Is there anyone like me?

Hair Removal Methods Laser hair removal
#1

For many years I starting becoming more upset with myself and my appearance. It got to a point where I was upset when looking at myself in a mirror. I was so embarrassed I didn’t want to talk to anyone about it.

The problems included excessive hair growth on my neck - all the way around, and very thick in the back - hair in and ON my nose, and very visible - hair all the way to the top of my cheek bones that extends lightly right up to my forehead leaving no hairless area between my eyes and normal hairline - hair in other places, as well.

I began by shaving, then moved to waxing some (neck, mainly). To add to the problem I am very underweight and am extremely upset about that as well. I’m 5’11’’ and weigh 120 pounds - always been small and eat like a pig.

Sadly, I know I’m an attractive guy under all this. I used to sing with a popular rock band as my career. I had a girlfriend, I loved very much for 11 years. I’m 29 and at one time I had it all going for me.

I eventually gave up my band because I became too humiliated to be seen in public. I couldn’t look someone in the eye, and still can’t.

I started laser treatments and have gone to 5 so far, I think. There has been a bit of success in the neck area, but none on my nose. It’s as if that whip of the elastic was for nothing - and all those tears (like being punched in the nose:)!

They have told me they can’t do anything for my cheeks.

Now I am starting to also see hair in and on my ears. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

I’m losing faith in this laser treatment and am desparate for advice. I recently broke up with my girlfriend because I felt she simply didn’t love me anymore. I can’t remember the last time we really kissed.

Being single, I am eagerly seeking advice on treatments and options, so that I may someday look someone in the eyes again.

Any advice you can offer would be greatly appreciated. Sorry for the woe is me ramble - I just need to be normal again.

#2

can you describe what your skin and hair type is? is the hair dark? coarse? what kind of laser are you using? at what settings? we can help you figure out the most effective way to get rid of this problem. also, have you had your hormones etc checked?

#3

Hello UpsetWithMyself,

I’m deeply sorry you’ve gone through such a nightmare with your unwanted hair. I and many others on this site know what it feels like to be deeply depressed because of something that isn’t your fault and can cost lots of money, time, and emotional energy to deal with.

I don’t have any answers for you, but I can suggest a few avenues which you may have already explored. Have you been to see an endocrinologist? Sometimes people with unwanted hair find out valuable information from endocrinologists.

I’m sure spending some time on the site will give you some idea of all the different variables that can affect efficacy of laser treatments (skin type, practitioner skill, type of laser, etc.), and there may well be a better laser and/or practitioner for you. Electrolysis is also an option that a lot of people choose for unwanted facial hair. An electrologist would certainly be able to deal with the hair on your cheeks. (A few people here have reported laser-triggered hair growth, and that does not happen with electrolysis.)

Also, have you explored the option of therapy? It is tough to deal with unwanted hair, and I know how it feels to be afraid to look people in the eye or to spend time with anyone in bright lights or sunshine. But often when we feels self-conscious about unwanted hair, our unhappiness makes a bigger impression on others than the actual hair. This is also true of people who struggle with weight, acne, and other non-mainstream aspects to their appearance. Therapy can help us understand and deal with our feelings of self-loathing. There’s a thread on this site called ‘Share your feelings’ that you may find helpful.

Please don’t give up. There is a solution to your unwanted hair, and hopefully this site will be helpful to you in finding it.

Good luck and strength to you.

#4

I just wanted to reply quickly (I should have previously) to let you know I am waiting to speak with the technician, to ask some questions.

I have read a lot on this site, and I must say I’m shocked at some things I never knew. I was told laser is permanent removal, and was only told after my third treatment that it won’t remove my non-pigmented hairs. I never knew it could trigger hair growth, which would explain the presence of MORE hair in some areas, instead of less. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> My nose and face are devastating to my self esteem - luckily I work from home.

I plan to look into electrolysis after the holiday season, as well. Thanks for your input so far!

#5

I noticed you mentioned you are underweight. This may affect hair growth as some people who are very underweight get accelerated hair growth all over (the body tries to insulate itself).

If you eat a lot and you cant seem to put any meat on yourself, I suggest you see a nutritionist at that point. This may well be part of the problem.

#6

I agree that seeing a doctor first to test your blood for any abnormalities might be helpful to see if you have any abnormal excess amount of hormones than you need. Try an endocrinologist. It’s also helpful to tell them about your weight. Don’t neglect to explain to them how your hairs has grown to excess. It may be helpful to a specialist.

#7

Interesting.

I’ve spoken to many, many people - specialists, doctors, nutritionists - and no one has been able to explain why I don’t put on weight.

I’ve had dozens and dozens of tests done. I have even been put on steroids to bulk up. I’ve tried many supplements, and countless methods of weight gain.

I’ve never been over 120. My lunch the other day was a hot hamburg sandwich, with fries and veggies- started with a hotdog w/ the works and an order of onion rings - finished off with lemon merangue pie for dessert. Not a joke.

Trust me, it’s frustrating. I don’t even want to get on the topic of my weight - this, I’ve learned to live with. I will have to make some inquiries. I’m in Canada and if I told my doctor I was there concerning hair growth I’d get booted! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

#8

I’m so sorry for everything you’re going through. I don’t have the exact same problems as you but I’ve felt like I could never be comfortable around anyone because of my hair growth. I am married now to a Chinese guy who has very little hair growth on his body and it makes me more frustrated. Luckily he’s kind enough not to mention my hair growth (I have more than him! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />).

I saw in your post that you’re 29. I’ve found that most people tend to start gaining weight around the age of 30 even if they’ve usually been very skinny. I think our metabolism starts to slow down. I hope this will make weight gain easier for you.

I also live in Canada and I would hope that no doctor laughs you out of their office. You’re right that it’s not generally considered a health problem but maybe there’s something the medical community can do for you.

I hope everything works out for you!

#9

steriods can increase hair growth, from what you say I think there maybe an underlying cause to your hair growth. I would seek a good electro tho, that is my advice

#10

Hey brother , How are you doing? I’m having a similar issue. Did you get electrolysis done? How are you dealing with it right now?