can be managed or eliminated through removal methods. Electrolysis offers permanent hair removal, whilst laser and other methods provide long-lasting but not permanent results.

Can I use laser hair removal on grey facial hair?

No, laser targets pigment, so it’s ineffective on grey, white, or blonde hair. Electrolysis and dermaplaning work on all hair colours. If you have mixed dark and grey hair, you might combine laser for dark hairs with electrolysis for grey ones.

How much does laser hair removal cost on the NHS?

Laser hair removal is rarely available on the NHS except in cases of hirsutism linked to specific medical conditions. Privately, expect £150-400 per session across 6-8 sessions, totalling £900-3,200. Some clinics offer package discounts for multiple sessions upfront.

Does shaving menopausal facial hair make it grow back darker?

No, this is a myth. Shaving cuts hair at the skin surface, making it appear thicker because the cut edge looks blunter than the natural taper. The hair itself isn’t darker or thicker. Shaving is safe and won’t worsen facial hair growth.

How quickly do permanent hair removal results show?

Electrolysis shows results immediately (hairs are destroyed in each session), but you’ll need 6-12 sessions for complete results. Laser requires 2-3 sessions before you see 50% hair reduction; full results take 6-8 sessions over 4-6 months. Eflornithine cream shows results within 6-8 weeks but only slows growth by 60%.

Next Steps: Start Your Hair-Free Journey

Menopausal facial hair doesn’t have to be something you live with. Whether you choose a temporary fix for immediate results or invest in a permanent solution, the options are there. Start by identifying which method fits your budget, timeline, and skin type. If you’re unsure, book a consultation with a dermatologist or specialist clinic—most UK clinics offer free assessments. Track your choice over 2-3 months and adjust if needed. Many women find that even temporary methods feel transformative whilst they pursue longer-term solutions.

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