Chin hair is a common concern for many women, though it’s not often discussed openly. As we age, it can become more noticeable, causing frustration for those who constantly battle against it. “Why did no one tell me that when I got older, my one chin hair would bring four other friends?” one woman shared in a TikTok video. Others, like another TikToker, vented about the difficulty of managing chin hair: “Laser doesn’t work, shaving doesn’t work. What works? I need assistance!”
Even celebrities aren’t immune to the struggle. Actress Amy Adams, preparing for her role in Nightbitch, stopped plucking her chin hairs as part of her transformation into a character who, as a stressed-out mom, undergoes a bizarre transformation into a dog. “The hair on my face — that was mine,” she said. “I saw it as a wonderful expression of the human experience without any artifice or filters. Or tweezers!”
In short, chin hair is common. But what causes it, and why does it seem to become more troublesome with age? And are there health concerns that might be contributing to the growth of chin hair? Let’s take a closer look.
Why Do Women Get Chin Hair?
There are two main types of hair: vellus hair (the fine, light peach fuzz on the face and body) and terminal hair (the thicker, darker hair found on the head, eyebrows, and elsewhere). Chin hair typically falls into the terminal hair category, and it’s primarily influenced by androgens — male hormones, including testosterone, that both men and women produce.
Dr. Bruce Dorr, an ob-gyn and hormone health expert, explains that androgens, such as testosterone, help regulate things like bone density, muscle growth, and puberty. In women, testosterone is produced in the ovaries and converted to estrogen. It also contributes to the growth of hair in certain areas, like the underarms and pubic region.
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a potent form of testosterone, plays a key role in facial hair growth. It stimulates hair follicles in areas that are more sensitive to androgens, such as the chin. Some women have more sensitive DHT receptors, leading to more facial hair growth even at normal hormone levels. This is often due to genetics, and while it’s not typically a health issue, it can still be bothersome.
What Else Can Contribute to Chin Hair Growth?
In addition to natural hormonal fluctuations and genetics, a variety of health issues can contribute to excess facial hair, a condition known as hirsutism. This affects 5 to 10% of women of reproductive age and can cause unwanted hair growth on the chin, upper lip, chest, stomach, and back. Here are some potential causes:
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): PCOS is one of the most common causes of excess facial hair. It affects around 8 to 13% of women of childbearing age and can result in hormonal imbalances. In PCOS, higher testosterone levels and DHT production can lead to excess facial hair. It can also cause other symptoms like acne, weight gain, and insulin resistance.
Menopause: As women approach perimenopause and menopause, estrogen levels drop while androgens, like testosterone, become more dominant. This hormonal shift often leads to an increase in facial hair.
Weight Fluctuations: Both significant weight gain and extreme weight loss can affect hormone levels. For example, people with eating disorders may develop lanugo — soft, fine hair — as the body tries to maintain warmth.
Cushing Syndrome: This disorder, in which the body produces too much cortisol (a stress hormone), can also lead to excess facial hair. Elevated cortisol levels increase androgen production, stimulating hair growth.
Late-Onset Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH): This condition causes the adrenal glands to produce too much androgen. In women, this can result in symptoms like deepening of the voice, acne, and excess facial hair.
Medications: Certain medications can promote hair growth, including anabolic steroids, testosterone, cyclosporine, minoxidil, danazol, and phenytoin.
Androgen-Secreting Tumors: Though rare, tumors in the ovaries or adrenal glands that secrete androgens can cause excessive hair growth. Symptoms of these tumors may also include a deepening of the voice or acne.
How Can We Manage Chin Hair?
If you notice excessive or rapid chin hair growth, it’s a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider to rule out any underlying health conditions. Dr. Alyssa Dweck, a gynecologist and medical expert, suggests that if facial hair is coming on suddenly or becoming more pronounced, blood tests can help determine the cause.
If you simply don’t want the chin hair, there are several treatments available. Dr. Ross Kopelman, a hair transplant and facial plastic surgeon, recommends a multi-pronged approach. “Prescription creams like eflornithine can slow hair growth, while hormonal treatments like birth control pills or anti-androgens like spironolactone can address the root cause of excess hair,” he explains.
For those looking for aesthetic solutions, methods like tweezing, threading, waxing, and shaving can provide temporary relief, though the hair will eventually grow back. For more permanent results, laser hair removal can be effective, especially for darker hairs, as it targets pigment in the follicles. However, laser hair removal requires multiple sessions and maintenance treatments. Electrolysis, which uses fine needles to destroy hair follicles, is another permanent option and works on all hair colors and types.
The Bottom Line
Chin hair is not uncommon, especially for women approaching perimenopause or menopause. However, if you’re concerned about new or unusual hair growth, or if it’s accompanied by other symptoms, it’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider. Whether you choose temporary or permanent solutions, there are many options available to manage chin hair. And remember, it’s completely normal to have some chin hair — you’re not alone.