At some point in our lives, we’ll all notice a little unruly hair growing on our chins. And you’ll probably find it out at the most inconvenient times: on your first date, during a job interview, or right after taking that new passport photo you’ll have to live with for the next 10 years.
But you quickly got that nasty thing out of your face, moved on quickly, hoping no one would notice, and never thought about it again, right? Honestly, most of the time. , small tufts of hair rippling from the skin is quite normal and happens to most people.
But in other (rare) cases, there may be more to that rogue chin hair than meets the eye. If you notice that your facial hair grows excessively or repeatedly, or if you’re wondering what’s going on with that one stubborn strand that even tweezers can’t defeat, consider There are several possibilities.
Cosmopolitan UK spoke to Elizabeth May, an expert at a private skin laser clinic in Hampstead, who gave us all the possible explanations. From uncontrollable factors like aging (even if you don’t want to admit it) to the possibility of diagnosing PCOS, we hope her expertise on this subject will give you all the answers you’re looking for. ..
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What is hirsutism?
“Excessive dark, thick, coarse body hair growth in women that is seen in a male pattern is called hirsutism. It can occur in a single area or in multiple areas,” says May.
Why do women grow hair?
As for why excessive body hair growth occurs, May explains, “Hirsutism is generally caused by a hormonal imbalance.” She explains that this is an “increased production of male hormones called androgens, or an increased sensitivity of the skin to androgens.”
So if you’re concerned about your hair, or want to know what causes it, here’s what might be going on behind the scenes.
you have PCOS
PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) is a condition that affects the function of the ovaries, May explains. According to the NHS, it’s more common than you think, affecting around one in 10 women in the UK. However, as of 2023, the World Health Organization reports that up to 70% of affected women worldwide will remain undiagnosed. Symptoms include irregular periods, weight gain, adult acne, fertility issues, and excessive body hair growth (including, of course, chin hair).
If you’re experiencing one or more of these signs and are concerned, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about your options. Unfortunately, there is no “cure” for PCOS itself, but there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms. This can range from lifestyle changes such as eating healthy, getting enough sleep and managing stress, to surgery.
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you have cushing syndrome
May also mentioned the possibility of Cushing’s syndrome. It is less common than PCOS. The National Institutes of Health reports that PCOS affects an estimated 40 to 70 people per million people. However, according to the Brain Research Institute, women are three times more likely to develop the disease.
Cushing’s syndrome is caused by high levels of the hormone cortisol. Not only does it cause facial hair growth, it can also lead to weight gain, stretch marks, bruising skin, and muscle and bone weakness.
Chin hair can occur as a side effect of taking certain medications, but in rare cases, it can also be caused by a tumor that develops within the gland. It goes without saying that this requires the appropriate advice of a medical professional. If you have questions or concerns about Cushing’s syndrome, it’s best to talk to your doctor.
you are getting older
If you need just one thing to remind you that you’re a victim of the passage of time, it’s good old chin hair. “As we age, there is a natural tendency for hair to grow thicker, especially after menopause,” May said.
In this case, the hair on your chin may just be a fact of life, but it may be worth talking to your doctor to make sure there’s nothing more serious going on without you realizing it.
My weight has changed
For some people, the growth of new chin hair may be associated with significant weight gain or weight loss. May said the two may be linked, explaining that obesity “disturbs the balance between male and female hormones.” And, as we have already learned, hormones can have a huge impact on hair growth.
In contrast, extreme weight loss can cause an increase in fine hair, which is common in children, May added. This is known as lanugo and can be a sign of anorexia and should always seek professional help.
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medicine is affecting you
May says it’s rare for drugs to cause chin hair growth, but stresses that it shouldn’t be ruled out. She points out that certain drugs, such as cancer chemotherapy and epilepsy drugs, have the power to cause changes in the body.
“Additionally, when women use anabolic steroids, which are illegally used in sports and sold in some gyms, they can cause facial hair growth,” she continues. These are Class C medicines and must only be sold by pharmacists with a prescription. If you’re using them without guidance, facial hair can lead to one of a variety of very serious side effects, ranging from aggressive behavior and mood swings to blood clots and an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. It may not be too much.
you are prone to hair growth
May outlines that hirsutism is “not hereditary, but may be more common in some ethnic groups.” She explained that it is especially common in women of Mediterranean or Middle Eastern origin, adding, “In the general population, as many as 10 percent of white women will experience it.”
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How can I remove hair from my chin?
Emphasize that no one but you decides whether or not to get rid of your hair. However, if it’s on your to-do list for the week, it’s a good idea to grab a pen and paper and jot it down.
May’s School: “There are a variety of treatments available to remove unwanted facial hair, and the results can vary significantly. Physical removal such as shaving, tweezing, waxing, bleaching, and hair removal creams are common and inexpensive. However, it can irritate the skin.” Similar, but not the same, as the upper lip hair removal option, you should be more careful when handling facial hair removal because the skin is more sensitive.
Professor May added: “If a hormonal cause is diagnosed, anti-androgenic drugs can be used.” However, please be careful here. These are available only by prescription and range from oral contraceptives to spironolactone.
Next up is electrolysis, which May says is often suggested if your hair is grey, blonde or ginger in color. However, side effects such as inflammation and scarring can occur.
Finally, for those who are looking for the most effective treatment, where price is not an issue, let us point you in the direction of laser treatment. May says this is your best bet if your hair is coarse and dark. This is because it has the effect of “gradually reducing hair growth, resulting in thinner and lighter facial hair.”
There you have it, a complete guide to the causes of chin hair. Additionally, we will also provide you with a guide on the best removal method. Hair on the chin is quite normal for women, but if it’s bothering you, it doesn’t hurt to schedule an appointment with a specialist.
This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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Kimberley Bond is a multiplatform writer for Harper’s Bazaar, focusing on arts, culture, careers, and lifestyle. She previously worked as a features writer for Cosmopolitan UK and has countless other bylines in the Telegraph, Independent and British Vogue.
Sophie Williams is a freelance journalist and copywriter who covers everything from fashion to entertainment, music, lifestyle and features. She has interviewed a wide range of music artists and writers including Alyssa Edwards, Courtney Barnett, The Confidence Man, The Vaccies, Loyle Carner, Gabriel and John Niven, and has appeared on Metro, Reader’s Digest, ITV’s He has contributed to publications such as Woo! and Vice’s NBGA. She is also working on a HarperCollins book about Taylor Swift, due out in 2024.
