Pubic Hair / Question
Published: May 19, 2000
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I am a female and have these little black hairs that grow around my nipples on my breasts. They are really disgusting and I would like to get rid of them. I was wondering what causes them and is there a permanent way to get rid of them? Thanks.
Signed: Little Black Hairs
Dear Little Black Hairs,
TeenHealthFX hears how distressed you are about the hair around your nipples. Although you find them disgusting, the hairs growing around the nipple (actually the areola) are a perfectly normal result of your body going through puberty.
Puberty, as you have found out, brings about changes in our bodies, some welcome and some unwelcome. It is common for hair to grow around your nipples as well as under your arms, on your legs and in the groin area (pubic hair). Hormones that are released during puberty signal this type of hair growth.
The hair can be tweezed or cut - but it may hurt a bit and are not permanent methods of removal. Electrolysis will rid you of the hair permanently but also can hurt and is expensive. We would not recommend bleaching, waxing or using depilatories due to the sensitivity of the nipple and areola.
Speaking with your doctor about this might ease your worries about this hair. Your doctor can check out the hair around your nipples and discuss the changes your body is going through and how you can deal with them.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
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