What Are The Causes Of Unwanted Hair?
Hair Facts You Don’t Know
Learn some of the underestimated facts about hair growth, various hair removal methods, and popular yet false notions. Social anxiety over the mere presence of hair often outweighs true medical problems. When you know the science of hair growth, you can make informed decisions about your treatment.
Social Concerns vs Medical Conditions
At our clinic, approximately 90% of people seeking permanent removal are completely healthy and their only concern is for social validation. In contrast, about 10% have medical conditions such as hirsutism (excess, male-pattern hair growth in women due to hormonal imbalance).
Science Behind Hair Growth
Hair grows out of tiny follicles that were created before birth. Before puberty, boys and girls have the same hair pattern. During puberty, androgens begin to rise (in males, testosterone levels are 15 to 30 times higher than in females), activating secondary characteristics such as facial hair in males. In women, hirsutism is diagnosed only when testosterone levels exceed twice normal, and masculine characteristics develop — other excess hair (sometimes called hypertrichosis) being a normal variant that can be socially undesirable.
Misconceptions About Hormonal Imbalance
There’s a popular misconception that unwanted hair is always due to a hormonal balance. Hormones are actually chemical messengers that are made by glands and secreted into the blood. The primary hair growth hormone is androgen, which is synthesised in males by the testes and adrenal cortex and in females by the ovaries and adrenal cortex. Androgens work only in areas where the hair follicles are sensitive. If a woman does not have hair in typical male-pattern areas, such as the face, chest or back—and has no other masculine features—she likely does not have a hormone disorder.
What Are Congenital Hair Growth Patterns?
Each individual is born with a genetic pattern of hair growth, this is known as their congenital pattern. This can be normal or unusual.
Normal Congenital Pattern:
These are typical patterns of hair in humans, evolved to provide certain protective functions:
Eyelashes: These tiny hairs serve as a filtration system against dirt and excess light.
Eyebrow: Filter dust, protect from sweat, provide shade against the sun, and cushion the eyes.
Nostril hair: Filter dust, pollen and other airborne debris for cleaner air.
Ear hair: Protects the ear canal from insects and debris
Scalp Hair: Essentially their purpose was to protect the head against UV rays and temperature, but now they form an important part of one's appearance.
Body Hair: Present on legs, arms, underarms and pubic region, these aid in minimising friction and preventing irritation.
Abnormal Congenital Pattern (Congenital Hypertrichosis)
This is when individuals develop an unnatural amount of hair — in the form of thick, dark terminal hairs covering most of the body parts except in places where hair normally does not grow (palm, soles, centre of the forehead, etc). It is encouraged by hair follicles that are overly sensitive to hormonal changes, genetics or external catalysts.
It may be present at birth or acquired later in life.
Temporary removal changes the visible hair, while the underlying growth pattern needs a separate assessment.
Permanent hair removal method: Electrolysis Blend Valeda Holistic Combination Mode ( EBVHCM ) can effectively provide relief even from some of the most severeand typical cases.
In addition, individuals with this condition may face social stigma and psychological distress, emphasizing the importance of an integrated approach to treatment that addresses both physical and psychological aspects.
Explore the limitations of shaving, waxing and other temporary methods →
Internal or systemic causes of unwanted hair growth
The growth of unwanted hair can be caused by various internal factors which can stem from either normal hormal changes that the body goes through at various stages of life or from serious medical conditions.
We at Valeda Skin & Hair Clinic have been providing permanent relief to patients from across India and the world suffering with these issues from last 40 years.
With 4 decades of experience in skin and hair care treatments under Dr. Seema Bali, MD, BHMS we know what causes them and how to treat them holistically.
Normal Systemic Changes
Increased hair growth can be caused by normal fluctuations of hormones during life stages such as puberty, pregnancy and menopause. In such phases, androgens (e.g., testosterone) may promote hair in hormone-dependent regions. For example:
Puberty: Hormonal changes can alter hair growth patterns. Sudden or excessive growth deserves an individual assessment.
Pregnancy: Hair growth patterns can change during and after pregnancy. Discuss your circumstances with your clinician before treatment.
Menopause: As estrogen levels fall, the body may start producing more androgens causing unwanted facial hair usually on the chin, upper lip or cheeks.
Knowing these natural changes prompt the individuals to know about how hair growth could be predicted and controlled in time with the help of a proper and individualized treatment plan.
Abnormal Systemic Changes
In some cases, an excessive or abnormal growth of hair can be due to a medical condition. Hormonal imbalances due to conditions such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), Cushing’s Syndrome, and Adrenogenital Syndrome lead to unwanted hair on the face and body. For instance:
PCOS: Involves multiple cysts on the ovaries and high androgen levels causing hirsutism. But not all cases have abnormal testosterone levels, which is why a precise diagnosis is critical.
Cushing’s Syndrome: The body produces excess cortisol which leads to weight gain and unusual thick hair growth.
Adrenogenital Syndrome: The body produces excess androgens from adrenal glands causing male like features in females.
Other pathological conditions such as acromegaly, or rare syndromes (for example Archard-Thiers Syndrome) can also lead to excessive hair growth.
The Influence of Surgical, Medicinal, and Emotional Factors
Surgical procedures (such as ovariectomy, hysterectomy, adrenalectomy, or thyroidectomy) and medications (including corticosteroids, anti-seizure drugs, immunosuppressants, or blood pressure medications) can also lead to hormonal imbalances. These factors can cause abnormal hair growth by changing the body’s hormone balance. In addition, psychological stress, anxiety, depression, or trauma can raise levels of the cortisol and androgens, which can also trigger hair growth in sensitive areas.
Our Comprehensive Approach
Valeda focuses on addressing the underlying causes of unwanted hair using the Electrolysis Blend Valeda Holistic Combination Mode (EBVHCM). We treat not only the physical manifestations, but also address the systemic issues wether arising from normal life stages or due to an abnormal medical condition like PCOS. With our personalized consultations and treatments, we help restore hormonal balance and remove unwanted hair permanently to help you feel confident again.