Electrolysis permanently removes PCOS and hirsutism facial hair, including fine, light, and coarse hairs. A 60-minute PCOS session costs $110 in our Irvine studio. Hormonal hair typically needs a longer course than other areas, and we plan treatment alongside your doctor's care.
Why does PCOS cause facial hair?
Polycystic ovary syndrome raises androgen levels in many women. Androgens turn fine vellus hair on the face into darker, thicker terminal hair. The pattern is called hirsutism, and it shows up on the chin, jaw, upper lip, cheeks, and sometimes the neck. The hair can also appear on the chest, stomach, and back.
It is not a cosmetic flaw you caused. It is a medical symptom that affects a large share of women with PCOS. Many say it is the most distressing part, because it is visible every day. People shave twice a day, carry tweezers in their bag, or avoid close lighting.
Is electrolysis right for hormonal hair?
For most people with PCOS, yes. Three reasons:
- It treats every hair type. PCOS hair is often a mix of coarse, fine, dark, and light. Laser needs dark pigment. Electrolysis does not depend on color, so it reaches all of it. See electrolysis vs laser.
- It works on all skin tones. Darker skin tones, which are more common in some PCOS groups, are treated safely.
- It is permanent per follicle. The FDA allows electrolysis to be marketed as permanent hair removal. A follicle that is destroyed does not return.
The honest part: PCOS can keep waking new follicles. That is why we frame treatment as a longer course, not a quick fix. As your hormone management improves, fewer new hairs usually appear, and the work gets faster. Treating the hormones and treating the hair go well together.
What does the PCOS session cost?
| Service | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| PCOS session | 60 min | $110 |
| Chin | 30 min | $65 |
| Upper lip | 20 min | $50 |
| Cheeks, neck, hairline | 45 min | $90 |
The 60-minute session lets us clear the chin, jaw, and upper lip together instead of rushing between areas. You still pay for time only. Packages: 5 visits -10%, 10 visits -15%. First visit is $25 off. See the full price list.
What does a treatment plan look like?
- Free consultation, 15 minutes. We look at the area, ask about your diagnosis and medications, and explain the method.
- Start weekly or every two weeks. More frequent early visits catch growing hairs before they rebuild.
- Move to every three to four weeks as density drops.
- Maintenance. Occasional visits for new hairs. Many clients taper to a couple of visits a year.
A small area typically needs 8 to 15 sessions over 9 to 18 months. With PCOS, expect the upper end or longer. Results vary, and your electrologist tells you honestly where you are at each visit.
How do you work with your doctor?
We are not a replacement for medical care, and we do not diagnose. If you have not been checked, ask your doctor for hormone testing. If you are already on treatment such as birth control, spironolactone, or metformin, tell us. Some medications change how skin heals, and it helps us time your sessions. We are glad to work from your doctor's guidance.
Aida Khazieva, a licensed cosmetologist and electrologist with 20+ years of experience, has treated over 10,000 clients, many of them women with hormonal hair. She uses the Apilus device and picks thermolysis, galvanic, or blend per hair. Learn more at electrolysis in Orange County.
How can you cope between visits?
- Trim or shave lightly. Skip waxing, threading, and plucking.
- Use a gentle cleanser and daily sunscreen on treated skin.
- Avoid picking. It increases the risk of marks.
- Keep a short photo log every month. Progress is easy to miss when you see your face daily.
You are welcome to bring a friend to your first visit. The studio is at 18021 Sky Park Circle, Suite N, Irvine, CA 92614, open daily 8am to 9pm. Call (949) 444-6191 or use the contact page.
Electrolysis addresses unwanted hair, not the underlying condition. Please consult your doctor about PCOS and hirsutism. Results vary.
Questions
Can electrolysis remove PCOS facial hair permanently?
Electrolysis permanently destroys each treated follicle. PCOS can activate new follicles over time, so treatment is paced alongside your hormone care. Many clients see a lasting reduction. Results vary.
How much does a PCOS session cost?
A 60-minute PCOS session is $110. First-time clients get $25 off, and 5 visits save 10%, 10 visits save 15%.
How many sessions will PCOS hair need?
More than a typical small area, because hormones keep stimulating follicles. Plan on a longer course, often well over a year, with visits spaced out as growth slows. We give you an estimate at the free consultation.
Is laser a good option for PCOS hair?
Often not. PCOS hair can be fine, light, or mixed in color, and laser misses those hairs. Laser can also stimulate growth in some people. Electrolysis treats every hair.
Should I see a doctor too?
Yes. Electrolysis treats the hair, not the cause. Work with your doctor or endocrinologist on the hormonal side, and tell us about your medications.
What is the difference between hirsutism and PCOS?
Hirsutism is the symptom: dark, coarse hair in a male-like pattern, such as the chin, jaw, and upper lip. PCOS is one common cause. Thyroid problems and some medications can also cause it.
Does it hurt more with hormonal hair?
Not necessarily. Dense areas can feel more sensitive because many hairs are treated close together. Your electrologist adjusts the settings, and breaks are always fine.
Will electrolysis cause scarring?
Scarring is uncommon with correct technique and proper aftercare. Do not pick scabs, protect the skin from sun, and follow your electrologist's instructions.