Even though we may want our hair to stay only on our heads, it tends to grow on other parts of our body too! From our arms to our legs to our backs, it can show up anywhere. Even nipples are not spared. Some women have very fine and barely noticeable hair, others have coarser or darker hair. While laser treatments and electrolysis exist to remove hair around the nipples, these are not always pocket-friendly. So the good news is that we tell you how to remove nipple hair.
Why do I get hair around my nipples?
The presence of hair around the nipples is relatively common in some women and is usually not a cause for concern, says Dr Deepa Dewan, senior director of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Golf Course Road, Gurugram. Nipple hair can appear in women when they reach puberty, which usually occurs between the ages of 8 and 13. The amount and thickness of nipple hair can vary greatly among women.
Here are some common causes of hairy nipples:
1. Hormonal fluctuations
When women enter puberty, are pregnant, or enter menopause, they experience hormonal changes. Hormones can stimulate hair growth in various parts of the body, including the nipples.
2. Genetics
Genetics play an important role in determining where hair grows on the body. If your family members have nipple hair, you are more likely to get it too.
3. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is a hormonal condition that can lead to increased androgens in the body, potentially resulting in excessive hair growth, including around the nipples, the expert tells Health Shots.
4. Age
As women age, they not only face hormonal changes, but they may also experience changes in hair growth patterns, including the development of nipple hair.
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Tips to remove hair around the nipples
If you want to remove hair around the nipples, it is important to be careful and choose methods that are gentle on the sensitive skin in this area.
Here are some options:
1. Trimming
You can use small scissors or a special trimmer to gently trim the hair around your nipples shorter. This isn’t a long-term solution, but it can help control the hair without removing it completely.
2. Shave
Shaving is an option, but it’s important to be extremely careful and use a sharp and clean razor, the expert says. Apply a moisturizing shaving cream or gel to reduce skin irritation. When you shave, shave in the direction of hair growth to minimize the risk of ingrown hairs.
3. Tweezers
Tweezing is a method of plucking your hair one by one. It can be effective for removing hair around the nipples, but it can be time-consuming, uncomfortable or even painful.
4. Waxing
To remove hair, you can use wax strips designed for sensitive areas. Be gentle and follow the instructions carefully to avoid excessive pulling or irritation. When waxing hair around the nipples, you need to be careful and follow proper techniques, especially on sensitive areas like these. It may cause discomfort or mild irritation, especially in sensitive areas. If you experience severe pain, prolonged redness, swelling, or other unusual symptoms after waxing, consult a dermatologist.
5. Depilatory creams
Some depilatory creams are formulated for sensitive areas, so you can apply a small amount to the hair around the nipples and then gently wipe it away with a cloth or sponge. Be careful not to get them on the nipple itself and only concentrate on the surrounding hair.
Before trying these methods, perform a patch test on a small area of skin to check for allergies or side effects.
Are hairy nipples a sign of something serious?
Although hair on the chest is usually benign, your nipples should be checked by a doctor if you notice other symptoms as well. Dr. Dewan says these changes may be indicative of an underlying medical condition that needs further investigation. This is when you should worry:
1. Sudden changes
If you notice a sudden and significant increase in the amount or thickness of nipple hair, it may be worth discussing with a doctor. This change may be related to hormonal fluctuations or underlying medical conditions.
2. Other symptoms
If you experience other breast-related symptoms, such as nipple discharge, pain, changes in skin texture or color, or the development of lumps or masses in the breast area, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. These symptoms may indicate underlying breast problems that require attention.
3. Family history
If breast cancer or other breast-related conditions run in your family, it is a good idea to have regular check-ups and discuss any changes with a doctor.