What Causes Chin Hair in Women?
Have you ever noticed a sneaky chin hair appear when you least expect it? Don’t worry, you are definitely not alone in that department.
If the arrival of unwanted chin hair feels all too familiar, welcome to the club. Chin hair in women is extremely common, especially as we move through different hormonal chapters—our 30s, 40s, menopause, and beyond.
But even though those stray hairs are normal, they can spark some big feelings. And questions. Namely: What is causing chin hair? And, how do I remove facial hair without making it worse?
Let’s get into the facts, myths, and real-life options for dealing with facial hair—without panic-tweezing and worrying if there's one hair living its best life without you noticing.
First Things First: Chin Hair Is Normal. Really.
If you’re feeling like the only one experiencing the arrival of chin stowaways, you’re not. Facial hair in women isn’t just common—it’s almost universal. In fact, a 2006 study found that women dealing with unwanted facial hair spent over 100 minutes a week managing it, and many reported high levels of anxiety and even depression.
So if you’ve been quietly obsessed with one particularly persistent chin hair, just know: you’re not being vain or dramatic. You’re being human.
For some reason, throughout the ages, we’ve attached a level of shame to facial hair in females. The truth is, facial hair is just as common for women as it is for men, there’s just a different narrative around it.
This means that while we’re all for offering practical, skin-friendly ways to manage facial hair if that’s what you want, we also want to be crystal clear: there’s zero pressure to remove it. Choosing to embrace your facial hair can be just as empowering as choosing to smooth it away. It’s your face, your routine, your rules.
What causes chin hair in women?
In most cases, facial hair growth comes down to a mix of hormones, genetics, and occasionally, underlying health conditions.
Ahead, we’ll unpack the biology behind facial hair growth, including why hormonal shifts (hello, menopause) and conditions like PCOS often play a starring role.
We’ll also break down the pros and cons of plucking those persistent chin hairs, offer practical tips to reduce or manage regrowth, and take a closer look at dermaplaning—an easy, at-home hair removal technique that not only smooths your skin but leaves it visibly brighter and even younger-looking.
Hormones, Genetics & Why Chin Hair Happens
Chin hair isn’t random—it’s rooted in biology. And like so many things in our beautiful bodies, it’s largely driven by hormones and genetics.
Both men and women produce testosterone, an androgen hormone that influences hair growth. The real difference is that women typically have lower levels. But even small shifts in hormone balance, such as during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause, can flip the switch from barely-there peach fuzz (vellus hair) to thicker, coarser strands known as terminal hair.
That’s why it’s incredibly common to notice a few new chin, jawline or neck hairs as you get older, particularly during menopause when estrogen dips and testosterone has more of a say.
Genetics play a leading role too. If you come from a background where facial hair is more common—such as Hispanic, South Asian, Middle Eastern, or Mediterranean—it’s likely you’ll see more growth. Some women naturally have thicker or darker facial hair, while others may barely notice a strand. It’s all normal.
That said, if you suddenly notice a dramatic increase in coarse, dark facial hair—especially alongside irregular periods, acne, or changes in your voice—it could be a sign of hirsutism, often linked to a hormonal imbalance. In that case, it’s worth checking in with your doctor to rule out any underlying conditions and get the support you need.
PCOS: A Common Cause of Chin Hair in Women
If you’re noticing more than the occasional stray chin hair, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) could be the reason why. It’s one of the most common hormonal conditions affecting women of reproductive age—impacting between 6% to 13%, or roughly 1 in 8 women, according to recent studies published by the World Health Organisation.*
In PCOS, the ovaries (and sometimes adrenal glands) produce an excess of androgens, including testosterone. That hormonal imbalance can lead to a range of symptoms, including unwanted hair growth in areas that such as the chin, jawline, upper lip, chest, and even stomach.
In fact, up to 80% of women with PCOS experience hirsutism, the medical term for excessive facial or body hair.
But PCOS is more than just extra hair. It’s a complex syndrome that can also bring:
- Irregular or missing periods
- Ovulation issues
- Ovarian cysts
- Hormonal acne
- Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
It often runs in families and is notoriously under diagnosed, which means many women live with it for years before getting answers. And while there’s no “cure” for PCOS, the good news is: the symptoms can be managed, especially with the right medical support.
If you’re seeing a sudden or significant increase in facial hair—especially paired with other symptoms—it’s worth having a conversation with your GP or a hormone specialist. Getting to the root cause can make all the difference, both for your skin and your overall health.
Should You Pluck Chin Hair? The Pros and Cons, Tweezed Apart
Let’s be honest: when a single chin hair shows up out of nowhere, most of us instinctively reach for the tweezers. It’s quick, it’s satisfying, and it gets the job done. But is plucking really the best approach for dealing with facial hair—or are we just conditioned to panic-groom?
Here’s what to know before you go in with the tweezers.
The Plucking Pros:
- Cheap and easy: All you need is a good pair of tweezers and decent lighting. No appointments, no prep.
- Ideal for a few stray chin hairs: Plucking is most effective when you’re dealing with just one or two hairs.
- Longer-lasting than shaving: Since you’re removing the hair from the root, results usually last a couple of weeks.
- Instant gratification: There’s something weirdly satisfying about seeing a rogue hair and eliminating it on the spot. We get it.
The Plucking Cons:
- Skin irritation: Regular plucking can inflame the skin, leading to redness, bumps, or even dark spots over time—especially if you have sensitive or reactive skin.
- Ingrown hairs: If the hair breaks off under the skin or gets blocked on its way back out, it can lead to ingrowns or folliculitis (inflamed follicles).
- Time-consuming: If you’re dealing with more than a few hairs, plucking can feel like a never-ending task. Plus, over-tweezing can stress out the follicle.
So… Should You Tweeze That Chin Hair?
Spoiler Alert: If it’s just the occasional rogue chin hair, tweezing is totally fine—and honestly, kind of satisfying. Yes, we’ve all been there! I can put up my hand and say, "my name is Lindsay, I’ve plucked my chin hair."
If you do decide to tackle the odd strand, just make sure you’re doing it right: start with clean skin, use a pair of sharp, sanitized tweezers, and pull in the direction of hair growth to help avoid irritation and ingrown hairs.
Afterward, soothe the area with a bit of aloe or a calming antiseptic to keep redness and inflammation at bay.
But if you’re dealing with a cluster of coarse hairs or constant regrowth, it might be time to explore other hair removal options—methods that are a little gentler on your skin in the long run (don’t worry, we’re getting to those next).
And as for the old myth that plucking makes hair grow back thicker or darker? You can put that old wives tale to bed, it’s totally false. Just like shaving, plucking doesn’t change the structure of your hair. It only feels thicker because the regrowing end is blunt—not tapered like before.
How to Reduce or Stop Chin Hair Growth
Whether the goal is slowing down regrowth or simply managing unwanted chin hair in a way that feels less frustrating, there are several effective strategies that you can try.
Generally, approaches fall into three main categories: lifestyle changes, medical treatment, and cosmetic hair removal methods. Often, the most effective results come from combining a few of these depending on your skin, hormones, and what feels right for you.
Addressing Hormones from the Inside Out
Firstly, because chin hair growth is often influenced by hormonal shifts—especially an increase in androgens like testosterone—working to balance your hormones naturally can help reduce regrowth over time.
Some strategies that support hormone balance include:
- A diet low in refined sugars and processed carbs, which can help regulate insulin (especially if PCOS is involved).
- Prioritising protein, fibre, and healthy fats. Balanced meals help stabilise blood sugar and support hormone regulation. Foods rich in omega-3s (like salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds) may also help reduce inflammation and support hormone function.
- Consistent exercise, which supports overall endocrine health and can improve cycle regularity.
- Stress management and sleep, both of which help reduce cortisol and stabilise hormone function.
These changes aren’t a quick fix, but they can contribute to better skin and hormonal regulation over the long term—and may reduce unwanted hair growth in the process.
Hair Removal Methods: What to Know Before You Choose
In the meantime, there’s nothing wrong with wanting a smooth facial finish. Here’s a breakdown of the most common—and effective—ways to remove chin hair:
Dermaplaning At Home
Quick, painless, and highly underrated. A facial razor or at-home dermaplaning tool cuts the hair at the surface and gently exfoliates, leaving skin smoother and brighter.
It’s effective for fine or moderate facial hair, safe with the right at-home dermaplaning tool, and despite the myth, shaving does not make hair grow back thicker or darker.
Waxing and Threading
Both methods remove hair from the follicle, so results tend to last longer than shaving. Suitable for larger areas or darker hair. However, the treatment can be irritating to sensitive skin, and may cause redness or ingrowns. It’s also best when performed by a trained professional, though at-home kits are available.
Depilatory Creams
These creams break down the hair just below the skin surface. They’re easy to use but come with a caution label as they can be heavy in chemicals. Results can last longer than shaving but always patch test on your skin first as some formulas may irritate or even burn sensitive skin.
Bleaching
Instead of removing the hair, this lightens hair to make it less noticeable. Ideal for fine, dark hairs on lighter skin tones but doesn’t necessarily work on coarse hair. Patch testing is important, as bleaches can be harsh on the skin.
Laser Hair Removal
One of the most effective long-term solutions. Laser targets the pigment in the hair follicle to significantly reduce regrowth. Best suited for people with light skin and dark hair, but requires multiple sessions and occasional maintenance. Laser hair removal can also be expensive and mildly uncomfortable.
Electrolysis
A tiny electrical current is used to destroy the hair follicle. Works on all skin tones and hair types but can be time-consuming and requires many sessions. Especially effective for small, stubborn areas like the chin.
Epilation
A device that removes multiple hairs at once by plucking them from the root—like automated tweezing. It's cost-effective, but it may be painful, especially on facial areas, and and can lead to ingrowns if not used carefully.
Plucking/Tweezing
Best for one or two stray hairs, but not ideal for larger areas due to irritation risk. It would also be time-consuming and painful to pluck more than a few hairs at once.
Customise Your Routine
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution—and that’s okay. For the best way to remove facial and chin hair, many women use a combination of methods: dermaplaning between laser sessions, waxing occasionally, or balancing internal treatments with external removal.
What matters is finding a routine that feels right for your skin, your comfort level, and your lifestyle.
And remember, if you’re experiencing sudden or excessive hair growth, especially alongside other symptoms like irregular periods or acne, it’s worth speaking to your GP to rule out any underlying hormonal issues like PCOS.
Chin hair isn’t unusual—it’s human. Whether you decide to remove it or not, the choice should always come from a place of confidence, not pressure.
Our Recommended Chin Hair Removal Method?
Dermaplaning (With or Without Oil) is the Smooth-Skin Secret You Can Do at Home
Among the most buzzed-about at-home beauty tools right now is the dermaplaning blade—a simple, surprisingly effective method for removing facial hair and revealing smoother, glowier skin. And no, it’s not new. But it’s having a serious moment for good reason.
Dermaplaning is essentially a gentle, controlled form of shaving the face using a small, single-edge blade (also called a facial razor). But unlike traditional shaving, dermaplaning comes with a bonus: it doesn’t just remove hair—it also exfoliates by lifting away dull, dead skin cells and soft peach fuzz (vellus hair).
The result? A fresh, polished-looking complexion that feels silky-smooth and helps your makeup glide on like a dream. In the era of HD selfies and skin-first beauty, that fuzz-free glow has definite appeal.
Make My Shave: At-Home Dermaplaning Tool
How Dermaplaning Works
Dermaplaning is a painless and relatively low-effort technique for facial hair removal. After cleansing your face, you hold the dermaplaning blade at a 45-degree angle, and gently run it over your skin in short, downward featherlike strokes. The key is to work slowly, pull the skin taut, and never press too hard. You're not trying to go deep—just skim the surface.
As you go, you’ll literally see a satisfying buildup of fine hairs and flaky skin lifting off. When you’re finished, your skin is immediately brighter, smoother, and better prepped to absorb serums and moisturisers. Many women make it part of their regular bi-weekly or monthly skincare routine.
With the right dermaplaning tool, the results are incredibly satisfying.
What About Oilplaning?
If you have sensitive skin or if it’s your first time dermaplaning, you might prefer to add a thin layer of facial oil before dermaplaning—a method often called oilplaning. This can offer extra slip and reduce the risk of nicks, especially for those with dry or sensitive skin.
Dermatologists say that using a non-comedogenic oil (like squalane, jojoba, or rosehip) can help the blade glide more easily while creating a protective buffer on the skin. The oil also helps reduce post-shave tightness or irritation.
However, if you’re prone to acne or excess oil, dry dermaplaning may be a better fit. Adding oil to already congested skin could potentially clog pores or aggravate breakouts. As always, know your skin and go with what works for you.
When to Avoid Dermaplaning
If you’re currently dealing with active acne, rosacea, eczema, or any inflamed skin conditions, it’s best to skip dermaplaning until your skin has calmed down. Shaving over compromised skin can increase irritation and slow healing.
Step-by-Step: How to Dermaplane at Home
- Start with clean, dry skin. If you’re oilplaning, apply a light layer of facial oil.
- Use a clean, sharp dermaplaning blade—never repurpose a body razor.
- Hold the blade at a 45-degree angle, pulling skin taut with your free hand.
- Use short, gentle downward strokes in the direction of hair growth.
- Avoid the eyelids and delicate nose area. Common zones include the chin, cheeks, upper lip, and jawline.
- Wipe the blade on a clean tissue as needed to remove buildup.
- Rinse your face with lukewarm water, then follow with a hydrating serum or moisturiser.
- TIP: If your blade starts to drag, reapply a bit of oil (if using) or stop and switch to a sharper tool—dull blades can increase the risk of irritation or uneven results.
Access The Full Guide To Dermaplaning here.
What to Expect Afterward Dermaplaning
Immediately post-dermaplane, your skin should feel soft and look subtly more radiant. With the top layer of dead skin gone, your skincare will absorb better and your makeup will sit more smoothly.
No, your hair won’t grow back thicker or darker. That’s a myth. The hair may feel slightly different as it grows back because the edge has been blunted, but the actual texture, colour, and speed of regrowth don’t change.
Most people dermaplane every few weeks or once a month—your schedule will depend on hair regrowth speed, texture and your general preferences. Overdoing it (especially more than once a week) can lead to sensitivity or over-exfoliation, so keep it gentle.
Additional Dermaplaning Tips
Always use at-home dermaplaning tools that are specifically designed for the face—never improvise with a body razor or anything sharp from your bathroom drawer.
If you’re unsure about technique, watch a reputable tutorial or book a professional session first.
Be consistent, but cautious—dermaplaning is safe for most skin types when done correctly, but too much of a good thing can lead to redness or irritation.
Dermaplaning is one of those rare beauty rituals that delivers instant gratification and long-term skin benefits—all without leaving your bathroom. It’s quick, affordable, and when done right, feels just a little bit luxurious. Whether you’re removing facial hair, dullness, or both, it’s a smart addition to any low-fuss skincare routine.
If you’re looking for the best at-home dermaplaning tool, visit Make My Shave.
Final Thoughts - Chin Hair Happens
It’s normal. Full stop. Whether it’s a lone strand or a patch you manage regularly, facial hair in women is far more common than people talk about. And while it might feel frustrating or even a little sneaky when a hair shows up, it’s often just your body responding to hormones, genetics, or age—not a flaw, and definitely not a measure of your femininity.
That said, if those chin hairs bother you, there’s no shortage of ways to manage them. You can take a holistic approach—tweaking your diet, addressing stress, or managing a condition like PCOS. Or you can go straight to cosmetic options: plucking, shaving, waxing, threading, dermaplaning, or exploring longer-term options like laser or electrolysis. Most women find success with a mix of methods, tailored to their skin, hair type, and comfort level.
And if the hair growth is sudden, excessive, or paired with other symptoms, don’t hesitate to check in with a doctor. Sometimes there’s an underlying cause—and addressing it can make a real difference, both in your health and your hair growth.
Ultimately, it’s your face, your routine, your choice. Whether you remove your chin hair, leave it be, or alternate depending on the week, what matters most is that you feel in control and confident. Now that you know what causes chin hair and how to manage it, you can face the mirror without second-guessing.
