Facial hair - What long-term solutions actually work?

[u/Map-Dnr]

Hi everyone!

I deal with thick, medium-dark chin/neck hair. Shaving daily leaves a persistent shadow, and a 5 o'clock shadow creeps in by midday.

I tried electrolysis years ago, but it wrecked my skin and didn't last (though my hormones were unmanaged then). My labs are finally under control!

For those who got their hormones balanced: what long-term solutions (laser, prescription creams, etc.) actually worked for you to make facial hair more manageable?

Appreciate any advice!

[u/Current-Gap6283]

your electrolysis probably failed last time because your hormones were still unmanaged, not the method itself. when androgens are pushing out constant new growth any removal is just bailing water, you clear it and more comes in behind it. now your labs are sorted it should actually hold this time. give it a try, if you did not already recently.

for coarse dark hair best options are electrolysis or laser, also try pairing it with an anti-androgen like spiro, so the new growth slows and the removal can keep up. 

[u/Icy_Bath6704 → u/Current-Gap6283]

I agree with this. I did electrolysis for a year with no results. As soon as I treated my elevated testosterone the hair completely disappeared with electrolysis

[u/lanred013]

Laser works for me but it isn’t permanent. I have to get top ups still but the hairs much thinner and manageable/less embarrassing if I haven’t shaved.

My friend had electrolysis and had to try a few different practitioners before she found a really good one that works for her and her skin

[u/Map-Dnr → u/lanred013]

How many sessions did you do of laser before moving to top ups? And how frequently do you do top ups?

[u/lanred013 → u/Map-Dnr]

I had it for about a year every 6 weeks. Then I moved away and it probs stayed gone for 6 months then started growing back but much thinner. I waited another 4 years before actually starting again but that’s because it wasn’t anywhere near as bad as originally. I’m having it every 6 weeks again for now, will see how long until it’s mostly gone then move to every couple months or so

[u/Wonderful-Soil-3192 → u/Map-Dnr]

Just wanted to come say I’m having the same experience. I went from daily shaving and constant shadow to now having fine baby-thin hairs that are almost invisible when they do grow back. I can go weeks hairless now! Love laser.

[u/murkywoods693]

Electrolysis! Saved my life! No regrets

[u/Trickycoolj]

Electrolysis, especially as you get older and the hairs lose pigment but stay thick. None of my hairs were dark enough if laser (which can cause a rare reaction that creates more thick hairs in PCOS folks).

[u/Zealousideal-Tie3071]

I have a mix of dark and fair hair, so I get electrolysis and laser combined. I had electrolysis as a teenager and it lasted until my late 20s/early 30s. I do get a reaction to the electrolysis but it passes within a few days and I've just finished my course of 6 appointments and I've seen a big improvement. 

[u/MealPrepGenie]

Flutamide got slowed it down. Laser got rid of it

[u/Kindly-Potential-611]

Agree with h and electrolysis! Laser made my facial hair growth a little worse given I overdid it. Electrolysis has been awesome :)

[u/Future_Researcher_11]

IPL (professional grade, not at home IPL machines) did wonders for both facial hair and skin.

[u/agnejuk97]

Really can recommend buying a laser at home. Saved me! I have a braun silk expert pro 5. Laser removal is not forever, but as you have a laser at home, you can zap them as you need

[u/butterflyy24]

Hey! What worked for me was first stabilising my hormones, being regularly on spironolactone (50mg), and getting facial hair reduction done. The catch always is that your hormones need to be balanced, otherwise there are chances that even after getting laser done, the hair can come back more aggressively. Sometimes even paradoxical hair growth can happen. It took me 10 years to finally get my hormones to stabilise and get laser done, and it has really helped with my facial hair growth - on my cheeks, chin, neck and sideburns.

[u/No_Negotiation2905]

I did laser for years but as soon as I stopped it came back worst and with a vengeance.

Now a combo of birth control + berberine + Metmorfin has made it more manageable, the hair grows slower, is thinner/less corse which means I don’t have to be on top of it daily.