Hair, Hormones & Healing: Owning My Story as an African Woman with Hirsutism
My Journey with Hirsutism: From Silence to Strength
By Sofonie Dala, CEO and Founder
Good afternoon, everyone.
I'm your CEO Sofonie Dala — I was born in Angola, raised in Russia, and today I live in the UK as a student and sustainability impact volunteer.
Today, I'm inviting you to listen to my story...
My name is Sofonie Dala, and I was born in Angola, raised in Russia, and currently living in the United Kingdom, where I came in 2024 to pursue my education. I want to share a very personal and public story — one that has shaped my confidence, self-image, and resilience as a woman.
When I was 16 years old, at the delicate end of adolescence, I started noticing unusual facial hair growth. At first, it was just a few strands—barely noticeable. But over time, it became more pronounced. I didn’t understand what was happening, and I never had a medical check-up to diagnose it properly. Recently, I learned about a condition called hirsutism, and much of what I’ve read feels very familiar.
Though my mother doesn’t have this condition, more than half of her sisters and female relatives — my aunties and cousins — do. On my father’s side, no one seems to have it. Among my siblings, I am the only one affected, which sometimes made me feel special. But when I looked around, I noticed that facial hair in women is not uncommon among African women. It made me wonder: why is this happening, and why are we not talking about it?
At first, I tried to manage it the way many girls do — with razors and hair removal creams. But that only made the hair come back faster and thicker. Then I turned to hot wax treatments, which were effective but incredibly painful. I could only bear it for so long. Later, I began laser hair removal sessions, which gave the best results, but they were extremely expensive and I eventually had to stop because I couldn’t afford to continue.
For years, this condition brought discomfort, not just physically but emotionally specifically in Europe.For years, this condition caused discomfort—not just physically, but emotionally, especially in Europe. There were times I felt embarrassed or avoided making eye contact with men. Some people would look at me with surprise or even confusion. But over time, I’ve come to accept myself more and more. I no longer feel ashamed. I laugh. I live. I embrace who I am.
But I know that many girls and women are still suffering in silence, some even facing insults, bullying, or social rejection because of their appearance. That’s why I’ve decided to speak out.
What is Hirsutism?
Hirsutism is the excessive growth of dark, coarse hair in areas where women typically grow little to none — such as the face, chest, back, and thighs. It’s usually caused by hormonal imbalances, particularly elevated levels of androgens (male hormones), and often linked to conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
But here’s the truth: sometimes there’s no clear cause, and hirsutism can run in families — just like mine. It’s not always a sign of a serious illness, but it can cause real emotional and psychological discomfort.
Why I’m Sharing This
I want my story to raise awareness and offer hope. Many women don’t know what they are going through, and some don’t have access to proper healthcare or support. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, I urge you to speak to a doctor. There are treatments and options — from lifestyle changes and medication to longer-term hair removal methods like electrolysis or laser treatment.
But more importantly, I want every woman out there to know: you are not alone. You are still beautiful, valuable, and whole, no matter what society says. Our beauty isn’t defined by the presence or absence of hair — it’s in our strength, our voices, and our stories.
Let’s break the silence. Let’s support each other. And let’s turn our struggles into powerful testimonies.
Remember...
I was only 16 when I started noticing facial hair. What began as a few strands became something that challenged my confidence and identity.
Growing up, I never knew the name for it — until I found out about hirsutism. It affects thousands of women, especially in African communities, and yet so few of us talk about it.
I tried everything — creams, painful waxing, laser... but more than the treatments, the hardest part was the silence. The stares. The shame.
But now I speak out, because someone out there needs to hear this:
You are not alone. You are not less. And you are still beautiful.
I’m speaking to you as your CEO Sofonie Dala, and I hope my story inspires you to embrace your journey, seek help if you need it, and never hide because of what society doesn’t understand.
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