How to remove nipple hair

Even though we may want our hair to stay on our head only, it tends to grow on other body parts too! Right from our arms to legs to back, it can pop up anywhere. Even nipples are not spared. Some women may have very fine and barely noticeable hair, others may have coarser or darker hair. While there are laser treatment and electrolysis to remove hair around nipples, they are not always pocket-friendly. So, the good news is we are telling you how to remove nipple hair.

Why do I get hair around my nipples?

The presence of hair around the nipples in some women is relatively common and usually not a cause for concern, says Dr Deepa Dewan, Senior Director- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Golf Course Road, Gurugram. Nipple hair can start appearing in women when they reach puberty, which typically occurs between the ages of 8 and 13. The amount and thickness of nipple hair can vary widely among women.

Here are some common causes of hairy nipples:

1. Hormonal fluctuations

When women hit puberty or are pregnant or enter the menopause phase, they experience hormonal changes. Hormones can stimulate hair growth in various areas of the body, including the nipples.

2. Genetics

Genetic predisposition plays a significant role in determining where hair grows on the body. If your family members have nipple hair, you may be more likely to have it as well.

3. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is a hormonal disorder that can lead to increased androgens in the body, potentially resulting in excess hair growth, including around the nipples, the expert tells Health Shots.

4. Age

As women age, they not only face hormonal changes, but may also experience changes in hair growth patterns, including the development of nipple hair.

Tips to remove hair around nipples

If you’re looking to remove hair around the nipples, it’s important to be cautious 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 specialised trimmer to carefully trim the hair around your nipples to a shorter length. This is not a long-term solution, but it can help to manage the hair without removing it completely.

2. Shaving

Shaving is an option, but it’s important to be extremely gentle and use a sharp and clean razor, says the expert. Apply a moisturising shaving cream or gel to reduce skin irritation. When you shave, do it in the direction of hair growth so that you minimise the risk of ingrown hairs.

3. Tweezing

Tweezing is a method to pluck your hair one by one. It can be effective for removing hair around the nipples, but it may be time consuming, uncomfortable or even painful.

4. Waxing

You can use wax strips designed for sensitive areas to remove hair. Be cautious and follow the instructions carefully to avoid excessive pulling or irritation. While waxing hair around the nipples, you need to exercise caution and follow proper techniques, especially in sensitive areas like this. It may cause discomfort or minor irritation, especially in sensitive areas. If you experience severe pain, prolonged redness, swelling or any 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 of it to the hair around the nipples then gently wipe it away with a cloth or sponge. Make sure not to get them on the nipple itself and just focus on the surrounding hair.

Before trying these methods, do a patch test on a small area of skin to check for allergies or adverse reactions.

Are hairy nipples a sign of something serious?

While hair on breast is usually benign, your nipples should be checked by a doctor if you notice other symptoms too. Dr Dewan says these changes could be indicative of an underlying medical condition that needs further investigation. Here’s when to be concerned:

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 could 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 the skin texture or colour or the development of lumps or masses in the breast area, it’s important to seek medical evaluation at the earliest. These symptoms could be indicative of underlying breast issues that require attention.

3. Family history

If you have a family history of breast cancer or other breast-related conditions, it will be good if you have regular check-ups and discuss any changes with a doctor.