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If you have a teen girl at home, you may be wondering how to remove facial hair for teenage girl? Teen girls are very particular about their appearance and often get anxious about facial hair. It is natural for girls to have a fine growth of hair on their facial skin and other body parts. However, there may be several reasons for increased hair growth in females, and teenage girls with facial hair may get concerned about the condition. Hirsutism is the medical term used to describe excessive and coarse hair growth in a male-like pattern and is known to affect about 5-10% of women (1).
Key Pointers
- Hirsutism causes excessive growth of dark, coarse hair due to hormonal changes, genetics, or medication use.
- Laser and electrolysis provide long-lasting hair removal, while waxing, shaving, and threading are simple and cheap temporary methods.
- Doctors may prescribe androgen receptor blockers, contraceptives, or PCOS medications as oral remedies for hirsutism.
- Hair removal techniques can cause itching, burning, discoloration, or scarring, and can be uncomfortable and time-consuming.
What Causes Facial Hair In Girls?
The onset of hirsutism or excessive hair growth is one of the physical changes during puberty in girls. Unwanted hair growth can be caused due to hormones, side-effects of certain drugs, or your genetic structure. Let’s study each of them in detail.
1. Hormones
The most common cause behind excessive growth in females is abnormal or higher-than-normal levels of androgens (male hormone testosterone) (1).
Androgens are the hormones that regulate the masculine characteristics in the human body. Women and men produce both masculine and feminine hormones. But some girls may have excess production of androgens, resulting in male pattern hair growth, deep voice like a male, or fluctuation in weight, making them doubt their beauty.
The excess production of androgens could be due to health problems such as polycystic ovary syndrome, Cushing syndrome, and thyroid imbalance (1). PCOS is the most common cause, accounting for three out of every four cases of hirsutism (2).
Be watchful2. Genetics
If a girl is having regular periods and has no other disorders, then the reason for excess hair could probably be genetical (3). If your grandmother, mother, or other women in the lineage have excess facial hair, then you are likely to have too (4).
3. Side-effects of medicines
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Certain drugs, such as anabolic steroids, glucocorticoids, and minoxidil can cause hirsutism or excessive hair growth as a side effect (5).
4. Idiopathic
Sometimes, the cause of hirsutism is not known, and this is called idiopathic hirsutism. About less than 20% of all cases of hirsutism are idiopathic, which means there might be excess male-like hair even when you are having normal androgen levels and regular periods (4).
How To Identify Hirsutism?
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Here are some symptoms to look out for:
- Growth of excessive hair in places where girls usually have fine growth.
- Male pattern hair growth, such as mustache, beard, chin hair, etc.
- The coarse, thick, and dark texture of hair, especially in areas where girls have softer hair.
Remember, not all excessive hair growth is hirsutism. Consulting a doctor and undergoing prescribed tests will help you understand the real reason behind the hair growth.
Facial hair can be a matter of concern, affecting women’s confidence and causing great distress. Jen, a blogger, reveals how her facial hair caused great discomfort in her daily activities. She says, “I also found that, because I had a lot of hair on my top lip, my foundation would often coat those hairs and mix with them, making it look like I had ‘dark’ patches above my mouth. This is frustrating as I do need coverage there to even my skin tone (i).”
Point to considerIs There A Permanent Fix For Removing Facial Hair?
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There are only temporary hair removal methods available for now such as waxing, trimming, and shaving. The procedures lead to a reduction in hair growth but not permanent hair removal. Laser and electrolysis are long-lasting and work by damaging the hair follicle, but some may experience regrowth (6) (7).
If the underlying cause is identified and treated, then the hairs might become finer and less visible.
How To Remove Excess Facial Hair In Girls?
Facial hair can be removed temporarily using external procedures such as razors or waxing strips. These methods may suit teenage girls. However, it is important to know the root cause and treat it. This might have a better chance of stopping facial hair growth. Also, do not proceed with any facial hair removal method without consulting your doctor.
External hair removal options
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- Epilation techniques such as waxing, threading, or shaving can be helpful in the temporary removal of hair. These methods are simple, inexpensive, and can be tried at home with an epilator or in a salon (8).
Do remember- Electrolysis is another method that has proven results of hair loss. This process helps in the removal of hair roots. According to the Indian Journal of Dermatology, you can have 15 to 50% permanent hair loss with repeated treatments (1).
- A prominent method of hair removal is the laser technique. Laser method helps in the destruction of hair follicles and the reduction of hair growth but cannot remove permanently (9).
- Depilatories, which are alkaline in nature, are available in a gel or lotion form. When these are applied topically for depilation, they dissolve on the skin and gently remove the hair (8). Consult an expert before using any kind of hair removal cream.
Pharmacological options
In this, medications are given to treat the condition that might be causing excessive facial hair.
- Your doctor is the best person to prescribe the right medications for your condition. Drugs for androgen receptor blockers, contraceptives, and medication for PCOS are considered suitable oral remedies for regulating excessive hair growth (1).
Note that any hair removal method can lead to pigmentation or irritable skin. Proper skincare and grooming after hair removal are important. Apply sunscreen and avoid prolonged exposure to UV rays to mitigate the effects.
Are There Any Side Effects Of Facial Hair Removal?
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The process of removing excessive hair growth might have some minor side-effects (1). Let’s have a look at some of them:
- Itching or burning sensation
Certain hair removal processes may cause itching or inflammation. This may vary from case to case and depends on the type of hair growth too.
- Discomfort
Hair removal is different from hair-cutting, and therefore, it is not a pleasant or comfortable experience. When the hair is removed from the root using tweezers or waxing, or hair follicles are burnt to reduce their growth, it may cause discomfort and pain.
- Discoloration and scarring
Due to the application of heat, some girls may experience mild to severe scarring. This can be mitigated with proper aftercare. Many people use bleaching as a method of facial hair removal. It is recommended to always consult an expert beforehand.
- Time-consuming
Removal of facial hair takes time, and every procedure is different. Epilation methods may give instant but temporary relief. But laser takes time and requires multiple sessions over months to show results.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. At what age should a girl remove facial hair?
There is no specific age requirement for girls to remove their facial hair. However, they can start doing so from the time they attain puberty, that is, from the age of 12 or 13.
2. Is it normal for a teenage girl to have chin hair?
In girls, a condition called hirsutism leads to abnormal hair growth on the face, particularly on the chin and upper lip (1). However, they can be removed by waxing, shaving, and plucking (7).
3. Are there any specific precautions or recommendations for teenage girls using tweezers to remove facial hair?
Yes, there are a few precautions and recommendations for teenage girls using tweezers to remove facial hair. It is important to clean the tweezers before and after use, use a magnifying mirror for better visibility, pluck in the direction of hair growth, and avoid over-plucking to prevent irritation and potential skin damage.
4. Are there any dietary changes or supplements that can help reduce facial hair growth in teenage girls?
To mitigate excessive facial hair growth in adolescent girls, dietary modifications involving increased intake of foods abundant in antioxidants, exclusion of refined foods and sugar, consumption of tofu, beans, lean meats and cold-water fish, utilization of healthy oils, avoidance of trans fats, hydration sufficiency, and adherence to regular exercise can prove beneficial (10).
5. What are the benefits and drawbacks of using epilators for facial hair removal in teenage girls?
Using epilators for facial hair removal in adolescent girls offers several advantages, such as prolonged effectiveness, convenience, and diminished chances of cuts or irritation compared to shaving. However, potential downsides encompass temporary discomfort, the possibility of ingrown hairs, and the necessity for consistent upkeep.
6. How does sugaring as a method of facial hair removal compare to other techniques for teenage girls?
Sugaring, a favored technique for teenage girls to remove facial hair, encompasses the application of a concoction comprising sugar, lemon juice, and water onto the skin. Subsequently, this mixture, along with the hair, is eliminated. Sugaring is less harsh than waxing and delivers more enduring outcomes than shaving.
7. How can teenage girls deal with self-esteem issues related to facial hair growth?
Practicing life values such as practicing self-acceptance and self-love, embracing alternative beauty standards, seeking support, exploring all hair removal techniques, seeking the necessary support, and developing self-care routines can help teenage girls deal with self-esteem issues.
8. How can teenage girls prevent or manage skin irritation and redness after facial hair removal?
Teenage girls can mitigate skin irritation and redness post-facial hair removal by applying ice, using a mild cleanser, adhering to regular moisturization, administering a calming gel or cream, refraining from touching the area, and shielding the skin from sun exposure.
9. Are there any natural supplements or vitamins that can help regulate hormones and reduce facial hair growth in teenage girls?
Limited studies indicate that probiotics and synbiotics might regulate hormones and diminish excessive facial hair in women with hirsutism. They could reduce androgen levels, enhance insulin sensitivity, and positively affect lipid metabolism. However, additional research is required to establish optimal treatment duration and dosage (11).
Facial hair growth in girls may occur due to various reasons ranging from genetic factors to medicine usage and hormonal factors. Your endocrinologist can help you find the root cause and design a treatment plan for hair removal. Many hair removal techniques are available today, such as waxing, threading, depilatory creams, and shaving, but all of them are temporary. Some permanent hair removal techniques are electrolysis and laser hair removal. Ask your doctor about each technique’s benefits and side effects and decide on one that best suits your expectations. Also, do not overlook hygiene and self-care before, during, and after the hair removal procedure.
Infographic: How To Remove Excessive Facial Hair In Girls
Having unwanted facial hair growth is a common occurrence among girls during puberty. But, sometimes, the hormonal changes may cause these facial hairs to become excessive. So, check out the infographic below to learn the various natural and pharmacological ways of removing excess facial hair in teen girls. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Illustration: Excessive Facial Hair In Girls: Causes And How To Get Rid Of It
Image: Dalle E/MomJunction Design Team
Facial hair in women can be embarrassing and uncomfortable. Learn about the causes and solutions to help reduce and manage facial hair.
Personal Experience: Source
MomJunction articles include first-hand experiences to provide you with better insights through real-life narratives. Here are the sources of personal accounts referenced in this article.
i. Removing my facial hair part 1 – what are the options?https://totallyaddictedtobase.wordpress.com/2016/10/16/removing-my-facial-hair-part-1-what-are-the-options/
References
1. Silonie Sachdeva; Hirsutism: Evaluation and Treatment; Indian Journal of Dermatology (2010)
2. David bode, et al; Hirsutism in Women; American Academy of Family Physicians (2012)
3. Hirsutism- what is it; Harvard Health Publishing
4. Hirsutism in women; American Family Physician
5. Wissem Hafsi and Talel Badri; Hirsutism; National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine
6. Shenenberger DW and Utecht LM; Removal of unwanted facial hair; National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine
7. Shapiro J and Lui H; Treatments for unwanted facial hair; National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine
8. Removing Hair Safely; US Food and Drug Administration
9.Tanvi Vaidya and Dinesh Kumar D; Laser Hair Removal; National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine
10. Hirsutism Information; Mount Sinai – New York
11.Vasiliki Lolou; The Role of Probiotics and Synbiotics on Hirsutism; Fermentation
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