About Body Hair

The Facts

Body hair is found on most body surfaces, with the exceptions of the soles of the feet and palms of the hands. The part of the hair we see, called the shaft, is not actually alive, although the bulb, or bottom of the hair, is a living structure. Body hair grows from cells in the skin known as hair follicles. These hair follicles number in the thousands, and are fully present on a fetus by 22 weeks gestation. As we age, the number and density of hair follicles decreases, resulting in a loss of body hair.

Body hair is an evolutionary by-product that modern-day humans still have to content with. Long ago, the human body developed hair follicles that allowed a thick coating of hair to grow over the body. This hair growth helped to warm and protect early man in cold climates, and grew thick over the majority of the body. As humans moved into warmer climates, the need for such thick hair was reduced and less body hair was produced. Some humans still have an overabundance of hair growth, but they are a minority.

Many falsehoods surround body hair. Countless attempts have been made at reducing body hair, although very few of them actually work. Shaving body hair will not make it change colors or grow in thicker. Shaving it blunts the ends of the hair, making it appear darker but not actually changing its structure. Plucking hair does not make it grow in faster. Plucking body hair actually damages and scars the follicle, which can lead to permanent hair loss in the area. Bleaching body hair won't permanently lighten it. Your body hair will always remain the same color, although repeated bleaching can damage the hair.

Body hair actually can be beneficial. Body hair can help protect against the elements. Wind, rain and sun can be deflected by a thin covering of body hair, helping a person to maintain comfort. A good amount of body hair is often seen as a manly thing in many cultures. Body hair acts as an insulator, holding in scents. Scents are a vital part of human interaction and holding those smells close to the body is important. Body hair can also help protect against the elements.

Body hair is an important part of life. Many people may think that body hair is unnecessary and unattractive. Thousands of dollars are spent every year trying to reduce or remove body hair. Society has placed a stigma on those with excessive amounts of body hair and many people spend a good deal of effort to rid themselves of it. However, some people enjoy their body hair. To many, body hair is seen as a mature and masculine part of life, making them attractive and identifiable. Body hair is a complicated issue that will continue to be a part of life for people around the world.