Hi I had my first laser session on Monday, it is now Thursday the hair has not shed only by me tugging a few hair have come off my neck and side of face, I am desperate for all the hair on my face to shed (theres tons of hairs) as I am going on holiday on Sunday to visit my in laws and I can’t look like a freak. I have always battled with a hairy body and facial since puberty, I have thick black coarse hair and there’s lots of it all over my face cheeks chin and neck are covered with it’s like I have a man’s beard and that horrible shadow. My problem of facial hair got it’s all time worst after the birth of my son. I am always depressed and upset and have to work my life around my hair problem. I have previously used waxing, threading, bleach, delipatory creams, medication and laser in 2004 which didn’t work, I am now back again trying my chances with laser, however before my 1st session of laser on Monday I was getting electrolysis and had been doing so for about 1 year and two months in that time I changed two electrologists because I got scarred with the first and the second was plucking some hairs my last electrologists didnt clear my face in an hour hence I had to switch to laser for a few sessions just because me wanting my face cleared before I go on holiday… So my question is please advise when will all my hair shed I had my first session on monday and it’s now Thursday, the hair still hasn’t shed and I’m going on Sunday, if and when it does shed will I be hair free for at least a month? Also if my hair dosent shed can I trim or shave before Sunday (I dont like shaving, as I believe it will make the hair thicker) I have been doctors who said I have no hormonal problem (personally I don’t believe that as my face is covered with stubble) please advise me as I really would appreciate any advice before I go on holiday so I can enjoy a stress free and hair free holiday and without the embassment of my inlaws seeing me this hairy even if it just lasts for a few weeks please advise.
Shedding begins 7-10 days after treatment and can continue for a month after (see the FAQ). In the interim you can shave or clip the hair.
You have to sample many electrologists to find the most effective one. In any case, get evaluated by an endocrinologist (not a regular doctor).
Ok thanks JMISR, I guess I will have to trim the hair, your advice is much appreciated. In the meantime I will carrying on dreaming for a day when I will be hair free 
Please do visit an endocrinologist. Having male-type facial growth at least warrants an evaluation. Laser and electrolysis can only kill the hair you have in the present; they can’t prevent new growth due to hormonal issues.
Also, be careful with laser on the face. That area is prone to induced growth.
Yes u are right, I live in the uk and when I visited my doctor / gp last week I mentioned my concerns regarding my excess facial growth and when the doctor saw the extent of the hair he agreed it was excessive however he just said your blood test and testerone levels are normal, and that I should pay fir laser, it’s like getting a blood out of a stone to get a doctor to take you seriously and for him to refer me to an endrocrinologist would never happen in this life time they just don’t consider my problem serious especially here in the uk when drunk people and people who smoke, all self inflicted get more treatment on the nhs than ppl with hirsuitism when it’s beyond their control… Ironic as it is though considering I feel depressed and suicidal at times and how much my hair problem affects my marriage with my husband having to see me depressed all the time. I see what your saying about laser and how it may induce my growth but I rather try it than get embarrassed and joked at by my husband’s family while on holiday. I’ve only had one laser session this year and if the results arent what I was hoping for (that’s to be hair free for at least a month between laser appointments) then I will resume with electrolysis after my holiday.
I understand how frustrating your situation is. I’m saddened that it has been adversely affecting the quality of your life. Rest assured we’re here to help and offer guidance.
Depression and suicidal thoughts aren’t to be taken lightly. I would definitely speak to a counselor or therapist as you get the hair under control. I believe the NHS will cover some sessions free if your GP refers you.
You might as well try to see a private endocrinologist, because I imagine you’d have to wait a while to get into an NHS one (assuming you get a referral).
Even with normal hormone levels, many hair follicles can be hypersensitive to androgens, so your normal blood chemistry doesn’t mean you don’t need to be evaluated.
Keep us posted.
Thanks I will speak to my doctor after my holiday however I can’t afford private treatment.
Hi Ha1,
Be patient, if treated effectively, the hair should shed. It can be a week or two before it starts and can take a week or two to complete. I understand how you feel. I know some people who are aware that Laser is not giving them permanent results, having been doing it for more than a year but they enjoy the hair free periods between sessions.
Don’t give up on the GP. It’s true that many do not take excess hair seriously. I know it’s time consuming but I’m sure you spend a lot of your time thinking and being down about your hair, so try to channel this energy. If you feel this GP is a dead end, try to see another one. Insist that you want the tests done/referral because the hair issue is causing depression and you need answers or a solution. Really drive home the impact it’s having on your life. Just keep talking. Once they realise they will not be able to get rid of you and that you will just keep coming back until you make some progress, they will do it. Hopefully you will find a GP who is more sympathetic anyway. The outcome should be both an endocrinologist referral and after that or in conjunction, LHR sessions.
Talk to either a gyno or an endocrinologist if your GP is willing to refer you. They’re more knowledgeable about hormonal issues and don’t dismiss them as easily as regular GPs.
Ha 1,
In your particular situation, it may be quite a wait to see an endocrinologist or gynecologist, but your assigned GP can order more tests beyond what she or he has already done. Advocate for yourself. A GP can order medications and such, and do all testing related to finding the cause of your hirsutism, just like an endo or gyne can. Are you free to seek out as many GP’s as you can until you find someone that you regard as empathetic?
Gyno visits are required once a year. That one shouldn’t be hard.