Do you get conscious about your body hair in public places like swimming pools? Do you get tired of shaving or waxing? Although body hair is natural, it has long been a cause of distress for many people, especially men who don’t actually discuss it.
Body hair depends on your genes, the reason some men have little to no hair while others have a dense growth. Besides genetics, excessive body hair can also be caused due to hormonal issues like increased amounts of androgens—such as testosterone, which can lead to the development of more body hair. Furthermore, conditions such as congenital adrenal hyperplasia, certain tumours, or hormone-producing illnesses affecting the testes or adrenal glands can cause this.
Men’s hair growth patterns might be affected by fluctuations or imbalances in testosterone levels, and while testosterone is responsible for the development of secondary sexual traits such as body hair, unusually high or low amounts of testosterone can result in excessive or decreased hair growth.
That’s not all, as a side effect of using anabolic steroids, whether medically or recreationally, men may have increased body hair development. Anabolic steroids are testosterone derivatives that can disturb the body’s normal hormonal balance and cause excessive hair growth.
As a dermatologist, I’ve noticed that men who are actively involved in sports or have high-profile corporate jobs often tend to be much more concerned about body hair. If you identify as one of them, you are not alone. But thanks to technological advancements, now there are options like laser treatments to get rid of unwanted hair and avoid body odour and infections.
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Side effects of excessive hair growth
First, irritation. If you have too long or thick hair, there’s a possibility that it can irritate the skin it rubs against, particularly the inner thighs, underarms or any other areas with skinfolds.
Rashes come next. If sweat becomes lodged in the hair follicles, it may become a breeding environment for germs resulting in inflammation, irritation, and even pain.
Another typical side effect of excessive body hair is sweating. Hair has a tendency to trap heat, which makes you feel warmer and increases perspiration, adding to the discomfort.
The problem of body odour might also arise after bacteria on the skin reacts with sweat. Excessive body hair can provide a haven for germs to flourish, worsening odours.
Boils and furuncles can also develop in parts of the body where skin rubs against skin. They can lead to painful lumps, abscesses and scars. I have noticed that the development of boils and furuncles can be a warning sign of diabetes—if you get these symptoms in your 20s and have a family history of the disease.
If you have excessive body hair and are experiencing recurrent boils, it could mean that you have developed prediabetes. In that case, it is ideal to test HbA1C or blood sugar levels every six months if the family history is also there for diabetes.
Excessive body hair does not directly cause boils in diabetics. Diabetes, on the other hand, boosts blood sugar levels, damages blood vessels, and weakens the immune system’s ability to fight infection, making the skin more susceptible to bacterial and fungal infections, including those that cause boils. Contact with germs such as Staphylococcus aureus or certain fungi causes boils. Diabetes patients with poor blood sugar control generate an infection-friendly environment. Furthermore, diabetes might slow the healing process, resulting in more severe boil episodes and consequences. While abundant body hair isn’t directly linked to diabetic boils, diabetics must practise proper skin care and hygiene.
In fact, if you have very hairy underarms or groin area, there is a high chance of developing a very severe disease called Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS). It is a painful skin condition that can be extremely difficult to manage. The unpleasant discharge of pus from the abscesses caused by the condition and odour can be humiliating. As a result, one might end up not feeling comfortable in their own skin, which can take a toll on their mental health.
Removing body hair is the way to avoid these side effects.
Also read: Mundan or oiling won’t give you thicker hair. This is what you can do
Shaving
When done right, shaving can be a wonderful and refreshing experience for the body. However, to make sure you’re doing it safely and properly, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Wet your skin first, then use a shaving gel or cream to prevent yourself from annoying nicks and cuts. Move your razor in the direction of hair growth, and be mindful not to move fast or press too hard. Use disposable razors or brand-new blades every time to avoid skin infection (Septicemia) after an accidental cut.
If you have some inflammation and irritation, rinse your skin with cool water afterwards, and don’t forget to moisturise or apply aftershave lotion once you are done.
Waxing
Pulling the hair out from the roots may sound promising but it can also be an unpleasant experience given the sheer amount of pain it causes. Applying hot wax on the skin and pulling it off along with the hair can likely cause skin irritation, redness, pimples, rashes, or even ingrown hairs.
It can be quite uncomfortable and unsightly, especially for men as they have thicker and coarse hair and roots. Waxing can also be time and money-consuming, particularly if you hire a professional. And while waxing may be effective for some, it may not be the ideal solution for everyone.
Waxing can be painful for sensitive skin, especially if you have acne and it’s better to avoid sensitive regions like the face, especially the brows and upper lip. Waxing, you see, does not permanently remove undesirable body hair. It’s rather a persistent problem that needs many treatments to keep those pesky hairs at bay. With its magical touch, laser hair removal may perform miracles in just a few sessions, producing long-lasting benefits. Keep in mind that the number of these sessions will vary from person to person.
Laser hair reduction
Someone with a lot of body hair may find laser hair reduction one of the most viable options. Not only is it easy, but also pain-free, which helps if you have acne-prone skin and boils. Unlike shaving, it can work on pretty much any part of your body or face without causing any pain, ingrown hairs or irritation. So, be it getting rid of a little patch of hair or wanting a full-back treatment, laser hair removal can make it happen with comfort and at your convenience.
Trimming
To minimise discomfort or rash from friction, it’s preferable to trim things down a little at least 48 hours before engaging in sexual activity. And of course, it’s always a good idea to use transparent soap or liquid soap to keep things comfy and clean down there. After trimming the region, you may also use a skin-calming lotion that includes glycerin, calamine, bentonite magma, and zinc oxide or aloe vera.
If you are worried sick about your body odour and sweat, deodorant can be a wonderful option if you aren’t opting for laser treatments. Go for natural deodorants free of harsh chemicals like ammonium and parabens to maintain a fresh and odour-free feeling all day. Roll-on sticks are effective in killing body odour while caring for your skin. For a natural solution, use a mixture of coconut oil and lemon juice, which has antibacterial properties to combat underarm odour. Apply it before bed and leave it on overnight.
There is no one-size-fits-all method for body hair removal in men. So, it’s critical to take your skin type and personal preferences into account while selecting the technique that will perform the best for you. Always remember to put your skin’s health and safety first, and speak with a dermatologist if you have concerns about body hair.
Dr Deepali Bhardwaj is a dermatologist, anti-allergy specialist, laser surgeon and internationally trained aesthetician. She tweets @dermatdoc. Views are personal.
(Edited by Ratan Priya)