If you’re living with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), you’ll know that excess hair growth — particularly on the face, chin, neck, and chest — can be one of the most difficult and distressing symptoms to manage. It’s something many women feel unable to talk about openly, even with their GP. And for many, the daily routine of threading, waxing, bleaching, or shaving is exhausting, time-consuming, and emotionally draining.
So can IPL hair removal help? The honest answer is: yes, significantly — though with some important caveats that any reputable clinic should discuss with you upfront.
Why PCOS Causes Excess Hair Growth
PCOS is a hormonal condition that affects roughly one in ten women of reproductive age. Among its many symptoms, it often causes elevated levels of androgens — male-type hormones — which can stimulate hair follicles to produce thicker, darker, and more widespread hair than is typical. This is called hirsutism. Commonly affected areas include the chin, upper lip, jawline, neck, chest, and abdomen.
The important thing to understand about PCOS-related hair growth is that it’s driven by ongoing hormonal signals. This means that while IPL can dramatically reduce existing hair, it cannot switch off the hormonal stimulus that may cause new follicles to activate over time.
What IPL Can — and Can’t — Do for PCOS
Here’s the honest picture, and it’s still a very positive one:
What IPL can do: Significantly reduce the hair that is currently present and actively growing. Most PCOS clients who complete a full course of IPL see 60-80% reduction in hair in treated areas, and many see substantially more. Hair that does regrow tends to be finer and lighter. The relief this brings — both practically and emotionally — is often described by clients as transformative.
What IPL may not do: Provide the same level of ‘permanence’ as it does for someone without a hormonal condition. Because PCOS can continue to stimulate new follicles, you may find that maintenance sessions (typically once or twice a year after the initial course) are needed to stay on top of regrowth. This is normal and manageable.
Many of our clients with PCOS find that a combination of IPL and any medical management of their PCOS (such as the contraceptive pill, spironolactone, or metformin prescribed by their GP) gives the best long-term results. IPL works on the existing hair; the medical management addresses the hormonal driver.
What Areas Do We Treat for PCOS Clients?
The most common areas for PCOS-related hair removal are the face (upper lip, chin, jawline, sideburns, and neck), but we also treat the chest, abdomen, and inner thighs, which can be affected in some women. Each area is assessed individually at your consultation, and we build a treatment plan around your priorities.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
For PCOS clients, we typically recommend a course of 8 sessions rather than the standard 6, given the hormonal component. Sessions are spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. After the initial course, most clients move to occasional maintenance sessions — perhaps every 6 to 12 months — to manage any new growth.
We’ll review progress after every 3-4 sessions and adapt your plan as needed. You should start to see meaningful reduction within the first 3-4 sessions, with results building over the full course.
A Note on Sensitivity
We understand that PCOS-related hair growth is a deeply personal issue, and many clients feel embarrassed or vulnerable when they first come to see us. Please know that at Brighton Bodyworks, this is a judgement-free space. Amy has worked with many clients experiencing hirsutism, and her approach is always warm, professional, and entirely matter-of-fact.
The consultation is confidential, there is no pressure to proceed, and the entire process is at your pace. Many clients tell us that simply being taken seriously and treated with care made a huge difference.
Is IPL Safe If I’m Taking Medication for PCOS?
Many medications used for PCOS are compatible with IPL, but some (including certain hormonal treatments and photosensitising medications) can affect your treatment. This is exactly the kind of thing we discuss at your initial consultation. Please bring a list of any medications you’re taking — prescription or otherwise — so Amy can advise you properly.
? Ready to get started? Brighton Bodyworks is based in Hassocks, West Sussex, with easy access from Burgess Hill, Haywards Heath, Hurstpierpoint, Ditchling, Lewes and Brighton. Call us on 07881 958093 or book online at www.massagetherapy-brighton.co.uk. Your first consultation and patch test is just £30 — redeemable against your first treatment.