Paradoxical Hypertrichosis: The Unspoken Side Effect of Laser Hair Removal

This week, I had three new clients come in with the same issue.

What is going on?

I dedicate my work to helping people struggling with excessive hair growth. Hypertrichosis—unwanted, persistent hair—is more than just a cosmetic concern. It’s something that needs to be dealt with, and for many of my clients, the emotional toll is just as heavy as the physical one.

But today, as I write this, I feel something beyond concern. I feel frustrated.

I see at least one woman a week coming in for a consultation because of paradoxical hypertrichosis (PH)—a condition where laser hair removal actually causes more hair to grow. And while on average it’s one woman a week, this week I met with 3 women with this issue! I know I’ve talked about this before, but one blog post isn’t enough. This issue keeps showing up in my studio, and I can’t stay quiet about it. Also, to be clear, it seems like this issue shows on the face and neck area, while other areas didn’t show signs of PH after laser hair removal.

Why Aren’t People Warned About This?

Every time I ask my clients if they were informed about this possible side effect before getting laser treatments, the answer is always no. In fact, when one of my clients went back to her laser technician to discuss her experience, the laser technician told her it was impossible that laser hair removal caused more hair to grow.

Why?

Is it because some laser clinics don’t want to scare potential customers away? Is it because technicians themselves aren’t being properly educated? Whatever the reason, the result is the same: countless people investing their time, money, and hope into a treatment that sometimes makes things worse. And then they come to me, devastated and looking for help.

“But It’s Good for Your Business, So Just Let It Be”

Recently, someone had the nerve to tell me that I should be grateful for paradoxical hypertrichosis because it brings me more clients.

Let me be clear: I would rather people never have to deal with this in the first place.

If a client comes to me for electrolysis instead of laser, they get a permanent solution. We do the necessary treatments, they move on with their lives, and they never have to worry about it again. They don’t waste their money on laser, they don’t suffer through the emotional toll of PH, and—most importantly—they don’t end up with more hair than they started with.

This particular issue, I would rather not see it at all.

How Do I Get This Message Out?

I’m doing everything I can to educate people about paradoxical hypertrichosis, but sometimes it feels like shouting into the void. If you’ve had this experience, if you know someone who has, or if you’re considering hair removal—please, spread the word.

💡 Ask questions before committing to laser treatments.
💡 Know the risks before investing your time and money.
💡 Consider electrolysis—the only FDA-approved permanent hair removal method.

If this resonates with you or someone you know, please share it. Too many people are struggling with paradoxical hypertrichosis without knowing why, and the more we spread awareness, the more we can help prevent it. If you’re looking for a permanent solution, electrolysis is the answer.