Living with Excessive Facial Hair: A Woman's Journey
A woman living with hirsutism, Dora Semanu, has opened up about her experience. The condition causes women to develop excessive coarse hair in areas where men typically grow it—such as the face, chest, and back.
Semanu first noticed unusual hair growth on her face before it increased. Instead of continuing to shave off the hair, she chose to embrace her appearance, citing a desire to look natural: 'I just want to be different.'
Embracing the Natural
'I saw many people looking at me. Some will talk about me anyhow they like. They look down on me,' Semanu shared in an interview with BBC Pidgin. Despite constant public scrutiny, she remains confident and focused on being true to herself: 'That’s all I care.'
Face Hair and Public Reaction
Speaking of the reactions from others, Dora has had plenty. One of the most painful comments came from someone stating that her appearance might make it impossible for anyone to approach her. But she isn't changing: 'It doesn’t make me shave. I asked myself, that person is judging me because of this thing. But this thing doesn’t change my lifestyle to be a good or bad person.'
Frequently Asked Questions
How does hirsutism affect people?
Hirsutism affects around 10% of women and can present as excessive, coarse hair growth on the face, chest, back, and other areas. It may be due to hormonal imbalances or genetic factors.
What led Dora Semanu to stop shaving off her facial hair?
According to Semanu, she decided not to shave because she wanted to look different. She believes it gives people more topics to discuss and helps them forget about their problems temporarily: 'I just want to be like this so that if you don’t have anything to say in your house, when you see me at any place, you will have something to talk about.'