Intimate Care

Nipple Hair Removal In Women: Causes And Best Options To Try!

From waxing to tweezing, there are so many ways to rid yourself of unwanted hair. Get to know your body and decide what method works best for you!


Written by Amia Mariam

On Apr 2, 2023 – 9 minutes read

Nipple Hair Removal in Women - Feature

Nipple hair removal in women might not be the most well-discussed topic out there, but it is surely one that requires some pondering. Body hair is frowned upon by many, as it is seen as unattractive and unhygienic. Surprisingly, hair plays a much bigger role in a woman’s body. It offers a protective barrier and is an important part of your bodily function. Just like everywhere else on the body, nipple hair is completely normal. 

Nipples are a sensitive part of a woman’s body, and the presence of hair around them might be a reason for embarrassment and discomfort. Nipple hair is common in women, though not talked about. While it is completely natural, it is understandable that some women prefer to have it removed for personal or cultural reasons. Nipple hair is genetic in nature, if it runs in the family, you’re likely to have it too. It is also caused by the excessive production of androgen; consult your doctor if you feel the need to get checked. Having said that, nipple hair in women is as natural as it gets.

Nipple Hair Removal In Women: What Is Nipple Hair?

Nipple hair is the hair that grows around the areola of the breasts. It is a common phenomenon in both men and women, though seen in a lesser percentage of the latter. The amount of hair and its thickness varies from woman to woman, and need not be a cause of worry. Women tend to have nipple hair that is finer and thinner as they have lower levels of androgen, the male hormone that stimulates hair growth in areas such as the face, chest, and back. 

Nipple hair removal in women is not a topic that has been spoken about as much as it needs to be. Women find nipple hair embarrassing and look for ways to get rid of it without understanding the healthy and appropriate means of doing the same. Discussing hair removal options will enable women to make informed decisions about their bodies. This ensures no damage is done to the skin around a very sensitive part of one’s body. Hair growth on breasts and stomach in females should not be a cause of worry. 

Nipple Hair Removal In Women: What Is Nipple Hair?

It is essential to explore the many methods of hair removal in order to choose the option that best fits one’s personal preferences. Each method has pros and cons, which should be fully understood to avoid unnecessary side effects. Have sensitive skin? Stay away from wax and strong chemicals.

Most importantly, engaging in discussions on nipple hair removal in women will help normalize the conversation around body hair in the female gender. It contributes to breaking down the unhealthy perception of body hair in women by society. Informed discussions on this topic help promote body positivity and acceptance.

A to Z: Understanding Nipple Hair Growth

Wondering if nipple hair is normal in females? It absolutely is. Hair growth on breasts in females is very common and is not a cause for unnecessary worry. If you’re trying to figure out why women have hairy nipples, here are some of the most common reasons:

  • Hormones
  • Medications 
  • Genetics
  • Ageing
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome
  • Medical conditions 

Hormones

Hormonal changes in women result in hair growth. It usually happens during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, when there is a significant fluctuation in the levels of hormones produced in the female body. These hormonal changes are common today and not a cause for worry. When hormonal imbalance is caused by the production of androgen, hairy nipples are a side effect. 

Medications 

Certain medications might see nipple hair growth as a side effect(1). Medications that have hormones and steroids tend to cause this effect. Check with your doctor if you are experiencing unusual hair growth as a result of the medicines you are taking.

Genetics

Some women might be more predisposed to hair growth on their chest, back, and nipples due to genetic factors. If your mom or sister has hair growth in unusual areas, it is likely that you will also experience the same.

A to Z: Understanding Nipple Hair Growth

Aging

As one ages, hormone levels fluctuate and will result in hair growth in women. This is a completely normal side effect in ageing women and not a cause for alarm. 

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

The bane of the modern woman’s existence, polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOD is a major cause of nipple hair growth in women. It causes hormonal imbalance, which leads to several side effects. If you’re taking medications to treat the imbalance, you will be able to stunt the hair growth. 

Medical Conditions 

Medical conditions in both men and women can result in abnormal hair growth. Cushing’s syndrome results in hair growth in women. Similarly, there are many other medical conditions that stimulate unwanted hair growth. 

Normal Range Of Hair Growth Around The Nipple Area

Nipple hair growth can be seen in both women and men. However, the thickness of the hair varies from person to person. While some women have thin hair, others might have it thicker and denser. This is determined by genetics, level of hormone balance, and other important factors.  

One cannot pinpoint a normal range of growth as it depends on several external and internal factors. Women tend to have hair that is lightly pigmented and should not cause discomfort or irritation in any manner. However, it is best to consult a doctor if you find your hair growing more than what you think is normal for your body. 

Difference Between Normal Hair Growth And Hirsutism

The tell-tale sign of hirsutism is the texture of the hair. While women usually have hair that is fine and lightly pigmented, hirsutism will cause coarse and dense hair. This is caused by high levels of unusual hormones being produced in the body. Nipple hair that is thick and frequent might be a result of this health condition. Consult your healthcare provider for insight regarding the condition and what can be done to treat it(2). 

Nipple Hair Removal In Women: Options

While nipple hair removal is not necessary, women who find it affecting their self-esteem can always opt for healthy ways to remove unwanted hair. Wondering how to remove hair from breast nipples permanently? Some of the common ways of nipple hair removal in women 

Waxing

This is one of the most preferred forms of hair removal in women as it is quick and lasts a long time. However, it is harsh on the skin and can cause irritation. Nipples are sensitive, and one should be careful when removing hair around them. To avoid ingrown hairs or an infection, it is best to get it done by a professional.

Nipple Hair Removal In Women By Trimming

This is the easiest and most convenient form of nipple hair removal. Trim your nipple hair with the help of your small manicure scissors. While this might require you to frequently tend to the hair growth, it is a relatively healthier and safer option. 

Tweezing 

Plucking hair from the areola might irritate the skin. It is best to attempt tweezing after your shower to minimize pain and the resistance of the hair. Similar to waxing, the skin is prone to ingrown hairs and infections when plucked.

Nipple Hair Removal In Women: Options

Shaving

Razors are harsh and can also cause ingrown hairs. If you quickly need to remove hair, shaving is the way to go. However, always be careful to avoid cuts. The area around your nipple is sensitive and requires you to be extra cautious. 

Nipple Hair Removal In Women By Laser or Electrolysis

If you’re willing to pay a heavy price, laser and electrolysis are the best ways to remove hair from your nipples. It helps reduce the growth of hair in general and is a much more permanent solution to the issue. The procedure should be done by a professional who has adequate experience in the field. 

Treating Hormonal Imbalance

Hair growth caused by hormonal imbalance can be treated with medications. Birth control pills are the most common type of medication when a woman has to treat issues caused by a high level of androgen. Consult your doctor and find out what works best for you. 

Pros And Cons Of Different Hair Removal Methods

There are many methods to remove hair around your nipples, and each has its own pros and cons. When trying to decide what method works best for you, it is vital to weigh the pros and cons. Nipple hair removal creams might be the easiest option but they are risky due to their high chemical content. Here are the main pros and cons of some of the other popular nipple hair removal methods. 

Hair Removal MethodPros Cons
ShavingQuick, inexpensiveRazor burns, cuts, ingrown hairs
WaxingLasts longer, lesser ingrown hairs Painful, irritating to sensitive skin
TweezingInexpensive, done at homeTime-consuming, prone to ingrown hairs
Laser Hair RemovalLess painful, permanent Expensive, multiple sessions required
TrimmingQuick, easy, not painfulDoes not completely remove hair

The hair removal suitable for one woman might not be the best for the other. Research what would be best for your type of skin and hair growth before making a decision.  

Best Practices For Nipple Hair Removal

When removing hair from your nipples, it is crucial to adopt the best practices to avoid irritation. The practices will vary depending on the hair removal method you choose. Having said that, cleansing and preparing your skin for the process is important. Many women recommend exfoliation before any form of hair removal. Using a numbing cream is ideal if you’re going to tweeze or wax. This minimizes the pain and makes it easier for you to get rid of the hair. 

Be extremely careful and make sure to tend to the skin after the process. Avoid tight clothing after the process to make sure the skin is not irritated. You can consult a professional to learn more about aftercare instructions. 

Cultural Attitudes Towards Nipple Hair In Women

Body hair has been perceived differently by societies across the world. While some considered it a sign of maturity and femininity, others thought of it as unattractive and undesirable. The way body hair is looked at is constantly changing. Many women today work towards embracing the hair on their bodies, and this is a welcome change. 

Women have always been made to have an unhealthy relationship with their bodies thanks to societal demands and expectations. In recent years, we have seen an active attempt to overcome this pressing issue. Women flaunt their body hair today, be it at home or on the red carpet.

Being able to keep or rid your body of hair is a way to exercise body autonomy. Women should be able to decide how they want to treat the hair on their bodies. This gives them a feeling of confidence and independence, helping them break the shackles of their society’s unconventional expectations. 

No More A Topic of Concern

Don’t stress about nipple hair removal anymore! The many options available are perfect for every woman looking to remove hair from their body. Hair removal is a personal preference and is completely up to the individual. Make informed decisions regarding your body and how you want to treat it. At the end of the day, your comfort is what matters. 

  1. American Cancer Society. (2023). Targeted Therapy Side Effects. (Online). Available at:

    https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/treatment-types/targeted-therapy/side-effects.html
  2. American Society for Reproductive Medicine. (2016). Hirsutism and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (booklet). (online) Availabel at:

    https://www.reproductivefacts.org/news-and-publications/patient-fact-sheets-and-booklets/documents/fact-sheets-and-info-booklets/hirsutism-and-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-booket/

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amia

A content writer with a passion for stringing together words in the best way possible. I enjoy cinema and have been obsessed with it for most of my life. If I’m not glued to my laptop, you’ll probably find me going on long drives and sipping on chai.

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