Extreme facial and physique hair impacts so many people, but it’s not often mentioned brazenly. Whether or not linked to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), pregnancy-related hormonal shifts, or menopause, these challenges can form not simply bodily look but additionally 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, considering it might 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 critical hit to my confidence.
I used to be too ashamed to be round folks. After I lastly went to a physician, they identified me with PCOS and provided 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 part from electrolysis to dietary adjustments, spending extra money and time than I wish to admit, however nothing appeared to work constantly.
Throughout this time, I met my highschool good friend, who later grew to become my husband. He actually 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 try this be just right for you.
Being pregnant quickly diminished my facial hair, however postpartum introduced it again with a vengeance. Decided to discover a answer, I began experimenting with components and formulation. After months of trial and error, I lastly created one thing that labored. I by no means supposed to begin a enterprise, however I knew I needed to share it as soon as I noticed what number of ladies had been going by way of 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 ladies 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 by way of 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—all the time comply with up with correct aftercare to cut back irritation and stop ingrown hairs. And bear in mind, PCOS-related hair development shouldn’t be your fault.
BHM: Being pregnant usually adjustments hair development in surprising methods. What can ladies 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 ladies, it would quickly cut 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 mild hair elimination strategies if wanted, exfoliate often, and hydrate to stop 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 infrequently resolve with time.
BHM: Menopause presents one other stage of hormonal adjustments. What recommendation would you give to ladies 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 ladies age. As estrogen ranges decline, androgens turn out to be extra dominant, resulting in adjustments like extreme hair development—one thing many ladies don’t discuss.
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 carry, 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 method—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 neighborhood that really understands your journey. Incorporating day by 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 like and look after your self. You might be worthy simply as you might be. So don’t surrender!
BHM: What misconceptions about facial and physique hair should be challenged?
Jasmine Nelson: One of many greatest 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 situations like PCOS or menopause.
Society has this bizarre method 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, turn out to be a catalyst for advocacy in ladies’s well being?
Jasmine Nelson: Umber by J Lenay was born from my struggles and the real need to supply actual options for ladies coping with extreme hair development, darkish spots, and ingrown hairs. Nevertheless it’s extra than simply about creating merchandise—it’s about utilizing this model to advocate ladies’s well being and wellness. By shining a light-weight on the affect of hormonal imbalances, whether or not from PCOS, menopause, or different situations, I’ve been in a position to spark significant conversations round physique picture, self-care, and entry to reasonably priced options to laser therapies and electrolysis.
BHM: What’s one key message you’d like to go away for ladies navigating extreme facial and physique hair in immediately’s society?
Jasmine Nelson: My greatest 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 discuss it brazenly, however bear in mind—your magnificence and value go far past society’s requirements.
Test Out These High Picks from Umber by J. Lenay
By way of her journey of trial, error, and resilience, Jasmine created a variety of natural merchandise to assist ladies with extreme hair development. Listed here are three:
Hair Reducing Fade Oil Roll-On: A delicate system that enables gradual hair regrowth whereas soothing irritation and bettering the looks of darkish spots. Worth: $60.00.
2 oz Facial Moisturizer for Ingrown Hairs and Acne: Very best for post-hair elimination care, this serum hydrates and calms delicate pores and skin, lowering redness and discomfort. Worth: $34.00
4 oz Facial Sugar Scrub: Exfoliating and stopping ingrown hairs, this scrub refreshes pores and skin and promotes a fair texture, good in your self-care routine. Worth: $18.00
