Extreme facial and physique hair impacts so many people, but it’s not often mentioned overtly. Whether or not linked to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), pregnancy-related hormonal shifts, or menopause, these challenges can form not simply bodily look but in addition our psychological well-being. We sat down with Jasmine Nelson, founding father of Umber by J. Lenay, to debate her journey and the empowering options she’s developed to assist us reclaim management and our confidence.
BHM: Are you able to share your journey with extreme facial and physique hair and the way it impressed your model?
Jasmine Nelson: After I was round 14 or 15, I seen hair rising on my neck. I didn’t know what to do, so I shaved it, pondering it could be no completely different than shaving my legs—massive mistake. Over time, the hair unfold to my chin and jawline, and I wasn’t simply coping with hair anymore. I used to be battling ingrown hairs, scarring, and a severe hit to my confidence.
I used to be too ashamed to be round individuals. After I lastly went to a physician, they recognized me with PCOS and supplied options like contraception or spironolactone, however I declined as a result of they didn’t really feel proper for me long-term.
I attempted every thing from electrolysis to dietary adjustments, spending extra money and time than I need to admit, however nothing appeared to work persistently.
Throughout this time, I met my highschool pal, who later turned my husband. He really accepted me for me, past simply my bodily look. Having somebody love me unconditionally was therapeutic, however self-acceptance didn’t come in a single day. Loving your self is a journey; nobody can do this be just right for you.
Being pregnant quickly lowered my facial hair, however postpartum introduced it again with a vengeance. Decided to discover a answer, I began experimenting with substances and formulation. After months of trial and error, I lastly created one thing that labored. I by no means supposed to start out a enterprise, however I knew I needed to share it as soon as I noticed what number of girls had been going via the identical struggles. That’s how Umber by J. Lenay was born.
BHM: Why does PCOS trigger extreme facial and physique hair, and the way can girls handle it successfully?
Jasmine Nelson: PCOS causes elevated ranges of androgens—male hormones like testosterone—which promote hair development in areas just like the face, chest, and again. It’s additionally answerable for thinning hair on the scalp, making a irritating double-edged sword. Balancing hormones naturally might help, whether or not via a low-sugar, anti-inflammatory eating regimen, spearmint tea, or dietary supplements like DIM or noticed palmetto.
For hair elimination itself, hair inhibitors like my Hair-Lowering Fade Oil can gradual regrowth whereas soothing the pores and skin. No matter hair elimination technique you select—threading, waxing, or shaving—at all times observe up with correct aftercare to cut back irritation and forestall ingrown hairs. And keep in mind, PCOS-related hair development is just not your fault.
BHM: Being pregnant usually adjustments hair development in surprising methods. What can girls anticipate, and the way can they handle it?
Jasmine Nelson: Being pregnant hormones like estrogen and progesterone can result in thicker, darker hair development in new areas, whereas for some girls, it’d quickly scale back extreme hair development. Being pregnant lessened my facial hair for some time, however postpartum introduced it again stronger than ever.
To handle these adjustments, use light hair elimination strategies if wanted, exfoliate commonly, and hydrate to forestall irritation. Supporting your total well being with a nutrient-rich eating regimen and scalp massages might help throughout postpartum restoration. Give your self grace—hormonal shifts throughout being pregnant are pure and sometimes resolve with time.
BHM: Menopause presents one other stage of hormonal adjustments. What recommendation would you give to girls experiencing these transitions?
Jasmine Nelson: I haven’t skilled it but, however I’ve discovered and researched it by talking with completely different people. Menopause brings hormonal adjustments as girls age. As estrogen ranges decline, androgens grow to be extra dominant, resulting in adjustments like extreme hair development—one thing many ladies don’t speak about.
BHM: How does coping with hormonal imbalances and bodily adjustments affect psychological well-being?
Jasmine Nelson: It may be emotionally exhausting. Hormonal imbalances and the bodily adjustments they create, like hair development or pores and skin shifts, have an effect on how you are feeling about your self. I do know firsthand, and many ladies I’ve spoken to really feel the identical manner—frustration, isolation, even nervousness when coping with extreme hair development, pores and skin adjustments, or weight fluctuations. It’s not nearly how we glance. It’s about feeling like we’ve misplaced management over our our bodies.
Right here’s my recommendation: give your self grace and concentrate on what you possibly can management. Create a self-care routine that makes you are feeling good, whether or not utilizing hair-reducing therapies, skincare rituals, or just taking time for your self.
Encompass your self with a group that actually understands your journey. Incorporating every day affirmations and shifting your mindset is highly effective, too. Bear in mind, your magnificence isn’t outlined by hormones or hair however by how you’re keen on and look after your self. You’re worthy simply as you’re. So don’t quit!
BHM: What misconceptions about facial and physique hair must be challenged?
Jasmine Nelson: One of many largest misconceptions is that ladies shouldn’t have facial or physique hair in any respect, prefer it’s unnatural or one thing to be ashamed of. However the reality is, hair development is totally regular; it’s influenced by genetics, hormones, and well being circumstances like PCOS or menopause.
Society has this bizarre manner of equating being hairless with being female, which makes many ladies really feel self-conscious or like they’re someway “much less female” in the event that they take care of extreme hair development.
It’s a wrestle, however it’s time we problem that narrative and embrace what’s pure for us.
BHM: How has your model, Umber by J. Lenay, grow to be a catalyst for advocacy in girls’s well being?
Jasmine Nelson: Umber by J Lenay was born from my struggles and the real need to supply actual options for girls coping with extreme hair development, darkish spots, and ingrown hairs. However it’s extra than simply about creating merchandise—it’s about utilizing this model to advocate girls’s well being and wellness. By shining a light-weight on the affect of hormonal imbalances, whether or not from PCOS, menopause, or different circumstances, I’ve been in a position to spark significant conversations round physique picture, self-care, and entry to reasonably priced alternate options to laser therapies and electrolysis.
BHM: What’s one key message you’d like to go away for girls navigating extreme facial and physique hair in immediately’s society?
Jasmine Nelson: My largest piece of recommendation? You aren’t alone, and you aren’t outlined by your hair. Coping with extreme hair development can really feel overwhelming, particularly in a society that doesn’t usually speak about it overtly, however keep in mind—your magnificence and price go far past society’s requirements.
Verify Out These High Picks from Umber by J. Lenay
By her journey of trial, error, and resilience, Jasmine created a spread of natural merchandise to assist girls with extreme hair development. Listed below are three:
Hair Lowering Fade Oil Roll-On: A mild formulation that permits gradual hair regrowth whereas soothing irritation and enhancing the looks of darkish spots. Value: $60.00.
2 oz Facial Moisturizer for Ingrown Hairs and Zits: Best for post-hair elimination care, this serum hydrates and calms delicate pores and skin, decreasing redness and discomfort. Value: $34.00
4 oz Facial Sugar Scrub: Exfoliating and stopping ingrown hairs, this scrub refreshes pores and skin and promotes a fair texture, good on your self-care routine. Value: $18.00
