Every Body Is Different—and So Is Body Hair

Every woman has body hair—but how much it grows, where it grows, and how noticeable it is can vary dramatically from one person to another. For some, it appears as fine, barely visible strands. For others, it may be darker, thicker, or grow in places such as the face, chest, or back. While this is often a normal variation, excessive hair growth can sometimes be a condition called hirsutism.

Imagine two sisters.

Same parents.
Same diet.
Similar lifestyle.

Yet one barely needs to shave...

while the other notices darker arm hair, facial hair, or thicker leg hair.

Why?

The answer starts deep beneath the skin.

If you've always wondered why you seem hairier than your friends, you're not alone. Many women compare themselves to someone who barely grows visible body hair and wonder what makes them different. The truth is that body hair varies naturally from person to person—and the reasons go far beyond your grooming routine.

Several biological and lifestyle factors influence the amount, thickness, and distribution of body hair. Here's what plays the biggest role.

1. Genetics: The Biggest Influence

If you've always been hairier than your friends or siblings, your genes are likely the biggest reason. Genetics is the primary factor that determines how much body hair you have, where it grows, and how thick or dark it appears. If body hair tends to run in your family, chances are you've inherited those traits too.

2. Hormones and Androgens

Hormones play a major role in regulating body hair growth. A group of hormones called androgens—including testosterone, which is present in all sexes—stimulates hair growth in areas such as the underarms, pubic region, face, and chest. People with higher androgen activity may naturally have thicker or more noticeable body hair.

Sometimes, excessive hair growth in people assigned female at birth can result from hormonal imbalances. One common cause is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a condition in which the body produces higher-than-normal levels of androgens. This can lead to increased facial and body hair growth, a condition known as hirsutism.

3. Ethnicity and Ancestry

Body hair patterns also vary across different ethnic groups. For example, women of South Asian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean ancestry often have darker or more noticeable body hair than women from some East Asian populations. These differences are largely influenced by genetics and are a normal part of human diversity.

4. Age and Life Stages

Hair growth naturally changes throughout life. During puberty, rising hormone levels trigger the growth of hair in new areas such as the underarms and pubic region. As you age, hormonal changes can alter both the amount and texture of body hair. For example, menopause may cause hair to become thinner on the scalp while increasing facial hair growth in some women due to changing hormone levels.

5. Lifestyle and Medications

Genetics and hormones remain the biggest influences, but lifestyle can sometimes affect hormone balance.

Stress- Long-term stress may alter hormonal balance, indirectly affecting hair growth.

Diet and Nutrition- Poor nutrition, extreme dieting, or rapid weight changes can influence hormone levels.

People with insulin resistance or PCOS may notice that dietary changes influence hormonal symptoms. However, there is no evidence that eating a specific food directly causes excessive body hair.

Medications- Certain medications—including corticosteroids, hormone-based therapies, and some antidepressants—may alter hair growth.

If you notice sudden changes after starting medication, consult your healthcare provider.

Exercise- Regular exercise does not cause excessive body hair. Only extreme athletic training combined with very low body fat may influence hormone levels in some individuals.

The key takeaway?

Lifestyle can influence hormonal balance, but it usually works alongside genetics — not independently. Most differences in body hair come down to biology, not something one did “wrong.”

Body Hair Is Normal—Whether You Remove It or Not

There is no "right" way to manage body hair. Some people shave every week, others choose waxing or laser hair reduction, and many do nothing at all. Hair removal is a personal choice—not a requirement for health, hygiene, or femininity. The best method depends on your skin type, budget, pain tolerance, and personal preference.

Hair Removal Isn't the Point 

Body hair is not a measure of beauty, femininity, or hygiene—it is simply a normal part of being human. Understanding what influences hair growth can help you make informed choices and recognize when a change might be worth discussing with a healthcare provider.

When Should You Speak to a Healthcare Provider?

While body hair is usually a normal part of human biology, it may be worth discussing with a healthcare provider if you notice:

• Sudden or rapidly increasing facial or body hair

• Irregular menstrual cycles

• Severe acne

• Deepening of the voice

• Unexplained weight gain

• Hair growth accompanied by difficulty becoming pregnant

These symptoms may indicate an underlying hormonal condition such as PCOS or another endocrine disorder.

Quick Self-Check > Ask yourself:

☐ Has your body or facial hair increased gradually over the years?
☐ Or did it appear suddenly within a few months?
☐ Are your periods irregular?
☐ Have you experienced unexplained weight gain?
☐ Do you have persistent acne?
☐ Does excessive body hair run in your family?

If your hair growth has always been similar and runs in your family, it may simply be a normal variation. If you answered "yes" to sudden hair growth or several of the symptoms above, it's worth mentioning them during your next healthcare visit. 

Body Hair and Fashion: The Real Conversation

Now here’s the part we don’t talk about enough. For many women, body hair becomes a fashion decision. You might ask yourself:

• Should I wear sleeveless if I haven’t shaved?

• Can I pull off shorts without waxing?

• Will people notice?

Here’s the truth: confidence is more visible than hair.
Fashion is about expression — not conformity.

Whether you prefer smooth skin or embrace your natural hair, your clothing choices should feel empowering, not restrictive.

Ft. Malaika Arora, Indian Actress

There Is Nothing “Wrong” With Being Hairy

Body hair is influenced by genetics, hormones, ancestry, and age.

It’s not a trend.
It’s not a flaw.
It’s not something that needs justification.

You can remove it.
You can keep it.
You can change your mind.

Ft. Julia Roberts, at the "Notting Hill" premiere in London

Fashion is about expressing your personality—not meeting someone else's beauty standards. The right outfit is the one that makes you feel comfortable and confident in your own skin.

Whatever you choose, know that your body is worth it to be celebrated with or without hair.

Ft. Annahstasia Enuke, from Nike ad 2020

Styling With Confidence — However You Choose

If you love wearing sleeveless pieces, explore breathable sleeveless tops or sleeveless dresses that make you feel comfortable in your skin.

If you prefer layering, structured blazers, lightweight shrugs, and statement jackets can elevate any outfit.

Browse shorts and skirts to pair with Statement Jewellery and  Vegan Bags, and transform how you feel in an outfit.

Style is personal. So is body hair.

Explore Womens Wear Fashion →

Explore Kamakhyaa →

Still intrigued with body hair? Here are top myths & facts to know about body hair in women.

Myth: Shaving makes hair thicker.

Science: No. The blunt tip only makes it feel coarser.

Myth: Only men grow facial hair.

Science: Almost all women have facial hair—it's just finer.

Myth: Hair means poor hygiene.

Science: Body hair has nothing to do with cleanliness.

Myth: Laser hair reduction removes hair forever.

Science: Laser significantly reduces hair growth, but maintenance sessions may still be needed depending on hormones and individual hair growth patterns.

Read More

to know more about body hair myths & facts read here

to know more about body hair and gender read here

to know more about facial hair and gender read here

References

https://www.prevention.com/health/a20467472/body-hair-causes/

https://www.sciencefocus.com/the-human-body/why-are-some-people-so-hairy/

https://www.alma-soprano.com/the-mysteries-of-body-hair/