Why do we have body hair?

Short answer

Body hair can help protect skin and detect temperature or touch, depending on its location.

How it works

Thickness and growth differ by body region. Variation between people is large, and hair amount alone does not indicate health.

Key point

The practical point is this: Variation between people is large, and hair amount alone does not indicate health.

References

• National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: Learning about skin
• National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research: Oral health