How to Decrease Body Hair Growth

Excessive hair growth, known as hirsutism, is often the result of excess androgen production, and in some cases may be linked to more serious conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome. Regardless of the cause, excess body hair in places like the face and neck often lead to self-consciousness and the desire to eliminate it. Seeing a doctor for testing and diagnosis is highly recommended; however, there are a number of treatments available to help decrease body hair growth.

Things You'll Need

• Hair wax
• Chemical hair removal cream

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Instructions

• 1

  Make an appointment with your physician to have blood work done so you can determine the cause for excess hair growth. If there is an alteration in your hormone levels causing the hair growth, hormone treatment may be necessary to decrease and slow the growth of unwanted hair.

• 2

  Waxing or applying hair removal cream to the area is an effective way to decrease the frequency of hair growth. Waxing pulls the hair out of the follicle, and the hair will take much longer to regrow than if you cut or shave it. Chemicals and waxing may cause a reaction for those with sensitive skin, so test a small area of your skin before use to see if you have a reaction.

• 3

  Talk to your doctor about prescription creams that reduce the appearance of unwanted hair. These creams contain eflornithine hydrochloride, which will reduce unwanted hair, but not get rid of it. It may take up to eight weeks to see results after using this type of treatment.

• 4

  Reduce body hair with a permanent removal method like electrolysis. Electrolysis involves inserting a needle into the hair follicle and destroying it so hair does not grow back. Repeat treatment may be required when new follicle growth produces new hair.

• 5

  Try laser hair removal treatment. Laser treatment permanently reduces hair growth; however, it may result in skin discoloration or scarring, especially in patients with darker skin.

• 6

  Lose weight. Occasionally, weight gain can temporarily alter the androgen hormone levels in the body, increasing hair growth. Weight loss may restore the hormone levels to normal, reversing the amount of hair growth.