How to Reduce Body Hair Growth

Unwanted body hair can make you feel uncomfortable or embarrassed, but it’s a relatively common problem. Excessive body hair can be caused by genetics, or by conditions such as hirsutism, which is caused by having high levels of hormones known as androgens. Fortunately, there are treatments and lifestyle changes you can try to help reduce your body hair growth and make it less noticeable. Before you make any sudden changes to your diet or before you start taking supplements, talk to your doctor to make sure they’re safe for you.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Preventing Excessive Body Hair

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    Follow a healthy diet and exercise to lose weight and reduce body hair. A healthy diet and regular exercise can help you lose weight, which can lower your androgen levels that may be causing your excess body hair. Follow a well-balanced diet and try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise 3-4 days a week to lose weight healthily.[1]
    • Talk to your doctor before you make sudden changes to your diet and lifestyle to make sure they’re safe for you.
    • Focus on eating lean protein sources such as chicken and tofu, whole grains, and lots of fruits and veggies.
    • Avoid processed foods and sugary drinks such as soda.
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    Drink spearmint tea to decrease hair growth. Studies have shown that drinking spearmint tea can decrease the levels of androgens in your body, which may be causing your excessive body hair growth. Get some spearmint tea or fresh spearmint leaves, steep them in 1 cup (240 mL) of hot water for about 3-5 minutes, then strain out the leaves.[2]
    • Try drinking spearmint tea once or twice a day to see if it helps reduce your body hair growth.
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    Eat more soy products to help reduce body hair growth. Soy contains phytoestrogens, which act similarly to estrogens in your body.[3] Excess body hair can be caused by having a lower amount of estrogen, so eating soy products such as edamame, soy milk, or soy burgers may help increase your estrogen levels.
    • Try adding a soy product to at least 1 of your meals each day.
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    Take birth control to reduce androgens if you’re a woman. Oral contraceptives, also known as birth control, have been shown to reduce body hair growth. The estrogen works to counteract androgens in your body, which can cause excessive growth. If you’re not taking birth control, talk to your doctor about getting a prescription.[4]
    • Avoid taking birth control without first talking to your doctor to make sure it’s safe for you.
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    Talk to your doctor about anti-androgen medications. Anti-androgen medications work to reduce the amount of the hormone androgen in your body, which can help reduce facial and body hair growth. Talk to your doctor about taking anti-androgen medications to see if they’re safe and effective for you.[5]
    • If you’re a transgender woman, talk to your doctor to see if anti-androgen medications can help reduce your body hair growth. They’ll be able to discuss the best options for you.
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    Use vitamin D supplements to reduce body hair. Studies suggest that taking up to 50,000 IU of vitamin D every 2 weeks can help reduce body hair growth. Talk to your doctor about taking vitamin D supplements to make sure they’re safe for you, and follow the dosage on the packaging to avoid negative side effects.[6]
    • Side effects of vitamin D supplements include muscle weakness, confusion, extreme thirst, nausea, and fatigue.
    • Vitamin D can also affect your blood sugar levels, so make sure you talk to your doctor before you take it, especially if you have diabetes.
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    Try reducing your androgen levels with peony supplements. Peony is used in traditional Chinese medicine and may reduce the level of androgens in your body, which can cause excess body hair growth. The amount of peony you can take depends on your age, health, and other conditions, so talk to your doctor before you use it.[7]
    • You can find peony supplements at your local nutrition store, and by ordering them online, but talk to your doctor about what an appropriate dose is for you to take.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Reducing the Appearance of Body Hair

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    Shave your body hair to temporarily remove it. Shaving is a simple and effective way to remove body hair. Although there is a persistent myth that shaving makes hair grow back thicker and faster, there is no scientific fact behind this claim. Apply shaving cream to the area and use razors designed for body hair to help reduce skin irritation. Shave in the direction of your hair growth to reduce the risk of cutting your skin and to make it easier to cut the hairs.[8]
    • Shaving an area will reduce the amount of hair for the time being while you wait for the hair to be reduced by other means.
    • Shaving can lead to ingrown hairs, but you can help prevent them by massage the area with soap or cleanser before you wax or shave, which will help bring the hair out of the follicle.
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    Wax your body hair to remove it and reduce its growth. Waxing can be painful, but it’s really effective at reducing body hair growth. Since the hair is removed from the root, the hair grows back finer, thinner, and slower. You can either buy wax to apply yourself at home or go to a spa or salon to get a professional wax treatment.[9]
    • If you’re waxing at home, use hard wax for sensitive areas such as your face, underarms, and bikini area. Soft wax can be used on other areas, such as your legs, back, chest, and arms.
    • You can buy wax you heat in the microwave and fabric strips in most major retailers. You can also buy premade wax strips if you don't want to deal with melting your own wax.
    • Wax about once every 2 weeks for the best results.[10]
    • Do not use wax on damaged skin. If you have open sores, pimples, or a skin infection, wait until the area is completely healed.
    • Waxing can lead to discoloration if you have darker skin.
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    Tweeze the hairs away to reduce their appearance. Use a pair of tweezers to pluck out individual hairs, or visit a salon or cosmetologist for a professional tweezing. Pulling the hairs out by the root will slow down their growth and reduce the appearance of your body hair.[11]
    • Tweezing can be painful and can cause skin irritation.
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    Apply depilatory creams to dissolve body hair and lighten it. Depilatory creams are chemical creams that dissolve the hair above the skin. Although your hair may grow back a little faster than with waxing, the hair may be finer and lighter due to the bleaching qualities in many of these creams. Apply the cream according to the directions on the packaging to remove your body hair.[12]
    • This method also hurts much less than waxing and doesn’t cause skin irritation like shaving can.
    • Popular brands of depilatory creams include Nair, Veet, and Neomen. You can find the creams at your local department store, or by ordering them online.
    • You can also buy creams specially designed for specific areas of your body, such as your face, bikini area, and your legs.[13]
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    Bleach your body hair to make it finer and less visible. Use a bleaching kit specifically designed for body hair, and look for one that matches your skin and hair type as well. Mix the ingredients and apply the bleaching solution as described on the packaging to turn your body hair a lighter color, which can make it less noticeable.[14]
    • Bleaching may sting while it’s on your skin and it can cause irritation, but if you use moisturizing lotion for a few days, it should clear up just fine.
    • Focus on applying the bleach over areas where the hair is darker, such as your forearms and legs.
    • Avoid taking a hot shower after you bleach your hairs to prevent drying out your skin.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Removing Body Hair Permanently

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    Get electrolysis to stop body hair from growing permanently. Electrolysis is a procedure where a small needle is placed into a hair follicle to zap it with an electrical current, which stops hair growth. These treatments are usually suited for small areas, but larger areas can be treated over multiple treatments. Look for a qualified electrologist in your area and make an appointment to start treatment.[15]
    • An electrolysis session can cost between $50 and $125 USD per hour, and you may need between 8-12 treatments to fully remove the hair.
    • Your skin may be swollen and tender after a treatment, but it should clear up within a few days. Moisturizing lotion can help soothe your skin and keep it from drying out.
    • If you have a hormonal disorder, such as PCOS or hirsutism, these treatments will help, but your hair may grow back if you stop getting treated.
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    Use laser hair removal for a less painful, more affordable option. Laser hair removal is a faster process than electrolysis, but your hair may grow back between treatments. Typically, you would need 4-6 treatments spaced over a few weeks for noticeable, long-lasting results. Search online for dermatologists or skin specialists near you that offer laser hair removal treatments, or ask your doctor for a referral.[16]
    • The average cost of a laser hair removal session is $285 USD and it usually takes about 4-6 treatments to remove about 80% of the hair from the area.
    • During laser hair treatments, your body’s natural hair production is reduced, but you may experience a few side effects such as dry, irritated, or painful skin. But, most side effects clear up on their own after a few days.
    • It’s possible to permanently stop hair growth in certain areas with laser hair removal, but it some cases, the hair may grow back after you stop getting treatments.
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    Apply an eflornithine cream to keep hair from growing. Eflornithine is a medication used to slow down hair growth by blocking the production of a natural enzyme in the skin that causes hair to grow. This effect can make hair grow slower and may make the remaining hair lighter and finer. As long as you continue applying the cream, you can reduce body hair growth.[17]
    • Eflornithine cream can cost around $200 USD and is only available with a doctor’s prescription.
    • Side effects of eflornithine cream include redness, rash, headache and skin that burns or itches.
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Expert Q&A
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  • Question
    How can I reduce hair growing on my thighs?
    Laura Martin
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.
    Laura Martin
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

    This would be an excellent area to try a depilatory cream. If you can afford it, laser treatment would also be a good option for this sensitive area.
  • Question
    How do I reduce large amounts of hair on my face and body?
    Laura Martin
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.
    Laura Martin
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

    The most effective methods for treating a large-scale issue of excess hair will be medication. Try birth control or see if your doctor will prescribe Vaniqua.
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Warnings

  • Do not take any dietary supplements without first talking to your doctor to make sure they’re safe for you.
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References

  1. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14523-excessive-hair-growth-hirsutism/management-and-treatment
  2. ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17310494
  3. ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25587246/
  4. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14523-excessive-hair-growth-hirsutism/management-and-treatment
  5. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hirsutism/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354941
  6. ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30665436/
  7. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3693613/
  8. ↑ http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/fact-or-fiction-if-you-shave-or-wax-your-hair-will-come-back-thicker/
  9. ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27387253/
  1. ↑ http://www.ascpskincare.com/media/consumer_education_waxing.php
  2. ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27387253/
  3. ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27387253/
  4. ↑ http://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/how-to/a10343/depilatory-creams/
  5. ↑ https://glowsly.com/bleaching-arm-hair/
  6. ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20218823/
  7. ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27387253/
  8. ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20218823/

About This Article

Mohiba Tareen, MD
Co-authored by:
Mohiba Tareen, MD
FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist
This article was co-authored by Mohiba Tareen, MD. Mohiba Tareen is a board certified Dermatologist and the founder of Tareen Dermatology located in Roseville, Maplewood and Faribault, Minnesota. Dr. Tareen completed medical school at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where she was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. While a dermatology resident at Columbia University in New York City, she won the Conrad Stritzler award of the New York Dermatologic Society and was published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Dr. Tareen then completed a procedural fellowship which focused on dermatologic surgery, laser, and cosmetic dermatology. This article has been viewed 1,192,462 times.
53 votes - 66%
Co-authors: 19
Updated: February 15, 2022
Views: 1,192,462
Categories: Hair Removal
Article SummaryX

To reduce the growth of body hair, try drinking spearmint tea, which can help reduce body hair by decreasing your testosterone levels. Additionally, try eating more soy products, such as edamame, soy milk, or soy burgers, since they act similar to estrogen in your body. Alternatively, apply a gram flour and curd mask once a day to reduce the appearance of body hair. You can also wax the area every 2 weeks, which will make the hairs grow back finer and thinner. To learn how to reduce body hair with laser hair removal, keep reading!

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