I had the same problem with facial hair, although I am naturally very dark the hair was blonde but in certain lights I was beginning to look like Santa Claus!!! I got some wax strips and whipped it all off, that was a few months ago and it hasn’t come back - thankfully.
Tracy xx
Thank-you all so much for being open and discussing face fluff!
I was starting to think I was alone but now realise it’s yet another side effect - gee, thanks chemo! My hair is coming back really thick but I too have blonde downy sideburns that are getting rather long.
I was also wondering how to get rid of it. I tried some removal cream last night but it stung like bug*ery so I had to wash it off pronto. I think after reading this thread I’ll try to ignore it for a few more weeks (and try not to stroke it in meetings at work, which is a rather disturbing habit I seem to have developed!) and if it doesn’t go get it waxed.
Thanks ladies,
love Bella xx
Yes, I developed a lot of fine blonde facial hair after starting Tamoxifen, but it then went away of its own accord after a short while.
I think it was to do with the Tamoxifen rather than the chemo/hair growing back because my last chemo was in Sept 07 and I didn’t start Tamoxifen until Dec 07, by which time the hair on my head had already begun to grow back.
Me too, I have started to grow a Santa Claus beard since being on Taamoxifen (3 months now), I use Veet waxing strips. Why on earth is this SE not mentioned, because it has bothered me so much! At least if we are forewarned we can mentally prepare!
I was really pleased to see your post and the other comments on this as I have just started to experience this after starting on Tamoxifen and thought it was just me as it isn’t listed as a side-effect. Most people seem to say it is won’t last - please can someone advise on how long it takes to go usually? Don’t know whether to remove the hair or not as don’t want to make it worse or more noticeable, but it seems to be getting longer every day and getting quite self-conscious about it!
Hi Juules,
I last posted on 12 May when I was getting worried that my hairy face was permanent.
I’m happy to report that it has much improved, so this is about 6 weeks after it was bothering me.
I think if you can stick it it’s probably better to leave it alone, as no removal method is without it’s trauma. Hopefully you will, like me, see a difference in a couple of months.
Bella x
Thanks for the advice BellaLasagne - I will try to stick it out! Great to know that I am not alone with this problem!
It’s me again with the hairy face! As the problem has, so far, not disappeared of its own accord I have now tried threading and waxing. The threading was extremely painful during the process and my face stung for days afterwards and was red and blotchy. The waxing was less painful when it was done, but was itchy afterwards and, again, red and blotchy for a few days. It looks like I have extremely sensitive skin. Aloe vera gel was applied after the treatments. I had a patch test to make sure I wasn’t allergic to the Aloe vera gel, so it’s not that. Any ideas, girls, on what I can try next in the way of hair removal?
Yep,hairy face syndrome has got me too.I finished chemo 25th June & I’m now halfway through rads. I’ve about three quarters of an inch of hair on my head,unfortunately reckon about the same on my visage!!
OH says he can’t see anything & a couple of girlfriends say the same,but I’m telling you when that sunlight hits my chin through the bathroom window in the morning my whole face glows with downy blond hairs.
Bcn said I had a problem with body image??? No,really!
I’m not taking any hormones etc as I’m triple neg,so can only assume it’s the chemo.I’m trying to be patient & see if it goes,had hoped this hideous windy day would blow some of it off…no such look.
Ah well,think I’ll just avoid mirrors for a while.
Love Little H
hello all,Im another with H.F.S.,thank God the hair is white or Id look like a werewolf. I think its so noticeable because the chemo burnt any fluffy hairs off my face,so for a few months,my skin was really silky and shiny that has made the growth I have now seem worse and my side burns are nearly to my collar bone. Im glad to read that it will eventually go cos I`m too much of a coward to do anything about it, cheerio love Mags x
Hi Woody,
Sideburns! now you’re talking…just call me Humperdink!
Let me know when things improve & I’ll do likewise.
Little H x