Laser · ExplainedLaser Hair Removal and PCOS: An Honest Answer
Yes, it works. No, it will not finish. Here is what that actually means in sessions and money, said before you book rather than after.
Why PCOS changes the answer
Laser destroys the follicles it treats, and those follicles are gone. That is why it works for everyone, including you. What PCOS changes is what happens next: elevated androgens keep converting fine vellus hair into coarse terminal hair, so new follicles keep joining the queue.
You are not treating a fixed number of hairs. You are treating a population that is being topped up.
The hair we treat does not come back. The hormones keep making new hair.
What that means in practice
- A standard course is six to eight sessions. With PCOS, ten or more is common on the face
- Expect substantial reduction — commonly most of it — rather than complete clearance
- Plan for maintenance sessions once or twice a year, indefinitely
- The face needs four-week intervals; body areas six to eight
That is the honest version. A clinic that sells you a package of six for facial hair without mentioning PCOS is setting you up to feel the treatment failed when in fact it was mis-sold.
It is still worth doing
Put the alternative next to it. Daily shaving, threading every fortnight, or plucking — all of which take time, irritate the skin and, in the case of plucking, can worsen ingrown hairs and pigmentation. Most of our PCOS clients describe the reduction as the single biggest difference to their week.
And the marks left behind by years of plucking and ingrown hairs often improve too, once the cause is removed.
The medical side
Laser treats hair; it does not treat PCOS. If you have not had the hormonal side looked at, that is worth doing in parallel — some clients find that medication changes how much new hair appears, which changes how much maintenance they need.
Tell us about medication at consultation. Some, including certain hormonal treatments and anything photosensitising, affect how we treat and occasionally mean we postpone.
Practicalities
Shave, do not wax, thread or pluck during the course — those remove the follicle the laser needs. A free patch test at least twenty-four hours before the first session. No sunbeds, no fake tan for two weeks before, and SPF on any exposed treated area.
Prices are by area: upper lip £40, chin £40, lip and chin together £60, lower face £70. Full detail on facial laser hair removal.
What we will tell you at consultation
A realistic session count for your growth, not an optimistic one. Whether your hair has enough pigment to respond well. And if we think you will be disappointed, we will say that instead of taking the booking.
Common questions
Frequently asked
Does laser hair removal work if I have PCOS?
Yes. The follicles treated are permanently destroyed. But elevated androgens keep producing new hair, so expect more sessions and ongoing maintenance rather than finishing.
How many sessions will I need?
Ten or more on the face is common with PCOS, against six to eight for genetic growth, plus top-ups once or twice a year.
Is it worth the money?
Most of our PCOS clients say the reduction is the biggest single change to their week. But go in expecting substantial reduction with maintenance, not a finish line.
Can I still have it if I am on medication?
Usually, but tell us at consultation. Some hormonal and photosensitising medications change how we treat or mean we postpone.
Will it help the marks from plucking?
Often, yes — once the cause is removed, ingrown hairs and the pigmentation they leave tend to improve.
Book a free patch test
Free, twenty minutes, and it is where we give you a realistic session count for your hair rather than a sales figure.
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