Hirsutism is the medical term for excessive hair growth in women…

Body Hair Is Normal — And Every Body Is Different

Do you spend your weekends plucking ingrown hair? Is the razor your best pal? Do you feel like you’re always shaving while someone else barely grows any body hair at all?

If you’ve ever compared yourself to a “naturally hairless” friend and wondered why your body is different — you’re not alone. It is natural to find yourself comparing your body hair to others.Since body hair varies widely from person to person, there are real biological reasons behind it.

Let’s break it down.

Reasons Why Some People Have More Body Hair [Biologically!]

1. Genetics: The Biggest Factor

Your genetic makeup is the primary determinant which influences the amount of body hair you have. Additionally, they decide their distribution as well as their thickness. 

If your mother, grandmother, or other relatives have noticeable body hair, chances are you might too. It’s simply inherited.

Body hair is not a flaw — it’s biology.

2. Hormones and Androgens

Your hormones highly influence body hair. Hormones called androgens (including testosterone) stimulate hair growth in areas like arms, legs, underarms, face, chest. The more testosterone you have, the more hair growth you might see in your body.

Everyone has these hormones — the difference lies in levels and sensitivity.

Conditions like PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) can increase androgen levels, which may lead to more noticeable hair growth in places where it is not typically seen in females.  If hair growth is sudden or accompanied by irregular periods or acne, it’s always wise to consult a doctor.

But for most people, variations are completely normal.

3. Ethnicity and Ancestry

Body hair patterns vary significantly across ethnic backgrounds — and that’s completely normal.

Women of South Asian, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, or Latin ancestry, for example, may naturally have thicker or darker body hair due to genetic traits passed down through generations. Others on the west may have lighter, finer, or less visible hair.

These differences are rooted in biology and evolution — not beauty standards.

What’s considered “a lot” of body hair is often shaped more by cultural expectations than science. In reality, variation is the norm. No single hair pattern is more “correct” than another.

Your ancestry influences your features — from skin tone to hair texture — and body hair is simply part of that diversity.

 4. Age and Life Stages

During adolescence, new hair appears suddenly on the body and in unexpected places. However, as we become older, our hair growth tends to slow down. For example, menopause-related hormonal changes might make hair thinner or sparser. 

How Lifestyle Can Influence Body Hair

While genetics and hormones play the biggest role, certain lifestyle factors can influence hair growth patterns to some extent.

1. Stress

Chronic stress can disrupt hormonal balance. When stress hormones remain elevated for long periods, they may indirectly affect the hair growth cycle, sometimes causing changes in thickness or growth patterns.

2. Diet and Nutrition

Extreme dieting, poor nutrition, or sudden weight changes can impact hormone levels. Since hormones influence hair growth, nutritional imbalances may sometimes affect how hair grows.

In some cases, insulin resistance — often linked to diets high in refined carbohydrates — can worsen hormonal conditions like PCOS, which may contribute to increased hair growth. However, diet alone does not directly “cause” excessive body hair.

3. Medications

Certain medications, including some hormonal treatments or steroids, can influence androgen levels and potentially affect hair growth.

4. Exercise and Body Composition

Very high-intensity training combined with low body fat levels may shift hormone balance in some individuals. However, normal exercise routines do not typically cause noticeable changes in body hair.

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 you did “wrong.”

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.

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.

If you’re rocking shorts or skirts, pair them with footwear that draws attention to your overall look — boots, sandals, or bold heels shift focus to styling rather than self-consciousness.

Jewellery, bags, and silhouettes can transform how you feel in an outfit — regardless of grooming choices.

Style is personal. So is body hair.

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.

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

Explore styles that celebrate you — not standards.

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/

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