Excess & Unwanted Hair
Unwanted or excess hair is a very common skin concern, also known as hirsutism. Although its presence is not harmful, it can often lead to feelings of self-consciousness and a negative self-image. Here at Eden Skin Clinic, we offer two highly effective treatments for permanent hair reduction at our Kensington and Wimbledon clinics.
What is Excess Hair?
Unwanted or excess hair can affect both men and women. While excess hair can be caused by genetics and the environment, its occurrence in women often goes hand in hand with the underlying issue of a hormonal imbalance. Excess hair growth, formally known as hirsutism, refers to an overgrowth of thick, dark hair on the face and body.
Women may develop excessive body or facial hair due to higher-than-normal levels of androgens, including testosterone. Additionally, excess hair growth may be stimulated due to common hair removal methods such as waxing, plucking, and threading or by excessive touching of the area.
Excessive hair growth or hirsutism can present on all areas of the body, including but not limited to:
• Face (most commonly on the upper lip and jawline)
• Nipples
• Stomach (or abdominal trail)
• Back
• Bikini area (including buttocks)
• Arms (including underarms)
• Legs (lower legs, thighs and toes)
What Treatments are Available to Reduce Excess Hair?
At Eden Skin Clinic, we provide two treatments for hirsutism at both our Kensington and Wimbledon clinics. Each treatment can significantly reduce excessive hair growth for smoother, silkier, and stubble-free skin.
Electrolysis Hair Removal
Electrolysis hair removal works by permanently destroying each individual hair follicle with a very fine, disposable, and sterile probe combined with a direct current. Eventually, once this process has been completed, the hair follicle can no longer reproduce.
Multiple sessions will be necessary to completely prevent hair from returning. If a hormonal imbalance causes your hair growth, the process may be slower, but it is still possible.
Safe and reliable, electrolysis hair removal can target hairs on the face, including the lip, chin, and other small areas such as the underarm and nipple.
Unlike laser hair removal treatments, electrolysis does not require you to shave down the hair beforehand. This is because the hair follicle must be visible in order to be permanently destroyed.
IPL Hair Removal
IPL hair removal treatment is suitable for unwanted body or facial hair. It is particularly efficient for treating large areas of unwanted or excessive hair growth. IPL hair removal works by directing controlled pulses of light into the skin, which are absorbed by the melanin (pigment) in the hair shaft.
This energy is then converted into heat which destroys the follicle. Because of this, IPL hair removal is not suitable for white, blonde, or red hair and works best on darker hair.
IPL hair removal is a quick process, and whilst it can be uncomfortable, it is not usually considered overly painful. Most people experience a slight stinging and heat sensation, but this is short-lived. Typically, a course of 6-8 sessions is required to see a permanent reduction in hair growth or hirsutism.
Book a consultation at our Wimbledon or Kensington clinic to talk to one of our skin specialists about which option is best for you.
What Causes Excess Hair?
Excess hair growth can be owed to multiple factors, such as genetics, hormones and the environment. Hair density also varies by ethnic origin. Excessive hair growth from genetic and ethnic variation rather than hormonal causes is typically located on the arms, hands, legs, and feet. Hirsutism, or hormonal hair growth, typically affects the face, abdomen, chest, inner thighs, and back.
Overactive or hormonal imbalances are often a direct result of conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a hormonal disorder common among women of reproductive age, resulting in prolonged or irregular periods. Pregnancy or menopause may also influence hormone levels resulting in excess hair.
Environmentally, certain medications and hormonal birth control methods can alter hormone levels, leading to hirsutism or excess hair. Additionally, friction or the stimulation of hair by plucking, waxing, and threading can trigger or encourage it to grow back thicker and more densely.
While hormonal imbalances should be treated medically, the excess hair it causes may require cosmetic treatment for permanent removal. If you are struggling with excessive or unwanted facial and body hair, our experts at Eden Skin Clinic are here to help. Please book a consultation at either of our Central London clinics in Wimbledon or Kensington to discuss the best option for you.
Excess Hair Treatment Costs
If you are interested in our IPL Laser Hair Removal and Electrolysis treatments to treat excess hair or hirsutism, please get in touch with Eden Skin Clinic today. We would be happy to assess your skin concern and work with you to create a bespoke treatment plan.
Please fill out our online consultation form if you are ready to get booked in for our treatments. We will get back to you shortly to schedule an appointment.
For more information about our prices, please view our prices in Kensington and Wimbledon respectively.
You may also call us at either our Wimbledon or Kensington London clinics. Our expert team would be happy to answer your questions and help you find a treatment that suits your needs.