Why Do We Get Hairy Nipples, Is It Normal & How To Get Rid of It
If you’re part of the Hairy Nipple Club, you’re far from alone — although that knowledge may not offer much in the way of consolation the next time you find yourself reaching for the tweezers.
- It is perfectly normal to have nipple hair (regardless of age or gender) but its appearance will vary depending on the person; it might be sparse, fine, and nearly transparent, or it may have a thick, coarse texture and dark color.
- Nipple hair (particularly an overgrowth of it) may result from an overproduction of androgens (like testosterone), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), certain medications, and even hormonal changes related to pregnancy and menopause.
- There are various methods for removing nipple hair which include tweezing, shaving, trimming, waxing, and electrolysis.
- Nipple hair does not generally require treatment by a doctor unless it is suspected to be a symptom of a more systemic health condition, such as hormonal imbalances or PCOS.
Anyone can develop hair around the nipples or areolas (the area of skin that surrounds the nipple) and the amount of hair (or its appearance) may change throughout the course of your life.
Nipple hair may be an annoyance but most of the time, it isn’t a cause for concern and there are many ways to remove it — if you prefer to.
What Causes Hairy Nipples?
Though hairy nipples are normal — our skin is covered in follicles that produce hair naturally — there are some underlying reasons why they may appear, particularly when their development is sudden.
Nipple hair on your boobs may be caused by:
- Overproduction of male hormones (androgens, like testosterone)
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Certain medications
- Cushing syndrome
- Hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy or menopause
It’s important to note that not all nipple hair is the result of a medical condition.
As we mentioned earlier, our skin is covered in follicles — more than 5 million of them, in fact — that are capable of producing hair naturally.
The skin on our nipples is no different.
Nipple hair might be so fine and pale that it’s nearly transparent, or it might be dark in color with a coarse texture.
Additionally, the general appearance of hair on and around the nipples can change over time as a result of the aging process.
That said, if you notice a sudden increase in the amount of hair or a stark difference in its appearance, it may be due to a more systemic health issue that warrants investigation.
- Overproduction of male hormones:
Testosterone is a “male” hormone that’s produced in the gonads (testes or ovaries) and increases sex drive (libido).
In men, it is also related to the production of sperm and red blood cells, and helps muscles and bones to remain strong.
Too much testosterone, however, can lead to a hormonal imbalance that results in abnormal (and increased) body hair growth.
Overproduction of testosterone is commonly associated with polycystic ovary syndrome, which we’ll talk about next.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is a condition that, although its cause is not known, results in hormonal imbalances — specifically the overproduction of androgen (testosterone).
If this occurs, so too can hirsutism — an overgrowth of body hair, including on the chest and nipples.
- Medications
Some medications have side effects that could cause excessive hair growth in the nipple area.
These include:
- Testosterone, which may be prescribed to women in perimenopause or menopause
- Glucocorticosteroids, drugs that are used to treat certain chronic inflammatory or immune diseases
- Danazol, which is prescribed for the treatment of endometriosis
- Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), which helps the body to produce more testosterone and estrogen naturally
If you’re taking any such medications and notice an increase in body hair growth, talk to your doctor.
- Cushing syndrome
When the body is exposed to cortisol (a type of glucocorticosteroid known as a “stress hormone”) in excessive amounts for a prolonged period of time, Cushing syndrome may result.
The body produces cortisol naturally — which means that overproduction by the adrenal glands is capable of occurring — but excessive exposure can also result from the overuse of prescribed glucocorticosteroids, as well.
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause
Pregnancy and menopause, although natural, can cause hormonal changes that may lead to excess (or even darkening) hair growth — including on and around the nipples.
Is It Normal To Have Hair On Your Nipples?
Absolutely!
There is nothing wrong with you and having nipple hair doesn’t make you a weird human being.
As we mentioned earlier, our skin has more than 5 million follicles across its entire surface — and some of those are naturally found on and around our nipples.
Hair is beautiful but sometimes appears in areas where you least expect it.
Or want it.
How To Get Rid Of Nipple Hair
Whether your nipple hair is so fine you can barely see it or it’s dark in color with a coarse (dare we say pube-like) texture, you may want to remove it.
Especially if its appearance bothers you.
There are several methods for removing nipple hair, based on your preference, needs, and budget.
Trimming
If you spot hair growth around your nipple area, you might prefer to (carefully!) snip them off with a pair of sharp scissors placed at the base of the hair — or as close as possible.
Should I Trim My Nipple Hair?
- Pros: This method is completely pain-free, as long as you don’t nick yourself in the process.
- Cons: You won’t remove the hair at the root (so part of the hair will still be there — it’ll just be shorter) and this method carries a risk of injury if you accidentally cut your nipple with the scissors.
Tweezing
Tweezing is a fast DIY way to remove nipple hair at the root — however, it isn’t the most ideal method and it can be uncomfortable.
Tweezing may be easiest after a hot shower since your hair follicles and pores will open up in response to the warmth.
This may help to reduce the pain associated with tweezing, as well.
Keep in mind that tweezing increases your chances of getting ingrown hairs if going this route.
Should I Tweeze My Nipple Hair?
- Pros: This method removes the hair at the root, which means it’ll be “gone” for a longer period of time compared to trimming or shaving.
- Cons: Tweezing pulls the hair out from the root, which may be painful — particularly on and around sensitive nipples. Additionally, it may increase the chances of painful ingrown hair when it grows back.
Shaving
Shaving is another quick and painless option to treat hairy nipples — if done carefully.
While taking a hot and steamy shower — grab your favorite shaving cream and a fresh, clean razor.
It’s advisable to hold your skin as taut as possible for a smooth (and injury-free) shave.
Be careful when shaving your nipples, as you can easily nick yourself with the razor, which could lead to infection and ingrown hairs as well.
You might also prefer to use an electric razor, but do so with care — even though the blades aren’t exposed, nicks can still occur.
Should I Shave My Nipple Hair?
- Pros: Shaving is quick and pain-free, as long as you don’t accidentally nick your skin with the razor.
- Cons: This method has to be performed carefully to avoid accidental injury (nicks along the skin) and it only removes the hair along the surface of the skin, not the root of the follicle, which means it will need to be done more often. Additionally, there is a risk of ingrown hairs with shaving.
Waxing
Waxing is a common method for removing all kinds of body hair because it pulls it from the root.
When waxing, hair tends to grow back finer and less noticeable over time — especially with frequent waxing.
Although waxing can be done at home, nipple hair may be best removed by a professional esthetician because it requires pulling the hair from tautly-held skin.
In a professional environment, your hands would hold the skin taut for the esthetician as they work.
You only have two hands, so trying this at home may not provide the results you want (and it could possibly hurt more).
Should I Wax My Nipple Hair?
- Pros: Waxing removes hair from the root so it is gone for longer compared to trimming or shaving. Additionally, regular waxing often results in hair that grows back finer and more sparse over time.
- Cons: This method pulls hair from the root, which can be painful. Additionally, it’s best performed by a professional, as waxing works best when the hair is pulled from taut skin. There is an increased risk of ingrown hairs after waxing, as well.
Electrolysis
Electrolysis can be a great option if you’re dealing with excessive hair as it will thin out your body hair over time (similar to waxing) until it eventually stops growing.
A small wire is inserted into the follicle, conducting an electrical current that damages the follicle, resulting in hair removal.
Over time and after repeated treatments, this can result in permanent hair removal once the follicle is essentially “killed” and no longer produces hair.
Electrolysis is best done by a licensed professional to get the safest treatment possible, but it can be expensive and requires repeat visits to achieve permanent results.
Should I Get Electrolysis To Remove My Nipple Hair?
- Pros: This method can result in permanent hair removal, as it eventually damages the follicle to the point that it will no longer grow hair — at all.
- Cons: Electrolysis can be expensive and painful, and it requires multiple treatments — sometimes for a year or longer — to achieve permanent hair removal. There is very little risk of injury, as long as it’s performed by a professional.
Laser Hair Removal
As another form of hair removal that’s best done by a professional, laser hair removal involves a beam of light that, like electrolysis, damages the follicle to remove the hair and slow its regrowth significantly.
In many cases, however, the results are not permanent.
Should I Get Laser Hair Removal For My Nipple Hair?
- Pros: This method removes hair and slows its regrowth significantly.
- Cons: For best results, there should be high contrast between the color of the hair and the skin, which means this may not best for those with pale skin and translucent, light-colored hair. Additionally, laser hair removal is not permanent but can be expensive compared to other methods.
When To See A Doctor
Nipple hair is usually nothing of concern but it is still good to be aware of any sudden changes in its color, thickness, or overall amount, which could signify an underlying health condition.
For example, it’s wise to seek medical attention from a doctor if you notice sudden increased hair growth on your chest, chin, or lip areas — also known as hirsutism.
This is a common symptom of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), Cushing syndrome, or other hormonal imbalances.
When in doubt, visit your doctor to gain clarity and to determine the cause.
By doing so, you’ll know which treatment is best to pursue — should you need to start one.
FAQs About Nipple Hair
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about nipple hair.
Why Do I Have Hairy Nipples?
Your skin is home to more than 5 million follicles that are capable of producing hair — and that includes the skin on your nipples.
Believe it or not, hairy nipples are quite common and most of the time, they are not a health concern.
The length and variety of hair growth will vary based on your body’s genetics and hormones — which is different for each person.
Are Hairy Nipples A Sign of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?
Yes — they can be.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition whose root cause remains unknown, although it is associated with elevated androgen levels — hormones (like testosterone) that can lead to increased body hair growth.
According to the CDC, this condition is one of the most common causes of female infertility, affecting a range of 6% to 12% of women in the United States.
Do I Have To Remove Nipple Hair?
No, not necessarily.
You really only need to remove excess hair if you feel that it impacts your self-confidence or self-image — even if it’s due to a medical reason.
If your nipple hair doesn’t bother you at all, let it grow.
If you’re annoyed by it or find it unsightly, remove it.
Ultimately, it’s your body and the choice is yours — there is no right or wrong answer.
In Conclusion
Having hairy nipples might be embarrassing but rest assured, you are not alone if you have them.
There are plenty of options to choose from if you want to get rid of your nipple hair, but it’s perfectly okay to let it grow, too.
That said, if you think your nipple hair may be a symptom of a medical condition (especially if it’s appeared suddenly or you’ve noticed significant changes in its growth), see your doctor just to make sure there isn’t an underlying cause that requires intervention.
Otherwise, embrace the beautiful human being that you are — whether that means keeping your nipple hair, or not.
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