November 25, 2024

Starting My PCOS Hair Removal Journey: Week 1

Living with PCOS comes with many challenges, and for me, one of the most frustrating has been excessive hair growth. My chin and legs have always been a sensitive subject, but I’m ready to tackle this head-on with a 12-week hair removal journey. This series is all about documenting the process, sharing tips, and being real about what it’s like to navigate hair removal while living with PCOS.

Why I’m Starting This Journey:
For years, I’ve struggled with feeling confident because of my hair growth. Whether it’s the constant need to shave my legs or the self-consciousness I feel about my chin, it’s something I’ve wanted to address for a while. This isn’t just about hair removal—it’s about investing in myself and reclaiming confidence, one week at a time.

The Plan:
I’ll be dedicating Sundays as my hair removal check-in days. Each week, I’ll take a photo of my chin and legs before shaving, shave those areas, and share “after” photos. I’ll document any changes, challenges, or wins and reflect on how the process feels physically and emotionally. Although Sundays are my official check-in days, life happens. So, I’m starting this journey on a Monday because… well, why not?

How I Got Started (It Was a Process!):
Let’s just say my starting point was… hairy. I was dealing with about a month’s worth of growth, so I needed to tackle it head-on.

  • First, I used Nair on my chin because there was just too much hair to remove with a razor alone.
  • After that, I still had quite a bit of hair left. I could have shaved (which is the right thing to do if you’re using IPL), but instead, I plucked those stubborn hairs.

Quick PSA: Plucking is not your friend if you’re using an IPL device like me. It messes with your hair growth cycle and can throw off your results. I know, I know—I shouldn’t have done it. Going forward, I’ll stick to shaving or using Nair since both remove hair at the surface level and keep my IPL routine on track.

My Routine with the IPL Device
This week, I introduced the Glow Getter IPL device into my routine. If you’re not familiar, IPL is a fancy way of saying “light energy that helps slow down hair regrowth over time.” Here’s what my process looked like:

My Steps:

  • Prepping the Skin:
    • Wash the area (chin or legs) to remove oils and dirt.
    • Use Nair or shave to remove the hair at the surface level.
    • Wash again or use a toner to get rid of any residue (I recommend washing).
    • Make sure the skin is completely dry before moving on.
  • Using the IPL Device:
    • Plug the device in and turn it on by holding the button where the green light flashes.
    • Adjust the heat level to what’s comfortable for your skin (I started low to be safe).
    • For my chin, I went over each section three times. You can:
      • Start on one side and work across, or
      • Start in the middle and work your way out to the neck.
    • Either way, repeat the process until you’ve covered the whole area three times.
  • Post-IPL Care:
    • Tone the skin to calm it down and remove any residue.
    • Moisturize to keep your skin hydrated.
    • I do this in the evening to avoid any sun sensitivity during the day.

Before & After Photos:

Before:

 

After:


Okay, so you might notice a little stubble and still hanging out in the “after” photos, but that’s just how it is for now. As the weeks go on, the hair will grow back slower and thinner.

Week 1 Observations:

  • The IPL device is super easy to use—once you get the hang of it, it’s kind of relaxing.
  • Using Nair helped me tackle the bulk of the hair, but I’ll need to stay consistent with shaving to get the best IPL results.
  • My skin didn’t react badly to the IPL, which is a win in my book!

How I’m Feeling:
Honestly? I’m feeling pretty good about taking this first step. Seeing those “after” photos—even with a little stubble—gives me hope that this routine will work. Plus, it’s nice to know I’m doing something to invest in myself and feel more confident.

Looking Ahead:
Next Sunday, I’ll check back in with fresh before-and-after photos and let you know how things are progressing. This is just the start, but I’m excited to see the results build week by week.

Want to Follow Along?
If you’re on a similar hair removal journey (or thinking about starting one), let me know in the comments! Got questions about IPL or dealing with PCOS? I’d love to chat. Don’t forget to subscribe to my blog for weekly updates—you won’t want to miss this.