Hirsutism usually means darker, thicker hair growth in areas such as the face, chest, abdomen, lower back, upper arms or thighs. It may be linked with hormonal context, including PCOS, or other causes.

No. Excess facial hair can be hormonal, genetic, age-related, medication-related or part of a long-standing personal hair pattern. Assessment helps decide whether medical review is needed.

PCOS can be associated with excess facial or body hair, acne, irregular periods and other symptoms. If PCOS is suspected, the pathway should include women’s health review rather than cosmetic-only treatment.

No. This page is not a laser hair removal service page. WHC focuses on women’s health-led assessment, hormonal context, skin comfort, ingrown-hair management advice and appropriate referral or signposting where needed.

Ingrown hairs can happen when hairs grow back into the skin or become trapped. Shaving, waxing, plucking, friction, coarse or curly hair, tight clothing and skin inflammation can all contribute.

Yes. Recurrent inflammation from ingrown hairs or shaving bumps can leave pigmentation marks, especially where the skin is repeatedly irritated. Suitability for any treatment depends on skin assessment.

Prevention may include reviewing hair-removal methods, avoiding very close shaving, shaving in the direction of hair growth, reducing friction, supporting the skin barrier and addressing inflammation or infection where present.

Seek medical advice if hair growth starts suddenly, worsens quickly, is severe, or appears with irregular periods, scalp hair thinning, severe acne, voice deepening, pelvic symptoms or other concerning changes.

Seek medical advice if there is spreading redness, pus, fever, severe pain, recurrent infection, scarring, a non-healing lesion or worsening symptoms despite careful hair-removal changes.

This WHC pathway does not promise permanent hair removal. The focus is assessment, women’s health context, skin comfort, safer planning and referral or signposting if another service is more appropriate.

Medication options may be discussed only where clinically appropriate and within the right medical pathway. This depends on your history, symptoms, contraindications, diagnosis and clinician assessment.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding can affect suitability for many treatment routes. Always disclose pregnancy, breastfeeding or fertility plans before starting any assessment or treatment pathway.

The featured starting price for a women’s health-led consultation is from £150. Further costs depend on assessment, treatment suitability, medical context, skin needs, follow-up requirements and whether referral is recommended. Please check the full pricing page for detailed and updated pricing.

The main goal is to understand why the excess hair or ingrown hairs are happening, whether there is a medical or hormonal context, and what the safest, most appropriate next step should be.