Why Are My Toes Hairy?

Hair on the toes is fairly common. In most situations it’s primarily a cosmetic concern rather than a health problem. That said, in some instances toe hair can signal an underlying medical issue, such as an adrenal or ovarian imbalance.

Read on to explore the possible reasons for hair on your toes. If you’d prefer less hair, we also outline both temporary and longer-lasting removal methods.

What leads to hairy toes?

People who have hairy toes or feet sometimes joke — with a bit of self-aware humor — about having “hobbit feet.” Hobbits, the beloved characters from J.R.R. Tolkien’s novels, are noted for their big, hairy feet and toes.

You’re probably not quite that hairy, but here are some potential explanations for having more hair than average on your toes:

• genetics
• medication side effects
• ovarian conditions
• adrenal disorders

If you’re worried any of these might apply to you, consult a physician. A clinician can diagnose the cause of excess toe hair and suggest removal approaches if you want them.

Genetics

Your genes influence how much hair you have, along with its:

• color
• texture
• placement

If your toes are hairier than average, it’s likely a trait you inherited from one or both parents.

Medications

Some drugs can cause increased hair growth as an adverse effect. While extra hair commonly appears in areas other than below the ankles, medications can occasionally contribute to hairier toes.

Drugs associated with increased body hair include:

• danazol (Danocrine)
• fluoxetine (Prozac)
• anabolic steroids (both synthetic and natural), such as testosterone
• corticosteroids, for example prednisone (Rayos)

Ovarian conditions

The ovaries play a role in hormone balance, so certain ovarian problems can lead to more body hair. Examples include:

• ovarian hyperthecosis
• ovarian tumors
• polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Adrenal disorders

Your adrenal glands make hormones, including androgens, which can promote hair growth in both men and women.

Increased body hair can be a sign of adrenal issues such as:

• adrenal tumors
• congenital adrenal hyperplasia
• Cushing syndrome

Temporary ways to remove toe hair

At-home hair removal for toes tends to be straightforward. Usually there’s less hair to manage on the toes compared with other parts of the body.

Many people remove toe hair when they treat their leg hair by:

• using a depilatory to chemically dissolve the hair
• shaving to trim the hair just above the skin
• sugaring or waxing to pull hair out from the follicle beneath the skin
• threading to extract hair by moving a twisted thread loop across the skin

These techniques are temporary, so the hair will regrow over time.

More permanent hair removal for toes

For long-term removal, seek a professional. Specialists can remove unwanted toe hair by:

• Laser therapy: uses concentrated light to heat and damage hair follicles
• Electrolysis: uses a fine needle probe to deliver an electric current that destroys follicles

What if the hair on your toes starts to fall out?

Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hair loss on the toes, feet, or lower legs may indicate poor circulation or diabetes.

Key points

In many cases, hairy toes are inherited from family. However, toe hair can also stem from other causes, such as:

• adrenal problems
• ovarian conditions
• medication side effects

If you suspect any of these issues or think a medication you take may be responsible, see a healthcare provider.

If you’re uncomfortable with hair on your toes, there are several removal options to consider, including:

• shaving
• depilatory creams
• waxing or sugaring
• laser hair removal
• epilators
• electrolysis

For more on unusual toe or skin hair growth, you might also find this note about hairy mole helpful in understanding different hair-related skin conditions.