If you have PCOS, you already know the drill. You have Googled, you have tried things, you have felt frustrated, and you have probably read at least one article that left you more confused than when you started. This one is going to be different.

We are going to talk honestly about facial hair, dermaplaning, and what actually works. No scaremongering, no vague disclaimers, no "consult a professional" as a cop out. Just the real picture, so you can make the right choice for your skin.

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Why Does PCOS Cause Facial Hair in the First Place?

PCOS (also called PMOS) raises androgen levels, and that excess testosterone is what drives coarse facial hair growth in many women with the condition.

PCOS, or polycystic ovary syndrome (also referred to as PMOS), is a hormonal condition that research puts at anywhere from roughly 1 in 20 to 1 in 9 women of reproductive age, depending on which diagnostic criteria are used, with most pooled estimates landing close to 1 in 10 [1]. It is a chronic condition that can cause hormonal imbalances, irregular periods, and a whole range of other symptoms, one of the most visible being excess facial hair, known medically as hirsutism.

The reason comes down to androgens, the group of hormones that includes testosterone. PCOS causes elevated androgen levels, and that excess testosterone is what drives unwanted hair growth on the face and jawline. Your body is trying to tell you something, and in this case it is telling you your hormones are out of balance.

One clinical study found that around 78% of women with PCOS had some degree of hirsutism, making it one of the most common and visible symptoms of the condition [2]. The hair that grows tends to be darker and coarser than typical peach fuzz, and that distinction matters when it comes to choosing the right removal method.

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Can You Dermaplane if You Have PCOS?

Yes. Dermaplaning only removes hair at the surface, so it will not stimulate growth or make your PCOS worse.

Here is where the internet gets confusing. Some sources say yes, some say no. The truth is, it depends on what kind of facial hair you are dealing with and how you are doing it.

Dermaplaning works by softening the skin and removing hair at the surface. It does not touch the hair follicle, so it will not stimulate hair growth and will not worsen your PCOS. For many women with PCOS dealing with increased facial hair, dermaplaning works well because it removes the bothersome excess hair without pain or discomfort.

That is worth repeating. It is a myth that hair grows back thicker or darker after dermaplaning or shaving. Hair that grows back may feel slightly coarser to the touch at first, but it softens again over time, and the rate and thickness of regrowth are not actually affected [4]. That is because dermaplaning cuts hair at the skin's surface and leaves the hair follicle itself untouched, so the part of your skin responsible for regrowth is never disturbed.

Where you do need to be realistic: dermaplaning is a surface level technique. It will not cause hair to grow back thicker, but it also will not stop regrowth. If your PCOS is causing thick, dark terminal hair on your chin or jaw, dermaplaning can remove it cleanly and comfortably, but it will not slow it down at the root. For that, you need to address the hormones underneath. Root cause, not symptom suppression.

This is where the MyOva Myoplus hormonal support supplement comes in. Formulated with myo-inositol and B-type vitamins, it is designed to support hormonal balance and menstrual health alongside your skincare routine, not instead of it. MyOva also runs a thriving online community where Cysters share their stories, experiences, and support for one another. Learn more about the MyOva PCOS community here.

If you are managing PCOS facial hair and looking to support the hormonal side at the same time, Myoplus can be a helpful addition to your routine alongside dermaplaning and lifestyle support.

Myo-inositol is the subject of ongoing research into insulin sensitivity and ovarian function in women with PCOS [3]. Vitamin B6 contributes to normal hormonal activity, normal psychological function, normal function of the nervous system, and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. Folate contributes to normal amino acid synthesis and has a role in the process of cell division. Chromium contributes to normal macronutrient metabolism and to the maintenance of normal blood glucose levels. It is not a magic fix. But it gives your body what it is often missing.

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What Does Dermaplaning Actually Do for PCOS Skin?

Dermaplaning exfoliates as it shaves, lifting dead skin and fine hair so serums, SPF, and makeup sit and absorb better.

Facial hair is only part of the PCOS skin story. Many women with PCOS also deal with uneven skin texture, dullness or hyperpigmentation, makeup that will not sit smoothly, and skincare products that feel like they are not absorbing properly.

This is where dermaplaning earns its place in your routine, not just as a hair removal method, but as a skin treatment. Dermaplaning tools are a convenient, dual purpose option for at home facial care. They remove fine hair and exfoliate the skin at the same time, which is particularly helpful for women managing PCOS-related hirsutism.

The exfoliation element matters more than people realise. Taking off the top layer of dead skin cells helps skincare products absorb better and lets other treatments work harder. It also nudges the skin into thinking it has been mildly wounded, which can support collagen production and help soften the look of fine lines over time.

In short, you are not just removing hair. You are resetting the surface of your skin so everything you layer on top, from moisturiser to serums and SPF to foundation, works harder.

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How to Dermaplane Safely With PCOS

Use a dedicated facial tool on clean dry skin, go easy and infrequently, and always follow up with hydration and SPF.

The key to getting this right is technique and regularity. Here is what to keep in mind:

1. Use the right tool. Not all dermaplaning tools are created equal. At home devices like the Hollywood Browzer are designed specifically for safe, controlled facial dermaplaning, with an angled blade that removes hair and dead skin cells without the nicks or irritation that come from improvising with a regular razor.
2. Work with your skin, not against it. If you are having a hormonal flare, such as breakouts along the jawline or inflamed skin, hold off. Dermaplaning over active spots can spread bacteria and make things worse. Wait until your skin is calm, then go in.
3. Keep it clean. Always start on freshly cleansed, completely dry skin. Wet skin increases the risk of irritation and reduces control. Use light, short strokes at a 45 degree angle, moving in the direction of hair growth, and clean the blade with rubbing alcohol after every use.
4. Do not overdo it. Limit dermaplaning to once every two to four weeks. Your skin needs time to recover and regenerate between sessions. More is not more here.
5. Follow up with the good stuff. With dead skin cells and peach fuzz out of the way, serums and treatments penetrate more easily, so this is when your skin will absorb them best. Apply a soothing, hydrating serum straight after, and always finish with SPF 30 or higher, especially if you are heading outside.

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What Dermaplaning Cannot Do (And What to Use Alongside It)

Dermaplaning smooths skin and removes surface hair, but it cannot change the hormone levels driving PCOS-related hair growth.

Being honest here matters. Dermaplaning is brilliant for smooth skin and regular hair removal, but it is not a standalone PCOS management solution.

If your facial hair is being driven by high androgen levels, removing it at the surface is a maintenance strategy, not a cure. Your diagnosis is a starting point, not a verdict, and for those dealing with PCOS-related hirsutism, combining hormonal support with hair removal methods often delivers the best results.

That means working with your GP or endocrinologist on the hormonal side, whether that is medication, diet, or lifestyle changes, while using dermaplaning to manage the visible hair in between. Think of it as your reliable, low fuss, in between treatment. The one you reach for every few weeks to reset your skin and feel like yourself again.

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How Does Dermaplaning Compare to Other Hair Removal Methods?

Dermaplaning is painless and exfoliating, but unlike laser it needs repeating every two to four weeks rather than fading out over time.

There is no shortage of hair removal methods out there. Here is how they stack up for PCOS:

*Laser hair removal works best on dark hair against fair skin, and results are most effective when the underlying hormone imbalance has been addressed. It can also be expensive and requires multiple sessions.

Dermaplaning sits in a sweet spot. It is painless, affordable, quick, and gives you smooth skin and exfoliation in the same step. For most women with PCOS, it becomes a core part of their routine rather than an occasional treatment.

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The Bottom Line

Managing PCOS facial hair takes patience and a toolkit, not a single solution. Dermaplaning will not fix your hormones, but it will give you clean, smooth skin, better product absorption, and one less thing to stress about. Done properly, it is one of the safest, most effective tools you can use at home.

The Hollywood Browzer is designed for exactly this. Precise, controlled, gentle, and effective on everything from fine peach fuzz to the darker hair that PCOS can bring. Ready to make it part of your routine? Shop the Hollywood Browzer range now.

For additional support with hormone balance while you manage visible symptoms like facial hair, Myoplus can be used alongside your routine to support cycle and hormonal wellbeing. Shop Myoplus here.

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Related Reading

If you found this guide helpful, you may also enjoy:

• Understanding PCOS and Excess Facial Hair: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment, a deeper look at the hormonal causes and medical treatment options for PCOS-related hirsutism.
• Why Nervous System Regulation Matters for Hormone Health, Menstrual Cycles, and PMS, on how stress and nervous system balance can influence PMS, ovulation, and hormone signalling.
• Blood Sugar Balance: An Underrated Tool for Women's Hormone Health, on how blood sugar stability supports hormone resilience and can help reduce symptom flare ups.
• Liver and Gut Health: The Missing Link in Hormonal Balance, on how digestion, fibre, and hormone clearance pathways impact PCOS symptoms and cycle health.
• Week 1 Reset & Routine: Laying the Foundations for Hormonal Balance, on how daily habits around meals, sleep, and movement create a more stable hormonal environment.

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Medical Disclaimer

This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your diet, lifestyle, or supplement routine, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking medication. Product pricing, availability, and features for third party tools and devices mentioned in this article, including the Hollywood Browzer, are correct at the time of writing and may change.

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About the Author

This article was created in collaboration with the Hollywood Browzer team, with a focus on practical, evidence informed skincare guidance for women managing PCOS-related facial hair and hormonal skin concerns.

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References

1. Salari N, et al. Global prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome in women worldwide: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis. Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics. 2024.
2. Keen MA, Shah IH, Sheikh G. Cutaneous manifestations of polycystic ovary syndrome: a cross-sectional clinical study. Indian Dermatology Online Journal. 2017.
3. Fitz VW, Graca S, Mahalingaiah S, et al. Inositol for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis to Inform the 2023 Update of the International Evidence-Based PCOS Guidelines. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2024;109(6):1630-1655.
4. WebMD. What Is Dermaplaning? Medically reviewed by Stephanie S. Gardner, MD.

References