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Excessive hair growth on fingers? Here’s why it happens and how to get rid of it

Have you wondered why hair grows on your knuckles ? Well, it's completely normal! But if you want to get rid of them, follow these tips.
Do you get excessive hair on your fingers? Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Aayushi Gupta Updated: 29 Jan 2022, 14:08 pm IST
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We provide a lot of care to our hair on the head, but what about hair growth on other parts of the body? Are we talking about eyebrows? Pubic hair? Underarm hair? No, this time we are time we are talking about hair on your knuckles.

A fun fact is that we have hair follicles covering almost every inch of your body. But hair on every body part serves some purpose. For example, hair on the head keeps you warm, hair in the nose restricts germs and bacteria from entering through your nose, and hair growth down there keeps the infection at bay. But what is the purpose of hair on knuckles serves?

Well, to understand this, HealthShots got in touch with Dr Rinky Kapoor, Consultant Dermatologist, Cosmetic Dermatologist and Dermato-Surgeon, The Esthetic Clinics.

Why do we have knuckle hair growth

We know we have evolved from apes, but one thing we are grateful for not inheriting from them, is hair all over the body. Still, some people get hair growth on their fingers and often wonder what purpose the knuckle hair could possibly have? The answer is nothing.

Hair on knuckles and fingers can grow because of many reasons and the most common one is the genetic trait. It’s completely natural. Excessive hair growth on the knuckles or other parts of the fingers can be because of medications, ovarian disorders, or hormonal imbalances. Mid-phalangeal hair is mostly caused because of androgen hormones.

So do you want to get rid of them? If so, then it’s very easy!

Use any of the following methods to remove knuckle hair, suggested by Dr Kapoor:

1. Shaving

Shaving is the quickest and least time consuming way to remove the hair on fingers. You just need a razor and a small amount of shaving cream or gel. That’s it. But keep in mind that it may leave you with stubble and it can be difficult to shave the dominant hand.

Shaving is the safest way of hair removal. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

2. Depilators

They come in the form of creams, gels, and even electric ones. But those with sensitive skin should not use a depilator because it can harm your skin.

3. Threading

Threading is an inexpensive method that is used to shape the eyebrows and sometimes to get rid of the hair from the chin or head. However, you can also use this method to remove knuckle hair. It can be a little painful but you can tolerate it.

4. Waxing

Waxing is the time and tested manner of removing unwanted hair. It is clean, affordable, and easy and gives long last results.

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Waxing is another to get rid of the hair on the knuckles. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

5. Laser hair removal

Laser hair removal is a type of permanent hair removal method. Lasers burn the hair follicles and prevent further hair growth. Laser hair removal can keep your knuckles hair free for years. However, only go to the expert dermatologist or cosmetologist for laser hair removals.

6. Electrolysis

Electrolysis is a slightly costly but very effective hair removal method which uses shortwave radio frequencies to make the hair fall out and stop new hair growth.

If you have ingrown knuckle hair then don’t try to pluck it instead follow these tips to get rid of them!

Aayushi Gupta

Aayushi Gupta is a health writer with a special interest in trends related to diet, fitness, beauty and intimate health. With around 2 years of experience in the wellness industry, she is connected to leading experts and doctors to provide our readers with factually correct information. ...Read More

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