Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder affecting up to 10% of women of reproductive age. One of its hallmark symptoms is hirsutism, or excessive and often unwanted hair growth, typically on the face, chest, back, and abdomen. This is primarily due to elevated levels of androgens (male hormones) which stimulate hair follicles.

Many women with PCOS turn to laser hair removal seeking relief from this persistent hair growth. While laser hair removal is generally effective, hormonal imbalances like PCOS can influence its success and treatment approach. Here’s how:

Increased Hair Growth and Density from Androgen Excess

PCOS leads to elevated androgen levels, which stimulate the growth of thicker, darker, and denser hair. From a laser hair removal perspective, this is a double-edged sword:

• Positive: Dark, coarse hair contains more melanin, the pigment that lasers target to destroy hair follicles. This makes the hair potentially more responsive to laser treatment compared to fine or light-colored hair.

• Challenge: The sheer amount of hair and continual new growth makes treatment more challenging and often requires more sessions than typical for long-lasting results (Dr. Lian Beauty, 2024; Basingstoke Wellness, 2021).

Reduced Effectiveness and Need for More Treatments

Research indicates that women with PCOS often experience poorer than average hair reduction and shorter hair-free intervals compared to those without hormonal issues. For example, a 2007 study found that after six laser treatments, women with PCOS showed only a 31% average reduction in hair counts, which improved with additional sessions (McGill et al., 2007).

• While typical patients may require 6–8 sessions, PCOS patients often need 6 to 12 or more treatments to achieve significant hair reduction and to extend the hair-free intervals.

• The “cumulative effect” of repeated treatments helps prolong hair-free periods but does not completely eliminate regrowth due to ongoing hormone-driven follicle activation (Victoria House Clinic, 2025; Pulse Light Clinic, 2025).

Ongoing Hormonal Stimulation and Hair Regrowth

Due to the persistent elevated androgen levels in PCOS, hair follicles can remain stimulated or become reactivated even after initial successful laser hair removal, causing:

• New hair growth in treated areas

• Hair regrowth from dormant follicles triggered back to life by hormones

• Need for regular maintenance treatments long term to manage regrowth (DermaCareHR, n.d.; Athena Skin Clinic, 2025).

Laser Type and Skin Considerations

• Alexandrite lasers are effective on light to olive skin with dark hair and are often preferred for PCOS-related hair.

• Nd:YAG lasers are safer for darker skin tones but may require more sessions on PCOS hair due to lower melanin absorption.

• Proper laser selection and experienced practitioners are critical to maximize results while minimizing side effects, especially since PCOS hair can be dense and coarse (Basingstoke Wellness, 2021; Allara Health, 2025).

Realistic Expectations and Complementary Treatments

• Laser hair removal should be viewed as a hair reduction technique, not a permanent cure, particularly for hormone-related hair growth.

• Many PCOS patients combine laser with medical treatments like anti-androgens or hormonal therapy to better control hair growth.

• Alternative or adjunct treatments such as electrolysis may be used for resistant hairs or precise facial areas (Allara Health, 2025; Dr. Lian Beauty, 2024).

Preparing for Laser Hair Removal with PCOS

• Understand the need for more sessions and possible maintenance treatments.

• Avoid sun exposure and skin tanning before treatments to reduce side effects.

• Follow clinic guidelines including shaving before sessions and hydrating skin.

• Discuss your hormonal status openly with your provider to tailor the best treatment plan.

Conclusion

Hormonal imbalances like PCOS make laser hair removal more complex but do not preclude success. The elevated androgen-driven hair growth means patients typically require more sessions and ongoing maintenance compared to those without PCOS. When paired with expert care, appropriate laser technology, and realistic expectations, laser hair removal remains a highly effective method to manage problematic hair growth in PCOS.

References

Dr. Lian Beauty. (2024, September 4). Laser hair removal for PCOS: Is it right for you? https://drlianbeauty.com/laser-hair-removal-for-pcos-is-it-right-for-you-2/

Basingstoke Wellness. (2021, November 19). Does laser hair removal work for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome? https://basingstokewellness.com/blogs/news/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos-and-laser-hair-removal

McGill, D. J., Hutchison, C., McKenzie, E., McSherry, E., & Mackay, I. R. (2007). Laser hair removal in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery, 60(4), 426-431. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjps.2006.11.006

Victoria House Clinic. (2025, June 27). 6 reasons laser hair reduction didn’t work for you. https://www.victoriahouseclinic.co.uk/laser-hair-reduction-failed/

DermaCareHR. (n.d.). Laser hair removal and PCOS: Everything you need to know. https://dermacarehr.com/learning-center/laser-hair-removal-and-pcos/

Athena Skin Clinic. (2025). Laser hair removal and hormonal imbalances. https://athenaskinclinic.com/laser-hair-removal-and-hormonal-imbalance/

Allara Health. (2025, April 2). Laser hair removal vs electrolysis for PCOS: Which is better? https://www.allarahealth.com/blog/laser-or-electrolysis-for-pcos

Pulse Light Clinic. (2025). PCOS laser hair removal. https://www.pulselightclinic.co.uk/pcos-laser-hair-removal