How much hair, and how thick it grows over the body varies from person to person depending on their genes. When hair grows excessively, it is often due to an excess of the hormone testosterone – a male hormone. All people will grow fuller hair on their head, under their arms and around the genitals, as these areas require extra protection – one of the jobs carried out by hair. Women generally have lower levels of testosterone in their body which is why they generally have less hair growing on their body, and around their face. It is when levels of testosterone are higher than usual in a woman that excess hair is then found to grow thicker on the face and body.

Certain ethnicities can find hair growth is thicker / fuller than others due to their genes and natural colouring of their skin and hair. In races where thick, dark hair is a natural characteristic, it is likely that their genetic makeup is high in androgens – the hormone which is responsible for hair growth.

Treating unwanted / excess hair is often undertaken through shaving, waxing, plucking or other short term methods. For a longer-lasting solution, Face medical may recommend laser hair removal. The results can vary from person to person, ranging from a significant reduction in the number of hairs produced and their density, to complete removal of all hairs.