How to Stop Unwanted Hair Growth: Tips for Men & Women

Updated on: 4th Sept, 2022

Are you tired of dealing with unwanted hair growth on your face, body, or unexpected places? Unwanted hair removal is a common issue that bothers both men and women, and it can be frustrating, time-consuming and even embarrassing. 

It can take a toll on self-confidence, whether it’s excessive facial hair, thick body hair, or hair in places you don’t want it. But you’re not alone. The good news is that there are ways to manage unwanted hair growth effectively.

In this blog, we will explain effective methods to stop unwanted hair growth in men and women. So, if you are looking for long-term solutions to manage unwanted hair growth, keep reading!

Methods to Stop Unwanted Hair Growth in Men?

Unwanted or unexpected hair growth is usually caused due to increased production of androgen called male hormones. This male hormone can affect both males and females, resulting in excessive facial or body hair. You can use natural methods, electrolysis, or laser for permanent hair removal. Let’s explore how to stop unwanted hair growth with these methods.

In men, hormonal changes during puberty can lead to excessive hair growth. Hormonal fluctuations are totally natural, and hair growth is likely to slow when they pass. Sometimes, certain medical conditions like Cushing’s Syndrome can lead to unwanted hair growth. In this case, hormonal therapy can help to manage the hormonal level and unwanted hair growth.

Certain medications like anti-seizure or steroids can also cause excessive hair growth on body parts. Depending on the treatment, you can stop unwanted hair growth by switching to a different medication.

Electrolysis is a permanent solution for unwanted hair removal. It involves using a small probe inserted into the hair follicle and delivering a small electric current to destroy the hair-producing cells.

The procedure can be performed on smaller areas and is commonly used to remove hair from the face, underarms, and private parts.

Shaving is an effective way to remove unwanted from the face. It involves using a razor with thin blades to remove hair at the surface of the skin. The hair will start growing back soon after shaving, so it needs to be repeated frequently.

Waxing removes hair from the legs, arms, underarms, bikini area, and face. Waxing involves spreading a warm or hot wax onto the skin and then removing it quickly, taking the hair with it. Waxing can cause some discomfort but is generally considered safe when performed correctly. 

Hair removal cream, also known as depilatory cream, breaks down the structural protein keratin in the hair, making it easy to wipe or wash away. Hair removal creams can be used on various parts of the body, including legs, arms, underarms, and the bikini area. The process is typically painless, and results last several days, but the hair may grow back coarser.

 Although laser hair removal is not a lifelong way of stopping hair growth, it can significantly reduce the quantity of hair that grows in certain areas following a series of sessions.

It is a non-invasive unwanted hair removal method that uses a laser to destroy the hair growth cells in the hair follicle. It targets the pigment in the hair, which absorbs the laser energy and heats the hair follicle, destroying the cells responsible for hair growth.

The treatment works best on dark, coarse hair and may be less effective on lighter hair. Some common side effects may include redness, swelling, and discomfort. Therefore, consult a professional and discuss any concerns before starting this hair removal treatment.

How to Stop Unwanted Hair Growth in Women?

Hormonal imbalances, medications, genetics, medical conditions, puberty, menopause, or pregnancy can cause unwanted hair growth in women. Worried about how to stop unwanted hair growth in women? Don’t fret! Several methods help to eliminate unwanted hair growth in females.

Hormone management for women to stop unwanted hair growth may involve a variety of approaches, depending on the underlying cause of the hair growth.

If the hair growth is caused by hormonal imbalances, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), treatments to regulate hormones, such as birth control pills, anti-androgen medicines, and spironolactone, may be prescribed.

If unwanted hair growth occurs due to medications like anti-depressant or steroids, changing the medication can be an option.

Thyroid disease can sometimes lead to excessive hair growth on the face or other body parts by altering hormonal balance. Treating the underlying condition can help to stop unwanted hair growth.

Eflornithine cream is an effective way for unwanted hair removal in women, and it works by inhibiting the activity of an enzyme involved in hair production. 

Eflornithine cream is applied topically to the affected area, typically twice daily. It should be combined with other hair removal methods, such as shaving, waxing, or plucking, to achieve optimal results. It may take several weeks to see a reduction in hair growth.

Several methods are used to stop unwanted hair growth in legs, arms and bikini lines.

• Waxing, shaving and depilatories: These are cost-effective and easy-to-use methods for hair removal. But they must be maintained.
• Laser hair removal: If you are thinking about how to stop unwanted hair growth, try laser treatment. Laser hair removal is a cosmetic technique that removes unwanted hair from the body using a laser. The laser generates a light beam absorbed by the pigment in the hair, causing damage to the hair follicle and stopping future hair growth.
• Electrolysis: Electrolysis is a cosmetic procedure that uses a small needle or probe to deliver a small electric current to the hair follicle. The current destroys the hair follicle, preventing future hair growth.

How to Remove Unwanted Hair During Pregnancy?

During pregnancy, your body undergoes several hormonal changes. These hormonal changes cause hair to grow thicker, often in unexpected and undesirable areas. Although some hair removal procedures should be avoided during pregnancy, several safe alternatives exist. The following are the safest ways for unwanted hair removal during pregnancy.

Tweezing involves using a pair of tweezers to pluck individual hairs from the root. This method can effectively remove unwanted hair on small body areas like the face or bikini line.

It is considered safe during pregnancy as it does not involve chemicals or heat and can be done at home. However, it may cause some redness, irritation or ingrown hair.

Shaving is an effective and safest method for unwanted hair removal during pregnancy, and it involves using a sharp razor and shaving gel or cream. Make sure that razor is clean and sterilised. 

Be extra careful when shaving around sensitive areas such as the bikini line. After shaving, rinse the area with cool water and apply a moisturiser to soothe the skin.

During pregnancy, avoiding hair removal methods involving chemicals or heat, such as waxing, depilatories, and laser hair removal, is generally recommended. These methods can cause skin irritation or even harm the developing fetus.