By Dr Alice Rudd, Skindepth Dermatology – Skin Clinic St Kilda East, Melbourne

Last week, I caught a glimpse of myself in the bathroom mirror — and to my horror, I discovered a long, dark stray hair sprouting from my chin. Sound familiar?

While it might feel shocking, the appearance of facial hair in women is often a natural part of the ageing process, especially during and after menopause. As oestrogen levels decline, male hormones like testosterone can become more dominant, leading to hair growth in unwanted areas — such as the chin, upper lip, and jawline.

Even more surprising? Facial hair growth in women can be hereditary. After checking my mother’s chin — there it was. Genetics can play a significant role.

While age-related hormonal changes are normal, excessive facial hair in younger women may indicate an underlying hormonal imbalance. If you also notice acne, scalp hair thinning, or irregular periods, it’s important to rule out conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

What Can You Do About Chin Hair?

At Skindepth Dermatology, we understand how distressing facial hair can be. Fortunately, there are a range of effective treatment options:

• Plucking for occasional stray hairs – quick and simple. (No, it doesn’t make the hair grow back worse!)

• Depilatory creams – good for soft, fine hairs.

• Electrolysis – effective for permanent hair removal in small areas.

• Laser hair removal – long-term solution, especially for darker hair.

Dr Alice Rudd and the team at Skindepth, your trusted skin clinic in St Kilda East Melbourne, are here to help you navigate all aspects of women’s skin and hormone-related concerns. If you're noticing changes in your skin or hair growth, book a consultation with us today.