Permanent Hair Removal for PCOS: Why Electrolysis Works Best

Nov 4, 2025
4 min read

Updated: Mar 19

TL;DR

In this blog, I walk you through what’s really going on beneath the surface, including:

Why PCOS causes persistent hair growth (and why it’s not something you’ve done wrong)
Why shaving, waxing, and even laser can feel like a never-ending cycle
How electrolysis offers a truly permanent solution by treating each hair at the root
What the journey actually looks like, including timelines and realistic expectations
And, why hair growth cycles can make progress feel unpredictable at times

If you’ve ever felt stuck in a loop with your hair, this will help you understand why—and, more

importantly, what you can do to finally move forward with confidence.

If you’re living with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), chances are you’re familiar with the unwanted hair growth that often comes with it. You’re not alone — it’s real, it’s hormonal and it can take a huge toll on your confidence and self-image.

Let’s talk openly about it: what causes it, how it makes women feel, and how permanent hair removal through electrolysis can genuinely help.

💡 First, what causes PCOS-related hair growth?

PCOS is a hormonal condition that affects how the ovaries work. One of the key features of PCOS is hyperandrogenism — this is elevated levels of androgens (often referred to as “male hormones” like testosterone). Although all women produce some androgens, those with PCOS tend to have higher levels, which can lead to symptoms like irregular periods, acne, and excess hair growth (hirsutism) in areas such as the chin and upper lip.

What happens is this: androgens trigger tiny, fine vellus hairs (the soft peach fuzz most of us have on our bodies) to transform into terminal hairs — these are thicker, darker, and coarser. These hair follicles have essentially been “switched on.”

For many women, this hair growth doesn’t feel like a cosmetic concern — it feels like a daily reminder that their body isn’t playing by the rules. It can feel isolating, demoralising, and anxiety-inducing.

💬 “I feel like I’m hiding all the time.”

💬 “I check my chin more times a day than I check my phone”

💬 “I shave every morning before work”

💬 “It’s exhausting. Waxing, plucking, threading... ”

💬 “[after electrolysis) 1 year progress and I’m thrilled with the outcome! My only regret? Not doing this sooner!”

⚡ How electrolysis can help

Electrolysis is the only FDA-approved method of permanent hair removal. Unlike laser, which targets pigment and works best on dark hair and light skin, electrolysis works on all hair colours and skin tones. This is particularly important for PCOS sufferers who may have both coarse and fine hairs, or a range of pigmentation.

During electrolysis, a fine probe is inserted into the hair follicle and a tiny amount of electrical current is delivered. This destroys the follicle’s ability to produce new hair.

💡What to expect

Consistency is key. PCOS-related hair is hormonally driven, so regular sessions over time are essential.

Your electrologist will need to catch hairs in the anagen (growth) phase. This is when the hair is attached to the follicle — meaning the follicle can be effectively treated.

Not all hairs are in the growth phase at the same time. That’s why a course of treatment takes time — usually 12 to 24 months for permanent clearance in a given area, depending on the density and hormonal activity.

💡Find out more about how many sessions you might need in this blog post

📈 The hair growth cycle — Why timing matters

Hair grows in cycles, and not all follicles produce a visible hair at the same time. Some hairs are actively growing while others remain beneath the skin or temporarily dormant. Because each follicle cycles independently, new hairs continue to emerge over time. This is why electrolysis requires a series of treatments — it can take around 12–24 months to treat all the hairs that naturally appear in an area.

Since hairs grow at different rates, it typically takes 12–24 months for all hairs in an area to appear and be treatable.

Hair grows in three phases:

Anagen (growth phase) – ideal for electrolysis. Hair is still connected to the blood supply and the follicle is active.

Catagen (transitional phase) – the follicle begins to shut down.

Telogen (resting phase) – the hair detaches and will eventually shed.

Between 50-70% of your facial hairs are in the anagen phase at any one time, you’ll need to treat the same area multiple times to catch all hairs during the right phase.

💡Find out more about the hair growth cycle in this blog post

🧠 Managing expectations (and hormones)

Electrolysis is not a quick fix — especially when hormones are actively fuelling new growth. But with time, commitment, and patience, the results are truly transformational.

If you’re managing PCOS and struggling with unwanted hair, electrolysis offers more than a beauty solution. It’s a way to regain a sense of control over your body.

At ElectroGlow, I'll support you with real information, compassionate care, and long-term solutions. No shame. No fuss. Just science, support, and smoother skin.