For many women living with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), unwanted facial hair is one of the most frustrating symptoms to manage.
Whether it’s coarse hairs appearing on the chin, persistent growth along the jawline or unwanted hair on the upper lip, the constant cycle of removing and regrowing hair can become exhausting.
While shaving, waxing, threading and tweezing offer temporary relief, electrolysis provides a way to permanently treat individual hair follicles.
With the recent change in terminology from PCOS to PMOS, it is an important time to understand both the condition and the treatment options available.
PCOS Is Now Known as PMOS: What’s Changed?
In May 2026, the condition previously known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) was officially renamed polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS).
The change followed years of international research and collaboration between medical professionals, researchers and women living with the condition.
The original name, PCOS, placed considerable emphasis on the ovaries and the presence of so-called cysts. However, medical understanding has developed, recognising that the condition involves a much broader range of hormonal, metabolic and reproductive health concerns.
The new name, PMOS, better reflects this complexity.
Importantly, the name change does not mean the condition itself has changed. The diagnostic criteria and treatment recommendations remain the same.
Both PCOS and PMOS will continue to be used during the transition to the new terminology.
For women experiencing unwanted facial hair, the most important message remains unchanged: there are effective ways to manage this symptom, including permanent hair removal through electrolysis.
You can learn more through the Monash University international PMOS guidelines.
Why Does PCOS / PMOS Cause Unwanted Facial Hair?
PMOS, formerly PCOS, is a complex hormonal condition that can influence how hair grows throughout the body.
Many women with the condition experience increased androgen levels or increased sensitivity to these hormones.
Androgens can stimulate fine, soft hairs to develop into thicker, coarser and more noticeable hairs.
This pattern of hair growth is known as hirsutism and commonly affects:
- Chin and jawline
- Upper lip
- Neck and under the chin
- Cheeks and sideburns
- Chest and abdomen
However, not all unwanted facial hair is associated with PMOS. Genetics, menopause, other hormonal conditions and certain medications can also influence hair growth.
If facial hair develops suddenly or increases rapidly, it is important to consult your GP to investigate possible underlying causes.
Can Electrolysis Permanently Remove PCOS / PMOS Facial Hair?
Yes. Electrolysis can permanently destroy individual hair follicles, including those producing unwanted facial hair associated with PCOS or PMOS.
Unlike temporary hair removal methods, electrolysis works directly within the follicle.
A very fine probe is inserted into the natural opening of the hair follicle, where a carefully controlled electrical current is delivered to target the structures responsible for hair production.
When a follicle is successfully destroyed, it can no longer produce another hair.
However, there is an important distinction when treating hormonally influenced hair growth.
Electrolysis permanently treats individual follicles, but it does not correct the underlying hormonal condition.
If PMOS continues to stimulate previously inactive follicles, new hairs may develop over time.
These are different follicles, rather than hairs returning from follicles that have already been permanently destroyed.
Understanding this difference is essential when establishing realistic expectations for treatment.
Why Electrolysis Is Particularly Suitable for Hormonal Facial Hair
One of the greatest advantages of electrolysis is its precision.
Unlike laser hair removal, which relies on pigment within the hair, electrolysis does not depend on hair colour.
This means electrolysis can treat blonde, grey, white, red and dark hairs, making it particularly useful when facial hair contains a mixture of colours and textures.
Electrolysis can also be performed across all skin tones.
For women experiencing PMOS-related hair growth, this allows individual coarse hairs to be targeted without needing to treat an entire area.
At Hills Electrolysis in Baulkham Hills, we primarily use blend electrolysis, which combines galvanic and thermolysis currents to treat individual follicles.
Our approach is careful and methodical, with treatment tailored to each client’s hair growth and skin response.
Is Electrolysis Better Than Laser for PCOS / PMOS Facial Hair?
Both treatments have their place, but they work differently.
Laser hair removal can be effective for reducing suitable dark, coarse hair, particularly over larger body areas.
However, laser is generally ineffective on blonde, grey and white hairs because these hairs lack sufficient pigment.
There is also a recognised risk of paradoxical hypertrichosis, where laser treatment can stimulate increased hair growth in some individuals, particularly on certain facial and neck areas.
Electrolysis does not rely on pigment and can permanently treat individual follicles, making it an option worth considering for hormonal facial hair.
If you are unsure which treatment is appropriate, read Laser or Electrolysis: Which One Should You Choose?
How Many Electrolysis Sessions Will I Need for PCOS / PMOS?
This is one of the most common questions we receive, and the answer depends on your individual hair growth.
Electrolysis is a progressive treatment rather than a single-session solution.
Hair grows in cycles, and not every follicle produces a visible hair at the same time. Multiple appointments are therefore necessary to treat hairs as they become available.
For someone with a small number of coarse chin hairs, appointments may initially be relatively short.
For someone experiencing extensive hormonal growth across the chin, jawline and neck, a more comprehensive treatment plan may be needed.
Factors influencing treatment time include:
- Hair density and thickness
- Hormonal activity
- Previous hair removal methods
- Hair growth cycles
- Consistency of appointments
- Individual treatment response
As treatment progresses and fewer hairs require attention, appointment lengths and frequency can often be reduced.
For a more detailed explanation, read Why Does Electrolysis Take So Long?
Can I Shave Between Electrolysis Appointments?
Yes. Shaving or carefully trimming facial hair between appointments is generally fine.
However, we recommend avoiding tweezing, waxing and threading because these methods remove the hair from the follicle, leaving no visible hair to treat at your next appointment.
Before electrolysis, allow approximately 3–4 mm of hair growth so the treated hair can be removed easily.
We provide personalised preparation and aftercare advice to help you get the most from your appointments.
Can Electrolysis Be Combined with Medical Treatment for PMOS?
Yes. Electrolysis and medical management address different aspects of hormonal hair growth.
While electrolysis permanently treats individual hair follicles, medical treatment may help manage the hormonal influences contributing to new growth.
Your GP or endocrinologist can advise on appropriate medical treatment for PMOS, formerly PCOS.
Electrolysis is not a treatment for the hormonal condition itself, but it can play an important role in managing unwanted facial hair.
Starting Your Electrolysis Journey at Hills Electrolysis
At Hills Electrolysis, we understand that unwanted hormonal facial hair is not simply a cosmetic concern for everyone.
For some women, it is a handful of stubborn hairs. For others, it is something they have spent years managing.
Every client’s hair growth is different, which is why we take an individual approach to treatment.
Our focus is on careful, precise electrolysis, realistic expectations and a treatment plan that works for you.
We offer a complimentary initial consultation and patch test, giving you the opportunity to discuss your concerns, ask questions and understand how treatment works before making a commitment.
You can explore our electrolysis services and pricing, including our new-client treatment options.
PCOS / PMOS Facial Hair Removal in Baulkham Hills
Hills Electrolysis is a dedicated women’s-only electrolysis practice located within Veloura Aesthetics at Baulkham Hills Arcade.
We welcome female clients from Castle Hill, Kellyville, Winston Hills, Northmead, Bella Vista and throughout Sydney’s Hills District.
If you are looking for a permanent solution to unwanted facial hair associated with PCOS, now known as PMOS, or other hormonal changes, electrolysis may be an appropriate option.
Your first step is a complimentary consultation.
Explore our electrolysis services and book your complimentary consultation ↗
Vivian | Hills Electrolysis
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