Raising concerns about hair
Q.Weird question, but it’s bothering me. I’m getting hairy. My back is hairy, my arms are hairy, my legs are hairy and even my feet are hairy. Like a Hobbit’s feet. What’s wrong with me? How come men in magazines and on TV are practically hairless? Most important – will anyone ever want to be with me since I have all this hair? I didn’t know who else to ask, and I know you won’t make fun of me. Thanks.
15-year-old
Mary Jo’s response:
Of course I won’t make fun of you. You’re a person of worth. I admire your courage in writing to me.
Each person has different amounts of body hair – it’s part of what makes each of us unique. Body hair exists for a reason, although genetics (the DNA code we inherit from our families) makes the amount/type of body hair special to each person. Our hair protects us from cold, helps with friction and is a sign of physical maturity. It’s normal for people to become hairier after puberty. The men you see in magazines and on TV probably weren’t born hairless. They are made to look hairless through editing software that changes their appearance. Your body hair is normal for you.
Luckily each of us is attracted to different people. In spite of what you see in the media, real life gives us lots of options. Yes, someone will want to be with you. Be open to joy, love life, explore hobbies and school and sports, and remind yourself that your body is perfect for you. Good luck.
Q.Can I lose hair because I’m stressed? I’m finishing my first year of college, and it’s tougher than I thought it would be. I’ve managed to keep a decent grade-point average, but it hasn’t been easy. Plus, I’m always worried about money. My loans aren’t enough to give me anything beside tuition and room/board, so if I need anything else I need to work. Right now I have two jobs. So I noticed that when I comb my hair it just falls out. How much hair loss is OK, and how much is because I’m so stressed?
19-year-old
Mary Jo’s response:
Congrats on getting through a stressful first year! College can be great, but you’ve listed a number of common challenges. I’m proud of you!
We all lose hair daily. Most people lose about 100 hairs a day. Hair goes through a normal growing phase, with 90 percent of our hair growing about half an inch a month. At some point, a hair goes into a resting stage, where it will fall out after 3 to 4 months and be replaced by a new hair. Dermatologists report that physiological stress (stress that is physical, not emotional) can disrupt a normal hair growth cycle. More hairs will go into a resting stage than normal. When those resting hairs are shed, it can seem as if a lot of hair is being lost.
Some life changes that can result in hair loss are:
• A change in diet, especially a strict low-calorie diet
• Lower estrogen levels after childbirth
• Illness, severe infections and high fever
• Major surgery
• Severe emotional shock
If you think your hair loss is more than you normally experience, I suggest checking with the health clinic at school. A scalp disorder called telogen effluvium pushes large numbers of hair follicles into a resting stage. In a few months those hairs can fall out suddenly while combing or washing your hair.
Even if the hair loss you’re experiencing is normal, I’m concerned about your stress level. You sound very busy. Please take time for yourself. Talk with a counselor at school and ease your mind; making an appointment with your college’s financial aid department may help you adjust your loans to give you some breathing room. Learning to dedicate a little time each day to relaxing, listening to music or spending time with friends can lower stress. College years go quickly. I hope you are able to find a work/life balance that gives you joy. Please keep in touch.
Q.Why do people have pubic hair?
12-year-old
Mary Jo’s response:
Great question! Pubic hair grows during puberty. There are a number of theories about its growth. Most people believe pubic hair is connected to pheromones – the smells our bodies produce to make us sexually attractive to others. Some people think pubic hair helps keep our genitals warm, although the pattern of pubic hair growth for most people makes such an idea illogical. Finally, some people believe pubic hair protects the sensitive skin around our reproductive organs by providing a cushion against friction and protecting against bacteria. It’s perfectly normal.
Have a question? Send it to Dr. Mary Jo Podgurski’s email at podmj@healthyteens.com.