Facial hair in menopause: why chin hairs appear and how to remove them
Many women notice coarse, dark hairs on the chin, upper lip or jaw around menopause. It is usually caused by a shift in the balance of hormones, not by anything serious. It is very common and easy to manage, but sudden, heavy hair growth needs a doctor's check.
See a GP if thick, dark hair is spreading on your face, chest, tummy or back. Ask for an urgent appointment if thick hair appears suddenly, or your voice is getting deeper or your muscles bigger. Rarely, these are signs of a hormone-producing tumour.1,2
Why it happens
Estrogen falls sharply at menopause, but androgens such as testosterone fall much more slowly. The balance shifts towards androgens.2
Hair follicles on the chin and upper lip are sensitive to androgens. Fine, pale hairs there can turn into thicker, darker ones. At the same time, hair on the scalp may thin.1,2
Most women also get more light, fine facial hair as they get older, especially after menopause. That is normal and is not the same as hirsutism.1
Normal change or a medical problem?
A few coarse hairs on the chin are very common. Doctors call it hirsutism when thick, dark hair grows on several areas, such as the face, chest, tummy, lower back or thighs.1
Causes a doctor may check for include polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (formerly polycystic ovary syndrome), some epilepsy medicines and steroids, and other hormone conditions such as Cushing's syndrome.1
After menopause, hair growth that starts suddenly and gets worse quickly is more worrying. So are a deeper voice, balding at the temples or more muscle. A doctor will usually check your testosterone level and may arrange a scan.1,2
Ways to remove it, compared
| Method | How long it lasts | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Tweezing or threading | 2 to 6 weeks | Cheap and fine for a few hairs. Can cause ingrown hairs. |
| Shaving or dermaplaning | 1 to 3 days | Quick and painless. It does not make hair grow back thicker. |
| Waxing | 3 to 6 weeks | Can irritate thinner menopausal skin. Avoid after using retinoids. |
| Hair removal cream | Days | Patch test first, as facial skin can react. |
| Eflornithine cream (prescription) | While you use it | Slows facial hair growth. Use alongside hair removal.1 |
| Laser or IPL | Long-lasting reduction, not always permanent | Needs dark hair. Does not work on grey, white or blonde hair. Not usually available on the NHS.1,3 |
| Electrolysis | Long-lasting | Treats each hair one by one. Works on any hair colour, including grey and white.1 |
Do at-home laser and IPL devices work?
Home IPL and laser devices use the same idea as clinic treatments, at lower power. Studies show they can reduce hair with repeated use, though results are usually smaller than in a clinic.3
They work by heating the pigment in the hair. That is why they work best on dark hair and do not work on grey, white or blonde hairs. Many devices are not suitable for darker skin, so check the brand's skin-tone chart.3
Expect to treat every week or two for the first few months, then top up. Never use them over moles or tattoos.
Does HRT make a difference?
There is little research on HRT for facial hair. Some women notice less hair once on estrogen, but HRT is not prescribed for this alone.
Some hormone treatments can increase hair growth. Unusual hair growth is a known side effect of tibolone, and testosterone treatment can cause it too.4 See our page on testosterone for women.
Common questions
Why am I suddenly getting chin hairs in my 40s or 50s?
As estrogen falls, the balance shifts towards androgens such as testosterone. Chin and lip follicles are sensitive to them, so fine hairs can become thicker and darker.2 A few coarse hairs are normal. See a GP if hair spreads to other areas or appears suddenly.1
Does plucking or shaving make facial hair grow back thicker?
No. Shaving cuts the hair at a blunt angle, so regrowth can feel coarser, but the hair is not thicker or darker. Plucking can irritate the follicle and cause ingrown hairs.
Does at-home IPL work on grey chin hairs?
No. IPL and laser need pigment in the hair to work, so grey, white and blonde hairs do not respond. Electrolysis is the long-lasting option for these.1,3
Can I get facial hair removal on the NHS?
Your GP can prescribe eflornithine cream and check for a medical cause. Laser and electrolysis are not usually available on the NHS.1
What helps: options rated
| Option | Evidence | What the research shows |
|---|---|---|
| Tweezing, threading, waxing or shaving | Work well for a few hairs, but only for days or weeks. Shaving does not make hair thicker. | |
| Eflornithine cream (prescription) | Slows the growth of facial hair. Best used with another removal method.1 | |
| Electrolysis | Long-lasting, and the only option that works on grey and white hairs. Usually needs several sessions and is not normally on the NHS.1 | |
| Clinic laser hair removal | Gives long-lasting reduction of dark hair. Not usually permanent, and does not work on grey hair.1,3 | |
| At-home IPL or laser devices | Can reduce dark hair with repeated use, usually less than clinic treatment. Check the device suits your skin tone.3 | |
| Herbal teas and supplements | No good evidence that they reduce facial hair after menopause. |
Ratings explained: how we rate. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before starting a medicine or supplement.
Related
Sources
- Excessive hair growth (hirsutism), NHS (reviewed August 2025)
- Hirschberg AL. Approach to investigation of hyperandrogenism in a postmenopausal woman, Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism (2023), PubMed
- Light-based home-use devices for hair removal: why do they work and how effective they are?, PubMed
- Side effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), NHS