Why does hair grow in weird places when you get older?

As we age, our prolonged exposure to testosterone starts to play a visible role on other body hair as well. Just like it transforms the vellus hair on a young man’s face into a thick beard, it also changes the nearly invisible hair that grows in places like our ears into thicker strands.

What is the purpose of ear hair?

Just like nose hair, it helps to prevent germs, bacteria, and debris from getting inside your inner ear and causing potential damage. So having some ear hair isn’t just normal, it’s actually a good thing. Sometimes people grow more ear hair than they need, and some choose to remove or trim it.

Why does hair grow in your nose and ears?

One explanation, Scientific American has reported, is that as men age, the hair follicles in the nose and ear become more sensitive to testosterone and also become bigger, producing larger hairs. Women, too, experience changes in hair growth as a result of hormonal changes as they get older.

Why do humans only grow hair in certain places?

Hair follicles in certain favorite regions of our body are differentially sensitive to androgens—along with other places, like lower legs, arms, and chests. Put another way, our hair gets dark and thick only in some places.

Why do men grow ear?

Some people get more hair in and on their ears as they age — especially men. Doctors think it may be because of increased testosterone. This hormone makes hair coarser and thicker as it grays. The hair just inside your ear works with earwax to keep dirt and debris away from your eardrum.

Is it OK to pluck nose hair?

In most cases, waxing or plucking nasal hair is not recommended. Pulling out individual hairs can lead to ingrown hairs and infection. Waxing, especially, could hurt the skin deep inside your nose.

Why do we have armpit hair?

Also known as axillary hair, armpit hair reduces friction between the arm and torso by preventing skin-to-skin contact during certain physical activities, like walking or running. This can help prevent chafing from occurring, which can lead to redness and irritation.

Why does hair grow in my ears as I get older?

Some people get more hair in and on their ears as they age — especially men. Doctors think it may be because of increased testosterone. This hormone makes hair coarser and thicker as it grays. The hair just inside your ear works with earwax to keep dirt and debris away from your eardrum.

What causes excessive ear hair?

According to John F. Romano, M.D., clinical associate professor of dermatology at Cornell Medical Center, no one is sure what causes hair in ears to grow. One theory is that as you age, hair follicles in your ears become more sensitive to the male hormone testosterone, which stimulates the unwanted growth.

What causes hair in your ears?

Genetic hypertrichosis usually happens along with another condition, like epilepsy, intellectual disability, or body malformations. Extra hair inside your ear canal can put you at a higher risk for otitis externa, also known as swimmer’s ear. This is an infection in your outer ear.

Why do we have ear hair?

The hair just inside your ear works with earwax to keep dirt and debris away from your eardrum. Farther inside your ear, tiny hairs help you hear and keep your balance. These hairs live in canals full of fluid. When you move, the liquid moves with you. This bends the hairs and tells your body where it is in space.