Facial hair
Upper lip, chin and jawline. Often hormonally influenced in women, and the area most patients ask about first.
Unwanted hair removal in Chennai
Unwanted hair is usually normal variation, but a sudden increase in coarse hair on the face, chest or abdomen in women can point to a hormonal cause such as PCOS and is worth investigating rather than only treating cosmetically. Laser reduces hair density and thickness over a course of sessions; it is not permanent removal, and hormonal drivers will keep stimulating growth if left unaddressed.
Which type do you have?
Identifying the type matters, because each is treated differently.
Body hair
Underarms, arms, legs, back and chest — usually straightforward to treat as the hair is coarse and well pigmented.
Hirsutism
Coarse, male-pattern hair in women, frequently linked to PCOS or other hormonal causes. Needs medical assessment alongside any laser plan.
Fine or light hair
Very fine, grey or white hair contains little pigment for the laser to target, so responds poorly and is assessed honestly at consultation.
What causes it
- Genetics and ethnicity — the strongest single factor
- Hormonal conditions, particularly PCOS
- Certain medications, including some steroids and hormonal treatments
- Thyroid disorders in some cases
- Waxing and threading, which do not increase growth but do maintain coarse regrowth
What actually helps
Rule out a hormonal cause first
If coarse hair appeared suddenly or is accompanied by irregular periods, acne or weight change, that should be investigated. Treating the hair without addressing the driver means it keeps returning.
Laser hair reduction
A course of sessions spaced weeks apart, because only actively growing follicles respond to each treatment. Expect substantial reduction in density and thickness, with occasional maintenance.
Correct settings for your skin
In Fitzpatrick IV–V skin, wavelength and fluence choice is what separates a safe result from burns or pigmentation. Patch testing first is standard.
Stop plucking between sessions
Waxing, threading and plucking remove the follicle the laser needs to target. Shaving between sessions is fine and does not affect results.
Treatments we use for this
Common questions
Is laser hair removal permanent?
No. The accurate term is long-term hair reduction. Density and thickness fall substantially over a course, but most people need occasional maintenance sessions afterwards.
Does laser work on facial hair for women?
Usually yes, though facial hair is often hormonally driven and can need more sessions plus maintenance. If PCOS is suspected, addressing that alongside improves the outcome.
Is it safe for dark skin?
Yes, with a suitable wavelength and conservative settings for deeper tones, plus a patch test first. The risk lies in wrong settings, not in laser treatment itself.
Can I have laser if I have PCOS?
Yes, but expect to need more sessions and ongoing maintenance, because the hormonal driver continues stimulating follicles. We would usually suggest medical assessment in parallel.
This page is educational and does not replace an in-person consultation. Medical disclaimer · How we write our content