Excess Hair

WHAT IS EXCESS HAIR? 

We all have hair growing in different thicknesses over the face and body. Thicker volumes of  hair are generally found on the head, and on sensitive areas of the body (such as under  arms and around the genitals), with men also experiencing thicker hair around the lower part  of the face. No matter how fine or thick the hair grows, it is considered in excess, or unwanted if the person wishes to remove or reduce it.  

WHAT CAUSES EXCESS HAIR? 

Hair grows naturally from around 5 million follicles that occur on the body – however, there  are no follicles on the palms of the hands, the soles of the feet and the lips. The main job of  hair is to keep the body warm and protect the skin from the elements, including UV light. It  generally grows thicker where the skin is considered to need more protection, getting thicker  and more abundant with age. Hormones and genetics can influence the individual pattern of  growth that one experiences, which can also bring about a change in this pattern as one  goes through life, such as through: ageing, puberty, pregnancy or the menopause.  

HOW IS IT TREATED? 

As we have evolved as humans the way we perceive hair growth has changed, often using  hair to reflect current trends or our own unique style. This is seen with hair styling, and  whether men choose to have facial hair, as well as people deciding what hair to get rid of. A  smooth hair free exterior on some parts of the body may help with creating a body  appearance that is considered well-groomed and hygienic.  

Achieving hair free skin can be done at home through methods such as shaving or waxing,  with regular trips to the hairdresser keeping your barnet looking neat and tidy. For a  professional finish to less body hair Dr Grace Kelly can perform laser hair removal which  produces long lasting results for smooth, hair-free skin.