Unwanted facial hair: what causes it and what actually works

Seeing new or thicker facial hair can feel stressful and confusing. It’s not always just about looks—sometimes it’s a hormone signal, sometimes genetics, and other times it’s a side effect of a medicine. This short guide gives clear, practical steps so you can decide what to try next.

First: how to tell if it’s normal. A few light hairs are common for lots of people. Watch for sudden changes: lots of coarse dark hair, quick growth, or extra hair with other signs (irregular periods, sudden weight gain, severe acne). Those need a quick check-in with a doctor.

Common causes and simple tests

Most unwanted facial hair comes from androgens (male hormones). In women, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a top cause; in men, shifts in hormones can change hair pattern too. Other causes include certain meds, thyroid problems, or rare adrenal/ovarian issues. Your doctor will usually check a few blood tests—total testosterone, DHEA‑S, thyroid tests, and sometimes fasting glucose or insulin—to find the reason.

If your hair change is sudden or short-lived, tell your provider. If it’s slow and stable since your teens, it might just be genetics and you can treat it cosmetically.

Practical removal and longer-term options

Quick fixes you can do at home: shaving (fast, cheap, painless when done right), depilatory creams made for the face, threading or waxing for whole areas, and plucking for a few stray hairs. Bleaching hides hair rather than removes it and works well on fine, light hairs. Eflornithine cream (brand name Vaniqa) slows growth and is a good add-on if you don’t want systemic drugs.

For longer-lasting results, laser hair removal and electrolysis are the big options. Laser works best on darker hair and lighter skin and needs 6–8 sessions on average; it can significantly reduce growth but doesn’t always remove every hair. Electrolysis destroys individual follicles and can be permanent, but it’s slower and needs many sessions. Both need a licensed provider and a consultation to set expectations and costs.

Medical treatments target the cause. If high androgens are to blame, combined oral contraceptives or anti-androgens like spironolactone can help—these need a prescription and medical follow-up. Metformin may help if you have PCOS and insulin resistance. Men and pregnant people should avoid some of these drugs, so talk to a clinician.

Simple lifestyle steps matter too: losing excess weight can lower insulin and androgen levels, which often reduces new hair growth. After any hair removal, protect your skin—use sunscreen, gentle moisturizer, and avoid harsh scrubs.

Not sure where to start? Try a simple removal method while you track changes for a few months. If growth is rapid, painful, or comes with other symptoms, see your primary care doctor or an endocrinologist. A short blood panel and a chat will point you to the right cosmetic or medical plan.