please help

Start here! Share your feelings
#1

I am 26 years old and have been stuggling with stray chin hairs for quite a while. It all started when I was 16 (I had no problems then) and saw my mum plucking some hairs from her chin. That day I examined my chin and plucked one or two very fine hairs. They grew back thicker and I have been plucking since then. I’ve developed an obsession and now have to pluck one or two hairs nearly everyday and it makes me extremely depressed. I have dark skin and have also developed alot of spots and scars in the chin area and I’m guessing its to do with the excessive plucking. I’ve now reached a point where i’ve become extremely self conscious and find it hard to carry out normal activities as I’m conscious of people looking at my chin. I’ve even been unemployed for over 6 months and don’t have the confidence to look for a job. I’ve been feeling suicidal these last few months and really don’t know what to do. No one knows of my problem and there is no way that I can talk to anyone about it. I feel like a freak.

I’ve now realised that enough is enough and I will only be able to carry on with life if I fix this problem once and for all. Lately I’ve been doing some research on permanent home methods but after reading a couple of posts on this forum I’ve realised that chances are they won’t work and I’ll be left with even more scars.

The question is where do I go from here? I can’t have laser because you have to allow the hairs to grow inbetween treatments (which I will never be able to do). The second option is electrolysis. This I’ve heard is expensive, painful and can take a number of years (I probably have around 15 coarse hairs on my chin). Another downside is that it can cause scarring and redness which will bring even more attention to my chin. I feel really confused about what do to. Someone please help!

#2

You need electrolysis and it will solve your problem completely. Btw, you didn’t create the problem although plucking didn’t help in keeping the hair fine. Laser is not a good option on this area with so few hairs that you’re talking about. That’s basically a 5-10 minute electrolysis treatment, even with the slowest method. It won’t cost a lot either since it’s only 5-10 minutes. It doesn’t take that long of a time at all. Your case would actually be relatively easy. You just need to find a skilled electrologist (where are you located) and make sure to come in to kill the hairs as soon as they come in. That’s all. Shaving the area is best btw. And it will help the electrologist tell which hairs are in the first weak growth phase. It really won’t take more than 9-12 months tops to get rid of it all permanently, and you will probably only need to come in once a month after the first few times where it would be once every 2 weeks or so. And there shouldn’t be much irritation at all if you do your research and find a good electrologist. Probably much less than what you’re experiencing now with plucking, if any at all. You’ve come to the right place for information! Keep reading the electrolysis section of this forum.

Btw, on a personal note, there are many many people here struggling with MUCH bigger hair problems, entire faces/backs/stomachs etc. Do read their stories - it should help you put things in perspective. I know this seems like a huge deal and that you’re the only one in this situation, but there are MANY MANY women in the same and mostly worse situations. And this forum really helps them take control of the issue and move on with their lives.

Good luck.

p.s. read my story below. So far, I’ve had my eyebrows, upper lip, nipple area, and abdomen done with electrolysis. No problems, no scarring, just no hair at all :slight_smile:

#3

Electrolysis has always been there for people like yourself, but it gets muddied and pushed aside by whoever is trying to sell another product. It is the gold standard for permanent hair removal. It is success just waiting at your bathroom door, that will free you from your daily ritual of plucking. You, sadly, are another examlpe of a victim that has fallen for incorrect information about electrolysis being painful, slow (years!! no way), expensive and scarring. You will brighten up once you find a skilled electrologist and so will your chin, my dear.

Lagirl has basically said it all and she has said it very well. Do you care to tell us where you live? Someone here may be able to suggest a PROFESSIONAL (SKILLED) electrologist so you can get started. I shout PROFESSIONAL because there are some electrologists that have earned the adjectives of slow, painful and scarring. You’ve got to do your research so you can weed out the ones that are not worthy of touching your face. Be careful. Be smart about this,then you can get on with your life.

Love,

Dee

#4

Thanks for your helpful replies. It feels good that I’ve finally spoken about my problem after all these years. I’m so glad I found this forum. Theres still hope that I’ll be able to LIVE again!

I’ve been searching on the internet for skilled electrologists in my area but haven’t been able to find any. I live in Hounslow, which is in Middlesex, London, UK. I think it would be best if I found one fairly close to home, as initially I would probably need frequent visits and travel fairs can be quite expensive here in London. Does anyone know of a skilled electrologist in my area? How should I find one? All replies would be appreciated.

Another question I have is that are there any chances of electrolysis causing scars when carried out by a skilled electrologist? and how noticeable is the redness after treatment?

#5

try running a search for “london” using the search feature on this forum. see what you find.

no scarring whatsoever with a skilled electrologist. redness doesn’t last more than a few hours. You should use witch hazel and/or tea tree oil to heal the skin. You’ll be just fine! I use concealer as well if need be, but it’s not really necessary.

#6

Thankyou lagirl, its just what I wanted to hear.

#7

It is VERY important to understand some principles about good electrolysis care and treatment before you interview and consult with an electrologist.Good instincts comes into the picture as well.

Unhappy girl, try this link for finding an electrologist in England. Please let us know about your process along the way.

Poster “pamd” is from Berk, UK. Do a search for all her posts. I believe she uses a Silhouet-Tone VMC epilator?, so she has a good equipment. Maybe she will check in and help you out as well.

Dee

#8

Thanks Dee. Is Pam an electrologist?

I’ve been doing some research as to what the best method might be. I’m thinking the blend method but I don’t have enough information so I’m still not sure.

#9

Yes, Pam is an electrologist. Blend would be great, but a consultation with an electrologist who can see your problem could answer that question better.

#10

I have been doing some research on electrologists in the London area, and so far the following seem good-

http://www.parksidebeautycentre.com/treatments.htm
http://www.ritaroberts.co.uk/hair.htm
http://www.beautyonthegrove.co.uk/history.htm

I understand that for the treatment to be successful it is vital to find a skilled electrologist. If anyone in London has visited the above places, or has any comments as to what place seems better please let me know.

#11

you might want to post this under the electrolysis section of the forum. you would probably get more responses there on this type of question.

#12

Im sure that youve heard this before but consider yourself lucky. I am transgendered and have thousands of coarse facial hairs. That being said if you feel that self consious you need to go get those babies electrolised. the discomfort and temporary redness are well worth the permanent results and for only a few strays you probably won’t have to go more than maybe a halfhour a week or so. Trust me it will help your self esteem greatly. plus your skin will start to look better once the hair is gone tweezing will only make things worse.

p.s. when you go to an electrolysist make sure the hairs have like a little “gel coat” around the root. with a little bulb that is soft.

#13

Alexis, what do you mean by a gel coat around the root? Are you supposed to see it when the electrologist removes the hair?

#14

i think alexis is talking about the hair once it’s removed. if it’s in the growing stage, the end will be dark. either way, if you shave, it will help the electrologist remove only those hairs that are currently growing.