It starts innocently enough: a tiny, wiry strand of hair on my chin. I spot it under the bathroom light while applying my morning serum. I pluck it and move on. A few days later, it’s back, or maybe it never left, just bided its time. Then comes another. And another. Soon, a small constellation of stubborn chin hair begins to define my grooming routine. This is my story, one that many women silently live every day. And yes, I started face shaving. Regularly.
Initially, I was hesitant to discuss it. There’s a quiet sort of shame that society attaches to women and facial hair as if it’s something we’re meant to handle in secrecy, behind closed bathroom doors, with the fan running to drown out the sound of the razor. But the more I opened up to friends, colleagues, and even strangers on skincare forums, the more I realized I was far from alone. In fact, many women face this issue. It’s normal, hormonal, and sometimes hereditary. It’s sometimes due to underlying conditions, and often, it’s just your body being your body.
So, I decided to write about it, not in hushed tones, but with clarity, confidence, and care. They’re just another part of the human experience, one we can handle with grace, a razor, and a healthy dose of humour.
In this piece, I’ll take you through the science of facial hair, my personal face shaving routine, why it’s completely okay to deal with recurring chin hairs, and how to own the experience without shame. Whether you’re dealing with your first rogue strand or a daily lineup of chin warriors, consider this your invitation to normalize the conversation and perhaps find beauty in the ritual.
The Biology Behind Facial Hair Growth:
Facial hair growth, especially on the chin or jawline, is often influenced by androgens, the group of hormones responsible for male traits and reproductive activity. Women produce androgens too, though in smaller quantities. As we age, especially after our twenties and into our thirties and beyond, hormonal fluctuations, genetics, and sometimes medical conditions (like PCOS) can cause an increase in facial hair growth.
Hair grows in three phases:
- Anagen (Growth Phase) – The hair is actively growing in this phase.
- Catagen (Transitional Phase) – The hair stops growing and detaches from the blood supply.
- Telogen (Resting Phase) – The hair falls out, and the follicle rests before starting the cycle over.
Chin hairs can be particularly persistent because once a follicle enters the anagen phase, it’s determined to keep going. And unfortunately, for some of us, a few rogue follicles have decided that our chins are the perfect plot of land.
My Face Shaving Routine:
Now let’s talk about the act of face shaving. I’ve found it to be the most convenient, pain-free, and skin-friendly method to manage chin hair. Forget the myths about hair growing back thicker or darker; this has been scientifically debunked. Shaving cuts hair at the surface; it doesn’t affect the root, follicle, or color.
Here’s how I do it:
- I always start with a gentle cleanser to remove any dirt, oil, or residual skincare. This ensures a smooth glide and helps avoid irritation.
- I lightly exfoliate twice a week, but before shaving my face, I apply a hydrating toner or facial oil; my current favourite is a squalene oil to soften the hair and reduce tugging.
- I use a clean, single-blade facial razor, specifically designed for facial hair removal. You can easily find it in your nearest cosmetics store or even at a chemist. I hold my skin taut and shave in short, gentle strokes in the direction of hair growth. Never rush. This is self-care, not a chore.
- Once done, I soothe my skin with a calming serum (think: hyaluronic acid and niacinamide) and follow with a light moisturizer. Sunscreen is non-negotiable the next day.
I shave once in 15 to 20 days, keeping things in check, depending on how fast the hair returns. It’s a surprisingly satisfying small act of control in a world that often feels uncontrollable.
Why It’s Normal And Nothing to Be Ashamed Of:
Facial hair on women is one of the last beauty taboos. Society has long conditioned us to hide it, remove it, and definitely not talk about it. But here’s the truth: over 40% of women deal with facial hair. From soft peach fuzz to coarse chin hairs, it’s not an anomaly; it’s biology. If you’re dealing with persistent chin hairs, you’re not alone. I used to feel a wave of embarrassment every time I noticed a new one, worried that others had seen it before I did. Now, I view it with curiosity and acceptance. My body does many miraculous things, and growing a few hairs here and there doesn’t diminish my femininity or my beauty. And if you choose to do nothing about your facial hair, that’s valid too. Grooming is a personal choice, not an obligation.
When to See a Doctor?
While it’s completely normal to have facial hair, sudden or excessive growth, especially if accompanied by irregular periods, acne, or weight gain, could be a sign of an underlying hormonal imbalance such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). If you’re noticing rapid changes, it’s worth consulting a dermatologist or endocrinologist.
Shaving my chin isn’t just about grooming; it’s become a ritual of self-respect. The stigma around female facial hair is exhausting, and by addressing it head-on (pun fully intended), I’m taking that power back. I no longer flinch when I see a stray hair under bright café lighting. I don’t feel the need to hide my razor behind a stack of makeup brushes. I’ve even talked openly with friends only to learn that they shave too. There’s freedom in honesty. And there’s comfort in knowing you’re not the only one standing in front of the mirror with a blade and some chin stubble.
Final Thoughts:
At the heart of this article isn’t just a conversation about facial hair; it’s a reflection on how women manage the parts of themselves we’re told not to acknowledge. Whether it’s a chin hair, a stretch mark, or an emotional scar, we deserve to treat these parts with compassion, not shame.
My chin hairs come back. Again and again. So I shave them. Again and again. Not because I’m hiding, but because I’m choosing what feels best for me. That small, precise swipe of the blade is my moment of choice. So if you’ve been secretly wrestling with a recurring chin hair (or ten), consider this your permission slip: to talk about it, to shave it, to not shave it, and to own it with pride.
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