Unwanted or unusual hair growth is often caused by an increase in the production of androgens, in some cases called "male hormones". The increase in androgens occurs in women as well as men, causing excessive production of facial and body hair. To stop hair growth altogether, you can try natural methods or undergo electrolysis or laser hair removal treatments conducted by licensed professionals.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Using Natural Methods
Step 1. Talk to your doctor
Biological events that cause hormonal imbalances, such as puberty, pregnancy and menopause, can cause a temporary increase in hair production. These changes are completely normal and once they are over, hair growth usually decreases. Growth can also be caused by diseases that can be treated with medical treatments. For example, ovarian polycystitis syndrome, tumors of the adrenal glands, and Cushing's disease can cause the body to produce excessive quantities of male hormones.
Step 2. Check if the medications you are taking can promote hair growth
Many medicines have increased hair production as a side effect. Depending on the drug and the condition you are treating, you may be able to prevent unwanted growth by simply switching therapy. Search the internet for side effects of any medications you are taking, or ask your doctor for information. Here are some medicines that stimulate hair growth:
- Some anticonvulsant drugs;
- Steroids, such as cortisone
- IFG-1 (a specific form of insulin);
- Some birth control pills.
Step 3. Lower your testosterone with spearmint tea
Studies have shown that it is possible to reduce the amount of androgens in the body and, at the same time, to increase the amount of female hormones produced by the body. Regularly drinking spearmint tea will greatly slow down the growth of hair on both the face and body.
- Make a tea with one to one and a half teaspoons of chopped green mint leaves.
- Infuse the leaves in a cup of boiling water for ten minutes.
- Drink two cups of herbal tea a day for at least five days before you can see the first results.
Step 4. Consider losing weight if you are overweight or obese
Losing excess weight has been shown to significantly reduce hair growth for some women. Excess fat in the body affects the body's ability to produce hormones and this can lead to unnatural hair growth. Losing weight helps you regulate hormone levels better by limiting hair production.
- Women with a body mass index (BMI) above 25 have much higher testosterone levels than women with lower BMIs.
- Make sure you lose weight healthily.
- Losing weight and limiting hair growth are just some of the benefits of a healthy diet.
Step 5. Replace red meat with soy
Diets rich in red meat increase androgen levels in the body, stimulating hair growth. Reducing the amount of meat you eat can affect hair production. Conversely, soy products are known to increase estrogen levels in the body, counteracting the effects of androgens naturally produced by your body.
- Reduce the amount of red meat in your diet to better control hormone production.
- Eating more soy can help boost estrogen production and counteract hormone-induced hair growth.
- Scientific studies have not found a definitive link between soy intake and female transformations in men, such as gynecomastia (enlarged breasts) or reduced fertility.
Method 2 of 3: Try Electrolysis
Step 1. Find a licensed electrolysis technician in your area
In almost all states, those who practice this treatment must have a license. Even if this is not the case in the area you live in, check that the specialist you are referring to has received a certification from an electrology school before undergoing treatment. Electrolysis is relatively non-invasive, but it still presents some risks.
- Electrolysis consists in inserting a needle in all the follicles that emits an electric current capable of damaging and destroying the hair.
- Needle electrolysis is the only type of electrolysis that prevents hair growth permanently.
- Search the internet for reviews of local technicians, then contact them and ask what their credentials are.
- If the specialist uses electronic tweezers or photoepilators, choose another one, because those treatments are not permanent and do not last longer than even epilation with traditional tweezers.
Step 2. Ask for a consultation
Once you've found a specialist, make an appointment for a consultation. During your appointment, your doctor will describe the procedure, answer your questions, and tell you how many sessions you will need to go through to achieve your hair removal goals. Make sure you are in an environment where you feel comfortable and ask for clarification regarding your concerns.
- Almost all electrolysis clinics offer free consultations.
- Ask what the cost of each session is, how long and how long the specialist has been doing that type of procedure.
Step 3. Avoid shaving temporarily for a week or two
Before treatment, avoid shaving, waxing or otherwise removing hair. For electrolysis to take effect, the hairs must be on the surface so that the specialist can locate and penetrate each follicle. If you remove the hair, his job would become more difficult.
Electrolysis is usually conducted from time to time in small areas, so you can continue shaving or waxing in areas that won't be treated first
Step 4. Complete the scheduled treatments
You will likely have to return for a series of sessions, depending on the amount of hair you want to remove and the affected area of the body. When you remove hair with electrolysis, their growth should stop permanently and hair should no longer appear from the treated follicles.
- You will likely need to apply antiseptic cream to the treated areas after each session to soothe the skin and prevent infections.
- Electrolysis can be mildly painful, but not excessively. If you are experiencing severe discomfort, be sure to discuss it with your specialist.
Method 3 of 3: Try Laser Epilation
Step 1. Make sure laser hair removal is right for you
This treatment is not considered a permanent method of preventing hair growth, but it can greatly reduce the amount of hair that grows in a specific area after a certain number of sessions. It can be very expensive and requires repeated visits for each body part you hope to treat.
- Laser hair removal procedures are fast. The laser can treat multiple follicles at a time and works in moments.
- After the procedure, you may have a feeling similar to that of a slight sunburn, but there are no other risks.
Step 2. Research the technicians who practice laser hair removal in your area
In some states, this procedure can only be done by a doctor. You can often find specialists in plastic surgery clinics. Search the internet for reviews and credentials of local businesses.
- Ask questions about the doctor who will perform the procedure and their credentials when looking for a laser hair removal clinic.
- Verify that the doctor is part of professional organizations that bring together specialists in the use of lasers.
Step 3. Ask your technician or doctor for a consultation
Ask how many treatments you will need to go through before you see long-term results. It can take three to seven sessions to limit hair growth permanently. Often laser hair removal is not a completely permanent solution, so beware of clinics that make similar promises to you.
Consider that the cost depends on the area to be treated and, depending on the region in which you live, a session can cost several hundred euros
Step 4. Let hair grow normally for six weeks before your visit
Laser hair removal targets hair follicles, which you could remove with wax or tweezers. Let the hair grow naturally for six weeks so the laser can locate and eliminate the follicles.
Do not wax yourself and do not pluck hair with tweezers between sessions
Step 5. Schedule laser hair removal sessions every six weeks
This treatment removes hair for up to six weeks, but it will grow back afterwards. After three to seven treatments in the same area, growth will be permanently limited, but you may still notice slow regrowth.
- Apply a cold compress to the skin after each treatment to soothe it and limit irritation.
- Anti-inflammatory and moisturizing creams can also reduce discomfort immediately after treatment.
