5 Ways To Remove Stubborn Chin Hair Fast, According to a Dermatologist

There are plenty of changes that happen during and after menopause that we know to expect, like hot flashes, night sweats and mood swings. But there are changes, most of them unwelcome, that many women don’t know to expect or to prepare for. One such shift: increased facial hair growth, especially on the chin. “It’s a very common change associated with menopause, although genetics and individual hormone sensitivity also play a role,” says Lauren Penzi, MD, a dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery in New York. Read on to discover why menopause increases chin hair growth, plus the doctor-approved strategies to stop it.

Why does menopause increase chin hair growth?

Like most changes that occur during and after menopause, the main culprit here is your hormones. “During menopause, estrogen levels decline significantly, while androgen levels, including testosterone, decrease more gradually,” explains Dr. Penzi. “This creates a shift in the hormonal balance that can make facial hair follicles more sensitive to the effects of androgens. As a result, women may notice thicker, coarser hairs developing along the chin, jawline or upper lip.”

The speed and thickness at which your hair grows vary from person to person, which means that the best way to prevent or get rid of chin hair growth will depend on the individual. “While a few new chin hairs are generally nothing to worry about, sudden or excessive facial hair growth should be evaluated to rule out an underlying hormonal condition,” Dr. Penzi says. “It’s important to distinguish typical hormonal changes from excessive hair growth that may require further evaluation.”

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5 ways to get rid chin hair after menopause

Before you start looking for ways to remove this new bothersome hair, Dr. Penzi says that “the first step is understanding when the hair growth started, how quickly it developed and whether there are any other symptoms.” This will point you toward the appropriate solution, which may be any of the following.

Tweezing, shaving or threading

If you only have a few new coarse hairs on your chin, tweezing, shaving or threading may be “perfectly reasonable” hair removal solutions, says Dr. Penzi.

OTC facial hair removal creams

If you don’t want to tweeze or shave, an over-the-counter facial hair removal cream is another temporary solution. However, Dr. Penzi notes that it could cause irritation, especially if your skin is also drier and more sensitive post-menopause.

Eflornithine cream

This prescription cream “works by slowing facial hair growth rather than removing existing hairs,” Dr. Penzi explains. “With consistent use, it can help reduce how quickly new hair becomes noticeable, although results take time and the hair typically returns to its previous growth pattern if treatment is stopped.” Ask your dermatologist if it might be right for you.

Laser hair removal

One of the most effective options for longer-lasting chin hair removal, laser works “by targeting pigment in the hair follicle, making it particularly effective for darker, coarser hairs,” Dr. Penzi says. “Multiple sessions are typically needed, and some maintenance treatments may be necessary, especially when hormonal changes continue to influence hair growth.”

Electrolysis

If your hair is lighter, electrolysis is also a highly effective option. “Electrolysis treats individual follicles and can provide permanent hair removal, making it a particularly good option for smaller areas or gray, white and blonde hairs that lasers don’t target as effectively,” explains Dr. Penzi.

A quick guide to chin hair removal

Keep this cheat-sheet handy the next time you’re debating which method to use:

MethodBest forTweezingGetting rid of a few stray, coarse chin hairs from the rootShavingQuick, temporary removal of multiple hairs at onceThreadingRemoving several hairs at once from the rootOTC creamTemporary hair removal for those without sensitive skinEflornithineSlowing facial hair growth over timeLaserLonger-lasting hair removal for darker, coarser chin hairsElectrolysisLonger-lasting hair removal for blonde, gray or white hair

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The bottom line on how to get rid of chin hair

Many women experience an increase in facial hair growth after menopause, particularly on the chin. But there are a handful of effective strategies for hair removal, both temporary and longer-lasting. The right strategy for you will depend on a number of factors, including hair color and thickness, skin type and sensitivity and personal preference—though ultimately, one of the above methods should do the trick!

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This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.