Today We're Challenging Misconceptions About "Cosmetic" Facial Hair Removal and Advocating for Inclusive Healthcare Policies - Read More!

As an electrologist passionate about helping individuals achieve their desired appearance, I've encountered countless clients who question why hormonal facial hair removal as a "cosmetic" procedure. I have to agree! I’ve seen firsthand how electrolysis permanent hair removal is far more than a "cosmetic" procedure. This classification not only undervalues the significance of this treatment but also disregards its essential role in gender affirmation. Let's discuss why this mindset needs to change and how recognizing the true nature of facial hair removal can support both cisgender women and transgender individuals. It’s time we challenge outdated healthcare classifications and advocate for inclusive healthcare policies across Canada.

Understanding Hormonal Facial Hair Growth in Cisgender Women

Hormonal facial hair growth is not “normal” for cisgender women. When women experience the growth of coarse, thick, and wiry hair on their faces, it often indicates an underlying hormonal imbalance, such as perimenopause, menopause, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or other endocrine disorders. This obvious facial hair can be distressing - impacting self-esteem and daily life. Cisgender women will spend countless hours trying to hide the facial hair – shaving, waxing, sugaring, threading, tweezing – only for it to come back thicker and more pronounced – while damaging their skin, causing ingrown hairs, scarring, discolouration of their skin.

For transgender individuals, facial hair removal is a critical aspect of their gender transition journey. Whether transitioning from male to female (MTF) or female to male (FTM), electrolysis permanent hair removal play a pivotal role in aligning their physical appearance with their gender identity.

The Cosmetic vs. Medical Debate

Our medical system (not to mention our extended medical benefits plans, and the federal government (income tax deductions) traditionally classifies procedures like electrolysis and laser hair removal as "cosmetic" because they alter appearance rather than address a life-threatening condition. However, this perspective overlooks the profound psychological and emotional impact that unwanted facial hair can have on individuals.

Why Hormonal Facial Hair Removal Should Be Considered Gender Affirming

Psychological Well-being: Unwanted facial hair can lead to gender dysphoria; significant distress, anxiety, depression, feelings of shame & humiliation, anger, disgust, poor body image and social awkwardness. For cisgender women, having facial hair that is typically associated with masculinity can be deeply unsettling. For transgender individuals, the presence of facial hair can be a constant reminder of a gender they do not identify with, hindering their ability to live authentically.

Social Acceptance and Integration: Removing unwanted facial hair helps individuals present themselves in a way that aligns with societal norms and their own self-image. This alignment is crucial for social acceptance and integration, reducing the stigma and discrimination faced by those with visible facial hair. Think it doesn’t happen? How often have you been out and seen a woman with obvious excess facial hair, and had a negative or judgmental thought. Maybe you have…maybe you haven’t. I’ve been out and about and overheard comments people made when they saw someone with hirsutism (excess body hair) – and they weren’t nice (and yes, I had a conversation with them and educated them! 😊).

Gender Affirmation: For transgender individuals, facial hair removal is not merely a cosmetic enhancement but a vital component of their transition, allowing them to embody their true gender identity, boosting confidence and enhancing quality of life. Similarly, for cisgender women, removing facial hair is also crucial for gender affirmation, helping them feel more aligned with their femininity and enhancing their sense of self. Recognizing facial hair removal as a gender-affirming procedure underscores the importance of supporting individuals in their gender journeys, whether transitioning or managing hormonal imbalances.

The Need for Policy Change - Inclusive Healthcare Policies in Canada

It's high time for our medical system (including our medical benefits plans and our federal government)  to update its policies and recognize the importance of hormonal facial hair removal as gender-affirming care. Insurance coverage for electrolysis should be expanded to include not only transgender individuals but there should also be electrolysis coverage for women with PCOS, perimenopause or menopause (to name a few). By doing so, we can promote inclusivity, support mental health, and ensure that everyone has access to the care they need. So, the question then is: "how to get electrolysis covered by insurance in Canada?"...

Be the Advocate for Change - Gender-Affirming Electrolysis

If your extended benefits plan covers electrolysis permanent hair removal for gender affirmation but not for women with hormonal imbalances (diagnosed or not), it’s time to take action. One of my clients recently did just that - and her extended health benefits plan approved her for electrolysis!

Initially, her claim was denied, dismissed as “cosmetic.” She challenged that decision, explaining that women do not naturally grow facial hair in the same way men do, and that her situation was a medical condition, not a cosmetic concern. She also called out the bias in covering electrolysis for transgender women under gender-affirming care but denying it for cisgender women experiencing male-pattern hair growth due to hormonal imbalance. She described the emotional distress, the hours spent managing unwanted hair, and how it affected her confidence and day-to-day life.

The insurer eventually told her to obtain a doctor’s prescription stating she had gender dysphoria and required electrolysis. Once she submitted it, she received full coverage under gender-affirming care. I share this story to show you - it can be done.

If your extended benefits plan doesn’t cover electrolysis at all, don’t stop there. Reach out to your HR department or your Union and let them know this disparity is unacceptable - electrolysis should be a covered benefit for all employees, regardless of gender or diagnosis. You can also contact your Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) or your Member of Parliament (MP) to advocate for change at the federal level.

Currently, the Canadian Federal Government only covers electrolysis for those who are transitioning—and only if performed by a medical professional. When pushing for policy change, also request that this unnecessary restriction be removed. After all, how many doctors do you know who would give up their practice to become an electrologist? It’s hard enough to get a doctor’s appointment for a prescription refill, let alone for an hour-long electrolysis session.

Classifying Electrolysis as "Cosmetic" is Harmful

Classifying hormonal facial hair removal as a “cosmetic” procedure completely overlooks its real impact. For cisgender women experiencing PCOS facial hair or other hormonal imbalances, and for transgender individuals seeking gender-affirming electrolysis, this treatment is far more than cosmetic - it is essential for psychological well-being, self-esteem, and social integration. As a certified electrologist, I advocate for a shift in how we view and categorize these procedures, recognizing them as critical components of gender affirmation and overall health.

While the Canadian government provides some electrolysis coverage, it remains limited. The Federal Government Public Service Health Plan notes: “a prescription is required unless the plan participant is undergoing treatment related to gender-affirmation care.” This policy effectively excludes cisgender women with unwanted facial hair caused by hormonal conditions, often forcing them to obtain a doctor’s prescription and framing the issue as a mental health disorder. Such an approach ignores the real psychological distress, social withdrawal, and diminished quality of life that can result from unwanted facial hair.

Labeling electrolysis permanent hair removal as “cosmetic” in these cases is both inaccurate and harmful. It denies the legitimate medical and psychological impact of hormonal facial hair on women and creates inequities in coverage. If electrolysis is recognized as gender-affirming care for some, it must be recognized as gender-affirming care for all.

If you are affected by this issue take action. Adapt this template letter and submit it to your union, HR department, or health benefits provider - take a stand and advocate for fair access to necessary care.

By acknowledging the profound impact of electrolysis for hormonal hair growth and gender affirmation, we can pave the way for more inclusive and supportive healthcare policies. It’s time to move beyond the cosmetic label and recognize electrolysis as the essential treatment it truly is.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Don't let unwanted facial hair hold you back any longer. Book your appointment today and re-discover your confidence and self-assurance. Click the button below to schedule your free consultation with us at Razor Free Electrolysis. Don’t wait—your smoother, more confident self is just one click away!