Short answer: In most men, a lot of body hair is normal variation, shaped mainly by genes and ethnic background.[1] Doctors don’t usually call it hirsutism, because that term describes male-pattern hair in women.[2] True excess hair in men is called hypertrichosis, and it is usually caused by medicines, illness or a skin condition.[3] If the hair simply bothers you, shaving, waxing, laser and electrolysis all work.
How much body hair a man has varies hugely from one person to the next, and so does what counts as “too much.” This page explains when body hair in men is normal, the medical causes worth knowing about, why “male hirsutism” isn’t really a thing, and the hair removal options. Most of myHirsutism is written for women with hirsutism. If that is you, start with what is hirsutism?
Is it normal for men to have a lot of body hair?
Usually, yes. Chest, stomach, back and shoulder hair in adult men is driven by androgens, the same hormones that cause beard growth.[2] How strongly each follicle responds varies between people, and normal hair growth differs between ethnic groups.[1] A dense, hairy back can run in families without any underlying health problem.[1]
Hair also changes with age. As men get older, they may grow longer and coarser eyebrow, ear and nose hair, even while scalp hair thins.[4]
Can men have hirsutism?
Not in the medical sense. Hirsutism is defined as excessive terminal hair (thick, dark hair) that appears in a male pattern in women.[2] The Endocrine Society guideline on hirsutism covers women only.[2] In women, the most common cause is PMOS, formerly called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and the hair pattern itself is a sign that androgens may be raised.[5]
In men, a male pattern of body hair is expected, so it doesn’t signal a hormone problem in the same way. When a man has hair growth that is clearly beyond what is normal for his age and background, or in unusual places, doctors call it hypertrichosis.[3][6] You may still see “hirsutism in men” online, but it usually just means “a lot of body hair.”
What causes excessive body hair in men?
Genetics and ethnicity
This is by far the most common explanation. If your father or brothers are also hairy, your hair growth is probably within your family’s normal range.[1]
Hypertrichosis
Hypertrichosis is hair growth beyond what is normal for a person’s age, sex and ethnic background. It can cover the whole body or one patch.[3] Known causes include:[3][6]
- Medicines, such as ciclosporin (an immune-suppressing drug), phenytoin (an epilepsy drug), minoxidil and androgenic steroids[3]
- Malnutrition, including from eating disorders[3]
- Other conditions, such as porphyria cutanea tarda (a blood disorder that affects the skin) and hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid)[3][6]
- Localized skin factors, such as repeated rubbing or scratching, a plaster cast, or steroid creams on one area[3]
Rare inborn forms, sometimes called “werewolf syndrome,” exist but are extremely uncommon.[3] Read more in hirsutism or hypertrichosis?
Anabolic steroids and testosterone
Androgenic (anabolic) steroids are a recognized cause of extra hair growth.[3] If you notice more body hair after starting steroids for bodybuilding, that is a likely link. Tell your doctor if you use them.
A hairy birthmark (Becker nevus)
A Becker nevus is a large brown patch, usually on the shoulder or upper chest, that often becomes darker and quite hairy after puberty. It is about five times more common in males, affects an estimated 0.5% of males, and is considered harmless.[7] Laser or electrolysis can reduce the hair.[7]
How to get rid of excess body hair as a man
Removing body hair is a personal choice, not a medical need. If you want to, these are the main options.
Shaving and trimming
Shaving is quick and painless but lasts only hours to a few days. To reduce razor burn and ingrown hairs, use a sharp blade, soften the hair with warm water, shave in the direction of growth, and avoid going over the same area again and again.[8] Shaving does not make hair grow back thicker.[8] Trimming with clippers avoids most of these problems if you just want less bulk. You can’t reach the middle of your back easily on your own, so many men ask a partner or use a long-handled back shaver.
Waxing, epilators and creams
Waxing and epilators pull hair out at the root, so results last longer than shaving. Possible side effects include pain, folliculitis (inflamed hair follicles), ingrown hairs, dark marks and, rarely, scarring.[9] Hair removal creams dissolve hair at the surface. Do a patch test first, because they can irritate the skin.
Laser hair removal and IPL
Evidence: Strong Laser hair removal and intense pulsed light (IPL) damage the follicle with light. The Endocrine Society recommends laser-based hair reduction for women with hirsutism who have brown, auburn or black hair.[2] That guideline covers women, but the method works on the same principle in men. Results are not permanent, they vary from person to person, and treatment can be expensive.[5] It works poorly on blonde, white or gray hair.[2] Read our guide to laser, IPL and electrolysis.
Electrolysis
Evidence: Moderate Electrolysis treats one follicle at a time with an electric current. The Endocrine Society suggests it for white or blonde hair, which lasers can’t target well.[2] Like laser, it can be expensive.[5]
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if:
- Hair growth increases suddenly, especially fine, soft hair on the face, which can rarely be linked to cancer[3]
- Hair growth started after a new medicine[3]
- You have also lost a lot of weight or have an eating disorder[3]
- A birthmark or patch of hair changes, grows or becomes itchy
- Your hair growth is causing distress, low mood or anxiety
Frequently asked questions
Can men get hirsutism?
Not as doctors define it. Hirsutism means male-pattern hair growth in women.[2] Excess hair in men is either normal variation or, less often, hypertrichosis.[1][3]
Does more body hair mean more testosterone?
Not necessarily. How much hair you grow depends on how sensitive your follicles are as well as your hormone levels, and this varies between people and ethnic groups.[2][1]
Why am I getting hairier as I get older?
Some hair, such as eyebrow, ear and nose hair, gets longer and coarser with age in men.[4] If body hair suddenly increases or appears in new places, see a doctor.
What is the best way to remove back hair?
For long-lasting results, laser hair removal is the most studied option, but it is not permanent and works best on dark hair.[2][5] Shaving, trimming and waxing are cheaper short-term options.
Key takeaways
- A lot of body hair in men is usually normal and largely genetic.
- Hirsutism is a term for women. Abnormal excess hair in men is called hypertrichosis.
- Hypertrichosis is most often caused by medicines, malnutrition, other illness or local skin factors, including anabolic steroids.
- Laser hair removal reduces hair long term but is not permanent. Electrolysis suits light hair.
- Sudden new hair growth, especially fine hair on the face, needs a medical check.
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Sources
- DermNet. Hirsutism. Accessed October 2026. Link
- Martin KA, Anderson RR, Chang RJ, et al. Evaluation and Treatment of Hirsutism in Premenopausal Women: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2018;103(4):1233-1257. PubMed 29522147
- DermNet. Hypertrichosis. Accessed October 2026. Link
- MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine). Aging changes in hair and nails. Accessed October 2026. Link
- NHS. Hirsutism. Accessed October 2026. Link
- Pavone P, Praticò AD, Falsaperla R, et al. Congenital generalized hypertrichosis: the skin as a clue to complex malformation syndromes. Ital J Pediatr. 2015;41:55. PubMed 26242548
- DermNet. Becker naevus. Accessed October 2026. Link
- DermNet. Shaving. Accessed October 2026. Link
- DermNet. Epilation. Accessed October 2026. Link
This article is for education and is not medical advice. Talk to a doctor about diagnosis and treatment.