While hair on the chin is a thing of pride for men, in women it’s definitely an grotesque development. This annoying unwelcome hair can be downright embarrassing too. The presence of this coarse hair on the chin is usually caused by a number of medical conditions associated with hormonal abnormalities.

When it is accompanied by hair around the upper lips, chest and on the back too, it’s usually due to hirsutism. An excessive amount of the male hormone Androgen is another cause of hair on the chin and the condition is usually genetic and runs in families. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), adrenal hyperplasia and Cushing’s syndrome are some of the other conditions associated with abnormal hormone levels. But whatever the cause of the chin hair, the urge to get rid of it is always strong in women.

Some of the temporary ways that you can practise at home to get rid of this unwanted hair is by shaving it, waxing it, epilating it or by using hair removing creams. However don’t be surprised to see even thicker and coarser hair taking over the presence of the earlier crop of chin hair. The best way to get rid of this chin hair permanently is by taking professional help from a dermatologist and/or cosmetologist. They might suggest safe government-approved procedures like laser hair removal or electrolysis.

• Laser hair removal – A hand-held laser emitting device is used. The emitted pulsed light seeks out the dark pigment of hair and damages the hair follicle. The hair takes about 10-14 days before it starts falling out. Since hair grows in different stages – growth, resting and shedding, it could require more than one sitting to get rid of all the unwanted hair.

Laser treatment for hair removal isn’t as time consuming as electrolysis and doesn’t need fully-grown chin hair to be effective. A short stubble is enough.

• Electrolysis – This is another method for permanent hair removal and doesn’t require multiple sittings as with laser treatments. The difference however is that it takes times as it destroys each hair follicle one by one. Electrolysis involves sending an electrical current through very fine needle-shaped probes or electrodes to destroy the hair root.

There are three types of electrolysis – thermolysis, galvanic and a combination of the two. It is the most effective way to remove unwanted hair and isn’t limited to dark-pigmented hair only like the laser method.

If you are located in Bangalore, then you should check out the Dr Dixit Cosmetic Dermatology Clinic in Koramangala area, which offers the afore-mentioned procedures too.

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The information provided in Dr. Dixit's answer is for educational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice. The information provided should not be relied upon as a substitute for consultations with a qualified health professional who may be familiar with your individual medical needs.