Body hair varies greatly from person to person due to genetics, hormones, and age; this guide clarifies the difference between vellus and terminal hair, addressing concerns about what’s considered normal.
Okay, so body hair – it’s something we all have, right? But what’s “normal” and what isn’t? Truth be told, I’ve spent countless hours scrolling through comparing myself to others, wondering if my body hair situation is, well, *normal*. It can be confusing, a little awkward, and kinda stressful.
We’re gonna break it all down.
- The Difference Between Vellus Hair and Terminal Hair
- Fetal Hair vs. Body Hair: What’s the Difference?
- What is Normal vs. Not Normal in Body Hair?
- Can Body Hair Turn Into Terminal Hair?
- Body Hair and Genetics
Vellus hair, also called body hair, is the short, fine hair that covers most of our bodies. It’s different in length and thickness from person to person, but generally, it plays a role in protecting skin from external irritants and maintaining body temperature.
The Difference Between Vellus Hair and Terminal Hair
Vellus hair is different from what’s known as terminal hair. Terminal hair is that thicker, longer hair that grows more noticeably on places like the scalp, and in areas that become thicker during or after puberty such as the eyebrows, armpits, and the pubic area.
Terminal hair can also appear in other areas of the body, showing up as different hair types. It is totally normal. Thinking about it, though, we tend to focus on the *unwanted* hair, don’t we?
It’s worth knowing the things that influence body hair:
- These fine hairs differ in thickness, length, and color from person to person.
- Body hair can be noticeable in some individuals, to a point, while it can be barely visible for others.
- The thickness of body hair might be greater in certain areas of the body.
- It’s not related to genetics as much, in the same way a man might inherit the tendency to produce either vellus or terminal hair, but it’s determined by growth and appearance.
- Vellus hair is usually more visible in women and children than in men, and that’s because the amount of terminal hair men naturally have is usually more than what appears on children and women.
Interestingly, body hair has a structure similar to terminal hair. However, unlike terminal hair, body hair often lacks what’s called the medulla, which is the central part responsible for the thickness and strength of the hair.
Fetal Hair vs. Body Hair: What’s the Difference?
Lanugo grows on a fetus’ body while it’s in the womb, helping to protect it from the amniotic fluid. Usually, this hair falls out before or shortly after birth.
What appears on babies born prematurely is often greater than this type of hair. But in most cases, this type of hair falls out in the end to be replaced by body hair.
What is Normal vs. Not Normal in Body Hair?
The amount of body hair varies from person to person, as it’s subject to change naturally due to:
- Age.
- Hormonal changes.
Body hair can be more visible in some people due to the thickness of the hair itself or its length, or even the contrast with a person’s skin color. Generally, body hair doesn’t indicate any health conditions for the person, except in certain cases, where body hair may become terminal due to certain hormonal changes.
Some medications can also affect body and terminal hair, such as:
- Some medications, such as chemotherapy treatments, can affect terminal hair, causing it to fall out or change from terminal to vellus.
- Body hair may become shorter with age, causing an older person to appear to have less body hair.
Can Body Hair Turn Into Terminal Hair?
Body hair follicles are different from terminal hair follicles, like the hair on our heads. Still, sometimes, part of body hair can change into terminal hair or vice versa, especially during puberty.
- Part of the fine hair on the arms and legs becomes terminal, appearing thicker, especially on teenagers and some adults.
- Part of the terminal hair on the head can change to vellus due to conditions such as hair loss and baldness.
Body Hair and Genetics
Hereditary baldness, which affects men more than women, involves different types of baldness scattered among men. Women can also be affected but to a lesser extent. This type of baldness depends on a certain hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which affects hair follicles. This leads to:
- The hair becoming noticeably thinner.
- Becoming more prone to falling out.
- The hair, when it grows back, is thinner and looks more like vellus body hair.
These are some of the medications that counteract the effects of what happens:
- Stopping the effect of the male hormone on hair follicles.
- Increasing the amount of blood flowing to hair follicles, which is important for hair growth.
If you notice any strange changes in your body hair during your teenage years, consult a doctor. Hormonal changes are natural during puberty, but after that, they could point to underlying health issues.
Now, one aspect that the original article doesn’t touch upon is the psychological impact of body hair expectations. We live in a world where social media often presents unrealistic beauty standards. The pressure to conform to these ideals can affect self-esteem and body image. It’s crucial to remember that beauty standards vary across cultures and time periods. What’s considered desirable in one society might be different in another. So, it’s essential to cultivate a positive self-image and prioritize our own well-being over external expectations.
Key takeaways
- Vellus hair is fine and light, covering most of the body; terminal hair is thicker, darker, and grows in specific areas.
- Hormonal changes, age, and genetics influence the amount and type of body hair.
- Unusual changes in body hair should be checked by a doctor to rule out any underlying conditions.
FAQ, Myth & Facts
Is body hair unhygienic?
Nope! Body hair itself isn’t unhygienic. Good personal hygiene practices are what matter.
Does shaving make hair grow back thicker?
That’s a myth! Shaving only cuts the hair at the surface, it doesn’t affect the hair follicle. Hair may *appear* thicker because it lacks the tapered end, but it’s the same thickness.
Is laser hair removal permanent?
Laser hair removal can significantly reduce hair growth, but it’s not always 100% permanent. You might need maintenance treatments.
I used to feel so self-conscious about my leg hair. I compared myself to girls I saw online and felt like I needed to remove every single strand. Over time, I realized that it’s perfectly normal to have hair on my body, and now I embrace it.
As a guy, I’ve always had a lot of body hair, which I always felt was masculine, strong but then my wife mentioned that I was starting to look like an ape and perhaps I should trim some. I think what I need to do is to ask her to do it for me because my back is difficult to reach.
I decided to stop waxing my underarms and embrace my natural hair. It was a small act of rebellion against societal beauty standards. It’s freeing to accept myself as I am.
So, looping back to where we started, I realize now that “normal” is a pretty subjective term when we talk about body hair. What matters is feeling comfortable and healthy in our own skin, whatever that looks like. I am me, and you are you and that’s totally okay, you know!
