“I’d already tried laser somewhere else. They said it would work. It didn’t. I just assumed that was that was too stubborn, that nothing would really help.”
We hear from women with PCOS who come to our Horsham clinic and have previously had laser hair removal. They’ve been let down before, usually by practitioners who treated them like any other client. Practitioners who didn’t understand that PCOS changes how hair grows, how it responds to treatment, and what a realistic plan looks like.
This guide is for anyone who’s been in that situation. Those wondering whether having PCOS and laser hair removal is even worth trying. The short answer is yes, but only with the right person, the right technology, and a treatment plan built specifically around PCOS.
What PCOS does to hair growth
1 in 10 women in the UK are affected by PCOS, making it one of the most common hormonal conditions.
PCOS — polycystic ovary syndrome — causes elevated levels of androgens (male hormones) in the body. One of the most visible effects of this is hirsutism. This is the growth of coarse, dark hair in areas where women don’t typically have it — the face, chin, neck, chest, and abdomen.
This type of hair is hormonally driven meaning it grows differently and responds to treatment differently.
The three main features
Irregular periods
The ovaries don’t release eggs regularly, disrupting the normal hormonal cycle that affects hair growth patterns.
Elevated androgens
High levels of male hormones drive the growth of coarse, dark hair on the face and body — often in places that feel deeply unfamiliar.
Polycystic ovaries
The ovaries become enlarged with follicles that cannot release eggs, sustaining the hormonal imbalance that drives ongoing hair growth.
Why shaving and waxing aren’t the answer
Shaving, waxing and threading manage the symptom temporarily, but because the hair is hormonally driven, it keeps coming back just as coarse, just as quickly. For many women, this becomes an exhausting, daily part of life that affects confidence, relationships, and how they move through the world.
Laser hair removal is the only clinically proven method for long-term reduction of PCOS-related hair growth. The coarse, dark nature of the hair actually makes it highly responsive to laser.
The key word is long-term. PCOS hair requires more sessions than standard laser treatment, and ongoing maintenance as hormonal levels fluctuate. Anyone who tells you otherwise hasn’t treated many women with PCOS.
Why the practitioner matters more than the laser
The most common reason laser hair removal fails for women with PCOS is a standardised treatment plan. The same number of sessions, the same intervals, the same approach as every other client. PCOS doesn’t respond to standard plans.
Experienced practitioner understands that treatment needs to be built around your specific hormonal picture. How your hair grows, where it grows, how your body responds between sessions, and how to adjust the plan over time. The goal isn’t just reduction. It’s getting you to a point where minimal maintenance keeps everything under control.
At Razor2Laser, we use the Lumenis Desire Diode Laser advanced technology that allows precise, effective targeting of coarse dark hair across all skin types. But the technology is only as good as the person using it.
Who you’ll be treated by
Mina Willment is a state-registered NHS surgical nurse with specialist training in laser therapies and significant experience treating women with PCOS. She doesn’t offer a standard plan. She builds each treatment programme around the individual, including realistic timelines, honest expectations, and a long-term approach to maintenance. Many of her PCOS clients have previously had unsuccessful treatment elsewhere. That history shapes how she works with them.
What clients with PCOS say
“I have PCOS and this has been a life-changing experience. After just two sessions I could already see a significant change in my hair growth. Going to Mina is the best decision I have ever made — giving thanks to her is not enough.”
— Fyruz Fariha
“I’ve struggled with facial hair due to PCOS and was recommended Razor2Laser. Mina is amazing at making you feel comfortable and explaining in detail what will happen. I’m so thrilled with the results — can’t recommend highly enough.”
— Alice Whitworth
What to expect
Your first appointment is a consultation. A chance for Mina to understand your history with PCOS, your previous treatment experiences and what you’re hoping to achieve. She’ll be honest about the number of sessions likely needed and what the long-term picture looks like. There’s no pressure and no commitment required at that stage.
If you have PCOS and you’re considering laser hair removal, or you’ve tried it before and it didn’t work, we’d love to talk. A consultation with Mina is a conversation, not a commitment.
5A Middle Street, Horsham RH12 1NW · 0776 432 8437
Evening & weekend appointments available