What causes female facial hair growth?
What Causes Female Facial Hair to Grow?
Let’s talk about what’s actually happening beneath the surface—and why you’re not alone.
If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and found a rogue chin hair (or five), you’re not imagining it—and you’re definitely not the only one. In fact, up to 70% of women will experience unwanted facial hair at some point in their lives. It’s common, it’s normal—and there are real reasons behind it.
1. Hormones (the most common culprit)
Most facial hair growth in women is driven by androgens—a group of hormones that includes testosterone. We all have them, but when levels become unbalanced (or when your body becomes more sensitive to them), hair growth can increase—especially on the chin, jawline, upper lip, and sideburns.
This often happens:
During puberty
After pregnancy
Around perimenopause or menopause
When using certain medications or birth control
Even subtle hormonal changes can trigger noticeable hair growth.
2. PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
One of the most common medical reasons for increased facial hair in women is PCOS—a hormonal condition that affects up to 1 in 10 women of reproductive age.
Symptoms can include irregular periods, acne, weight fluctuations, and—yep—facial hair growth, especially on the chin and neck. This type of hair is often coarser and darker and tends to grow back quickly after removal.
Electrolysis is often the most effective long-term solution for PCOS-related facial hair, especially when laser hasn’t worked or made it worse.
3. Genetics
Sometimes, it simply runs in the family. If your mother, grandmother, or aunts experienced facial hair, there’s a good chance you might too. This doesn’t make it any less frustrating—but it does mean you’re not doing anything “wrong.” It’s just the way your body works.
4. Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy
For trans women and non-binary individuals undergoing gender-affirming care, facial hair can be a persistent issue even after starting estrogen. Electrolysis is the gold standard for permanent facial hair removal in gender-affirming care, and is often required before facial surgeries.
At Liberation Electrolysis, clients receiving gender-affirming care are always welcome and treated with the same care, privacy, and respect as everyone else.
5. Hair Removal Habits
This one surprises a lot of people—but repeated waxing, plucking, and threading can actually stimulate growth over time, especially in hormonally sensitive areas like the chin and upper lip. It’s a cycle: the more you remove it, the more it grows back stronger.
That’s why electrolysis—unlike temporary methods—works to stop the cycle at the follicle level.
You’re not doing anything wrong. Your body is just doing what bodies do.
Unwanted facial hair is common, understandable, and treatable. You don’t have to hide it, fight it, or explain it anymore. Permanent, gentle solutions exist—and I’d love to help you explore them.
