Should You Get Rid of Your Nipple Hairs, and Are They Normal?

Key takeaways

• Nipple hair refers to hair that grows around the nipple 
• Both males and females can have nipple hair; its growth and appearance depend on factors like genetics and hormones
• Nipple hair is normal and common, but you can remove it. 
• If you notice increased nipple hair, painful or itchy nipples, irregular periods, and weight gain, you should talk to your doctor. 

Nipple hair is found on the nipple and areola, the dark skin area surrounding the nipple. Genetics and hormones play major roles in their growth, appearance, and texture.

People assigned female at birth with high levels of male sex hormone (androgen), which stimulates hair growth, are more likely to have chest and nipple hair.

Do all adult females have hair on their breasts, and is it normal?

Not all adult females have hair on their breasts. However, it’s not a bad thing if you do. Sometimes, factors like hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause can cause increased hair growth around the nipples. 

When to be concerned about hairs around the nipple

Your body hair says a lot about your health, so you should be concerned when you notice changes like excessive facial and body hair. 

You should talk to a doctor if these changes are accompanied by: 

• Acne
• Lumps in the breast
• Irregular menstruation 
• Pain or discomfort around the nipples

Causes of hair on the breast

Causes of hair on the breasts and nipples include: 

1. Puberty and hormonal changes

The body undergoes several hormonal changes during puberty, which can lead to body hair development in new areas like the breast. This hormonal change can lead to hirsutism, which is the growth of excessive male-pattern hair in women after puberty.

2. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a condition caused by hormonal imbalance and can affect a woman's fertility. It affects 1 in 10 women of childbearing age. Some of the symptoms include: 

• Obesity
• Patches of dark skin
• Increased hair growth
• Irregular menstruation 
• Flaps of skin around the neck and armpits

3. Pregnancy

Like puberty, pregnancy comes with hormonal fluctuations that can cause an increase in hair growth. The elevated levels of hormones such as progesterone, estrogen, and prolactin can stimulate hair growth around the breasts or nipples. 

4. Menopause

Estrogen levels decrease while androgen levels may increase as a woman approaches menopause. This can cause the growth of body hair in areas like the nipple.

5. Medications

Medications that affect hormone levels in the body can cause hair growth. Some of these medications include steroids and testosterone hormone replacement therapy for transgender men. 

Should you get rid of your nipple hair?

Nipple hair is part of your body, and unless it is causing discomfort or irritation, you don’t need to remove it.

For some people, the presence of nipple hair may cause self-consciousness or loss of confidence, especially when they are wearing certain types of clothing. In the end, the choice to get rid of or leave your nipple hair is entirely up to you.

Ways to get rid of nipple hair

If you choose to remove your nipple hair, it is important to do it carefully to avoid irritation or damage to the sensitive skin in that area. Below are some of the safe methods of nipple hair removal. 

Tweezing

Tweezing is one of the most common methods of removing nipple hair, especially if you only have a few strands. Ensure that your tweezers are clean and sterilized. Gently grab the base of the hair and pull it out in the direction of growth to minimize discomfort and reduce the risk of ingrown hairs.

Trimming

Trimming involves using a pair of small, clean scissors to carefully trim the hair close to the skin. This method is painless and reduces the risk of irritation compared to other removal techniques.

Shaving

Shaving is a quick and easy hair removal method, but it is not advisable due to the sensitive skin around the nipples. If you choose to shave, use a clean, sharp razor and plenty of shaving cream to minimize friction and the risk of razor burn.  

Shave in the direction of hair growth to reduce the chances of irritation or razor bumps. To further minimize the risk of any side effects, exfoliate before shaving and apply a soothing aftershave lotion afterward. 

Laser hair removal

A concentrated light beam (laser) targets and removes unwanted hair. The melanin pigment in the hair absorbs the light, which is then converted to heat energy that destroys the hair follicles. Laser treatment is best for people with dark hair and light skin. 

The result can last for years if you complete the recommended sessions. Laser procedures are expensive, and it is important to consult with a dermatologist to ensure that they are safe for you.

Electrolysis

Electrolysis is the only permanent hair removal method. Electrolysis uses electric current delivered via a fine needle or probe inserted into the skin to destroy the hair root and surrounding tissue. Although time-consuming, it’s highly effective for all skin and hair types.

Hair removal creams

Hair removal creams or depilatories dissolve hair at the skin’s surface. However, these creams can be harsh and irritate the sensitive skin around the nipples. You should perform a patch test before using any hair removal cream to ensure you don’t have an adverse reaction.

Potential side effects of removing nipple hair

The skin around the nipples is very sensitive. Some side effects of removing nipple hair include: 

• Skin irritation
• Pain and discomfort
• Inflammation
• Accidental cuts 
• Ingrown hairs 
• Infection of hair follicles
• Allergic reactions
• Hyperpigmentation
• Scarring

Precautions to take before and when removing hairs from the nipple

• Use proper techniques: Whatever method you use, ensure you use the proper technique and take the necessary steps to reduce the risk of adverse side effects.
• Keep the area clean: Properly clean the area before and after hair removal to prevent infection.
• Moisturize: Apply a soothing, fragrance-free lotion or cream after shaving to keep your skin hydrated and reduce irritation.
• Avoid harsh products: If you have sensitive skin, avoid hair removal and exfoliating creams with strong chemicals.

When to consult a healthcare professional

You should consult a doctor once you notice the following:

• Any sign of hirsutism, excessive hair growth on the face and other body parts. 
• Symptoms such as irregular menstruation, acne and abnormal weight gain.
• An unusual change in the breast tissue, such as lumps or dimpling of the skin. This could be a sign of breast cancer and should not be ignored.

Conclusion

Nipple hair is common and, for the most part, normal. It is a part of the body’s hair growth patterns. You can get rid of them if they make you uncomfortable or negatively affect your self-image, but make sure to do so safely.