Does your underarm hair stop growing as you get older? The truth about body hair and aging

According to the National Institute on Aging, hair changes are a normal part of the aging process. This leads many to wonder, does your underarm hair stop growing as you get older? The answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no, involving hormonal shifts and changes to the hair growth cycle over time.

Quick Summary

As we age, underarm hair typically does not cease growing entirely, but the rate of growth slows significantly. This change is primarily due to decreasing hormone levels and genetic factors that cause hair follicles to produce finer, sparser, and sometimes lighter-colored hair over time.

Key Points

• Underarm Hair Doesn't Completely Stop: Instead of stopping, its growth typically slows significantly with age due to hormonal changes.

• Hormonal Shifts are the Cause: Decreasing levels of estrogen (in women) and testosterone (in men) are the primary drivers of reduced hair growth and density in the underarm area.

• Hair Becomes Finer and Thinner: As we get older, hair follicles shrink, producing strands that are not only shorter but also finer and lighter in color.

• Genetics Play a Major Role: The extent and timing of these changes are largely determined by your individual genetic makeup and family history.

• Different Hair, Different Behavior: Underarm hair behaves differently from scalp or other body hair. For example, some men may notice more hair in their ears or nose while their body hair thins.

• Management Options Exist: For those who wish to manage changing body hair, options range from temporary solutions like shaving to more permanent ones like laser hair removal.

The Hair Growth Cycle and the Aging Body

Understanding how and why our hair changes with age begins with the hair growth cycle. Each hair follicle on our body goes through a repeating cycle with three primary phases: anagen (growth), catagen (transition), and telogen (resting). The length of the anagen phase is what determines how long hair can grow. For scalp hair, this phase can last for years, allowing for long hair. For underarm hair, the anagen phase is much shorter, only lasting a few weeks or months, which is why it reaches a certain length and stops. As we age, hormonal changes cause this anagen phase to shorten even further, leading to hair that grows more slowly and falls out more quickly.

Hormonal Fluctuations Are the Primary Driver

Major hormonal shifts are the single most significant reason for changes in body hair as we age. The very hormones that triggered the growth of underarm hair during puberty begin to wane later in life.

Changes in Women During Menopause

During perimenopause and menopause, a woman's estrogen levels decline dramatically. Since estrogen plays a role in promoting hair growth, this reduction leads to decreased hair density and a shorter growth cycle. As a result, many women notice that their underarm and pubic hair becomes sparser, finer, and grows back much more slowly. For some, by the time they reach their 60s, the reduction is so significant that it appears to have stopped growing altogether.

Changes in Men with Age

Men also experience hormonal changes, though typically more gradually. A man's testosterone levels begin to decline around age 50. Testosterone, a key androgen, is responsible for stimulating body hair growth. With less testosterone, the body’s hair follicles, including those under the arm, become less active, resulting in a slowed growth rate and thinner, finer hair.

The Role of Androgens

While estrogen and testosterone decline, the balance of other hormones, or androgens, shifts. In some cases, this shift can lead to paradoxical hair growth changes. For example, some women may notice an increase in facial hair growth even as their underarm and leg hair thins. Conversely, some men may see more hair on their ears and nose, despite a decrease in body hair.

Underarm Hair vs. Other Body Hair

It's important to differentiate how aging affects various types of body hair. The changes under your arms often differ from the rest of your body.

Feature	Underarm Hair	Scalp Hair	Facial Hair (Women)	Nose/Ear Hair (Men)
Hormonal Influence	High. Declines with age.	Complex genetic/hormonal influence. Declines with age.	Primarily influenced by shifting androgen levels. May increase with age.	Highly sensitive to androgens. Often increases with age.
Growth Rate	Slows significantly with age.	Slows down with age; growth phase shortens.	Can increase in older age.	Tends to increase and thicken with age.
Density	Thins out and becomes sparser.	Decreases, leading to overall thinning.	Can increase, with hairs becoming coarser.	Increases and becomes more noticeable.
Pigmentation	Often turns gray or white.	A prominent sign of aging, turns gray/white.	May gray, but increased growth is the key change.	May gray, but growth increases significantly.
Max Length	Short, genetically predetermined. Shortens with age.	Long, genetically determined. Shortens with age.	Short, can lengthen with age.	Short, but follicles become more active with age.

How to Manage Changing Body Hair as You Age

For those who prefer to manage their body hair, several options are available, regardless of your age.

Hair Removal and Reduction Methods

• Shaving: A temporary method, but the hair grows back finer and sparser over time due to natural aging processes.
• Waxing: Removes hair from the root, causing it to grow back more slowly and often thinner over consistent use.
• Laser Hair Removal: A more permanent solution that damages the hair follicles, leading to significant and lasting hair reduction.
• Depilatory Creams: Use chemicals to dissolve hair just above the skin's surface.

Lifestyle Adjustments

Beyond cosmetic procedures, general healthy aging practices can indirectly support hormonal balance and overall hair health. Eating a balanced diet, managing stress, and exercising regularly can help regulate hormonal fluctuations.

Conclusion: A Natural Part of Aging

In summary, the notion that underarm hair completely stops growing as you get older is a common misconception. Instead, it's a gradual process of slowing growth, thinning, and lightening caused by natural age-related hormonal changes. While the extent of these changes varies greatly from person to person due to genetics, they are a normal and expected part of aging. Accepting these changes or managing them with various options is a personal choice, and understanding the science behind them can help you make informed decisions about your body's journey through the years.

For more information on healthy aging and common age-related conditions, consult reliable medical resources such as the National Institute on Aging.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does underarm hair seem to grow so much slower with age?

As you age, the levels of hormones that stimulate hair growth, such as estrogen and testosterone, naturally decline. This causes the hair's growth phase (anagen) to shorten, leading to a slower overall growth rate and finer hair.

Can underarm hair stop growing completely?

While it's rare for underarm hair to stop growing completely, significant thinning and slowing of growth can make it seem that way. This is most common in women after menopause due to low estrogen levels.

Does graying affect underarm hair like it does scalp hair?

Yes, underarm hair can also turn gray or white as you get older. This happens when the hair follicles produce less melanin, the pigment that gives hair its color. Body and facial hair often start graying later than scalp hair.

Is it true that underarm hair doesn't grow as long as other hair?

Yes, this is true. The maximum length of your underarm hair is genetically predetermined by the short duration of its active growth phase (anagen). This is different from the much longer anagen phase of scalp hair.

What if I experience sudden hair loss in my underarms?

While gradual thinning is normal with aging, sudden or excessive hair loss could be a sign of an underlying health condition, such as a thyroid disorder or autoimmune disease. You should consult a healthcare provider to rule out other causes.

Can diet and lifestyle affect underarm hair growth as you age?

Yes, overall health, including diet, stress levels, and lifestyle habits, can influence hormonal balance and hair health. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can support optimal hair growth, even as you age.

Are there any risks associated with managing underarm hair in older age?

Most methods for managing underarm hair are safe. However, older skin can be more sensitive, so it's important to use gentle products. Always follow instructions for hair removal creams or consult a professional for laser treatments to avoid skin irritation.