What You Can Do About the Dark Hairs on Your Chin
If you are female and are growing coarse, dark hairs on your chin, it could be indicative of a hormonal imbalance or hirsutism. While some woman struggle with peach fuzz (vellus hair), others suffer from male-pattern hair growth (hirsutism), which can lead to serious symptoms like social anxiety and depression. Chin hair is a cosmetic problem, but it can be caused by serious medical conditions like PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome). PCOS and hirsutism are surprisingly common in women and affect about 5-10% of the female population.
If you struggle with male-pattern hair growth, you should discuss the condition with your doctor and make sure the underlying issues are addressed.
Why Do Some Women Have Dark Hair on The Chin (Causes)
As mentioned, dark hair on the chin can be an indication of a hormonal imbalance in women. These woman have excess male sex hormones (androgens) in their blood, which causes the excess hair growth in places where women usually only grow fine, blonde hair. This male-pattern hair growth in women is called hirsutism. Hirsutism can be idiopathic (no definite root cause), but is often caused by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Hirsutism is a medical condition, yet many women feel embarrassed and sometimes end up with depression and social anxiety. It is very important to treat the root cause, but cosmetic treatments can bring great relief to affected women.
Stopping Hair Growth on the Face: Is it possible?
Many wonder whether it is possible to just stop hair growth on the face altogether. Unfortunately this is not the case. It is normal for women to grow hair on the face. How strong and dark it is, however, depends on genetics and hormones. It is difficult to say how much facial hair is normal for a woman, as this also depends on the ethnicity. The Ferriman-Gallway Score is used to determine and quantify hirsutism in a women.
What You Can Do About the Dark Hairs on Your Chin
Luckily there are quite a few cosmetic treatments that can help you to get rid of the dark hairs on your chin. In addition to the cosmetic treatments, some women have also seen success with natural remedies like spearmint tea.
1. Shaving
Shaving is a simple way to get rid of the hair on your chin. More and more women even choose to shave their whole face for cosmetic reasons. While shaving is easy, it can lead to stubble on the chin. Some women with hirsutism who struggle with a lot of dark, coarse hair on the chin also choose to use concealer in addition to a close shave to cover any dark spots, that may be visible after the shave. Read our Ultimate Guide to Shaving Your Face, if you’d like to learn about the best way to shave your chin and get rid of unwanted facial hair.
2. Plucking
Plucking is painful, but part of the daily routine of many women with hirsutism. It is pretty effective, but also not a long-term solution.
3. Hair Removal Creams
Some women use Nair or Veet to get rid of the hair on their chin. Those products are pretty effective, but also quite aggressive, which can lead to irritations and, at the worst case, burns. If you want to give one of those hair removal creams a try, we recommend you try it on a small patch on your leg or arm, before applying it to your face.
4. Waxing
Waxing the hairs is definitely an option, but can be a little tricky. In order to wax the hair on your chin, you’ll need to grow it out a little at first, which is often no option for women struggling with dark, coarse hair. Not many want to walk around with dark stubbles on their chin for a couple of days.
5. Bleaching
Bleaching can help make the hair less visible and is a popular option among those with only fine hair on the chin. Bleaching products don’t work as well for those struggling with hirsutism and terminal hair on the chin.
6. IPL, Laser Hair Removal and Electrolysis
IPL, laser hair removal and electrolysis are permanent but pricey solution to unwanted hair growth on the chin.
Conclusion
If you grow dark hairs on your chin, it might be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition, like PCOS or hirsutism. If you have male-pattern hair growth, you should reach out to your doctor, so you can treat the root cause.
