Finding hair on your feet, stomach, or other unexpected places is not as bizarre as you might think. Experts explain the strange places where hair can grow and how to maintain smooth skin in these areas.
We have hair follicles on almost every inch of our body. Lips, palms, and soles of feet are the only places guaranteed to be hairless. It’s fantastic that there aren’t more rogue strands of hair in embarrassing or inconvenient locations.
Don’t blame the full moon if you notice some fuzz growing in odd places. Learn what experts say about unusual hair growth and how to deal with it.
Face
The cause is likely a hormonal imbalance (such as an elevated a data-component-name=” data-gdwrapped=” href=”https://www.everydayhealth.com/hormones/guide/”); in some cases, the endocrine disorder polycystic ovarian syndrome can be to blame. It is likely that a hormone imbalance, such as elevated testosterone, is to blame. In some cases, the endocrine condition polycystic Ovarian Syndrome can also be to blame. A pituitary tumor can also cause more facial hair.
Your smooth strategy: Electrolysis. It is a time-consuming procedure because each hair follicle is destroyed individually. However, it can work on any skin color or hair color (unlike laser hair removal, which doesn’t work well for light-colored hair). Try threading instead of shaving. It’s less irritating for your skin. Sandy Tsao, MD, is a dermatologist from Massachusetts General Hospital.
Shoulders, buttocks, and back
The hairs on your shoulders, back, and tush are harmless reminders that your ancestors lived in prehistoric times. Jeannette Graf MD, assistant clinical professor of Dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York City, explains that humans, unlike other species which use fur to protect and insulate, have gone hairless and rely on clothing for warmth and temperature control.
Your smooth approach: According to Dr. Baxt, laser hair removal is the most effective way to achieve permanent and long-lasting hair reduction. She says that while it can hurt, most people can tolerate the procedure. Small amounts of prescription numbing lotion can also be used to reduce pain. Lasers are best for brown or black hair. Waxing is a better choice if you have red, blond, or gray.
Ears
You don’t have to copy your grandfather and father, who have a hair topiary growing from their ear canals. Dr. Graf says that ear hair is more common in men than women. While you may see a few inches on the rim of your ears, you are unlikely to have any more.
Your smooth approach: A simple, inexpensive ear trimmer can be purchased at your local drugstore. Another relatively painless option is tweezing.
Torso
If you have XY chromosomes, it’s widespread to see hair growing on your chest and abdomen. According to Dr. Tsao, if women notice hair growth around their nipples or have noticeable hair in this area, it is likely due to abnormal estrogen levels. Blood tests can be used to determine if this is the case. Hirsutism, or excessive hair growth, is diagnosed by a panel of tests.
Your smooth approach: Waxing can be effective when you want to remove hair from a large part of your body. But it would help if you took care that it doesn’t cause skin irritation. Shaving is easy and inexpensive.
Bikini area
Is removing hair more critical than doing leg and stomach crunches in the gym? Some women’s pubic hair can extend beyond the genital region to the hip bones and even inside the thighs. “Unfortunately, pants do not stop hair growth!” Noemi Grupenmager is the founder and CEO at Uni K Wax. It’s only sometimes genetic.
Your smoothing strategy: By waxing, you weaken the hair follicles. “This will cause your hair to start growing back slower, lighter and thinner,” Grupenmager explains. Graf recommends laser hair removal if waxing leads to ingrown hairs.
Feet
Do a few dark hairs prevent you from wearing open-toed shoes in the spring? Graf says it is pretty normal to have hair on your toes and the tops of your feet. This is usually vellus, which is delicate, light, and short. It is not visible. However, sometimes, a few longer and darker strands can grow due to a hormonal imbalance or an inherited trait.
Your smooth approach: The easiest way to remove hair is by shaving. Tsao warns that depilatory products can irritate sensitive skin