Why We Have Hairy Toes (And How to Get Rid of Them)

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Board-certified dermatologist Mohiba Tareen, MD shares why people have hairy toes

Co-authored by Mohiba Tareen, MD and Dan Hickey

Last Updated: February 24, 2026 Fact Checked

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• Causes
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• Hair Removal Options
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• If You Have Diabetes
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• FAQs

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Hairy toes are a common (but often undesirable) feature of most people’s feet, largely caused by genetics. Thankfully, there are a variety of ways to get rid of them temporarily or permanently if you’re feeling self-conscious in your open-toed shoes. In this article, wikiHow partnered with dermatologists, a podiatrist, a neurologist, and an esthetician to explore the causes of hairy toes and the best ways to get rid of them, as well as the relationship between toe hair and diabetes and what it may mean for your health.

Toe Hair Explained

Board-certified dermatologist Mohiba Tareen, MD says that toe hair is very common and typically a result of genetics, hormones, and aging. If you’re self-conscious, toe hair can be removed temporarily by shaving, waxing, plucking, using depilatory creams, or laser hair removal, or permanently via electrolysis.

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Section 1 of 4:

What causes hairy toes?

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   Genetics “Hair growth patterns tend to run in families,” says Dr. Tareen. That means your genes play a big role in determining where and how your body and facial hair grow, including on your toes. If your parents have hair on their toes, you’re more than likely to grow hair there, too.

   • Your genetics also determine the color, texture, and amount of hair on your toes.
   • Most people naturally have hairy toes, so try not to place too much blame on your parents if you’re unhappy about how it looks. Humans are mammals, after all!
   • Dr. Tareen says that despite common beliefs otherwise, hair growth patterns are influenced by genes from both your mother and father.

   Meet the wikiHow Experts

   Mohiba Tareen, MD, is a FAAD board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Tareen Dermatology located in Roseville, Maplewood, and Faribault, Minnesota.

   Melissa Jannes licensed esthetician and the owner of Maebee's Beauty Studio in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

   Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist, as well as the owner of Mudgil Dermatology in New York, New York.

   Heather Richmond, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist with over 9 years of experience in comprehensive dermatology.

   Miguel Cunha, DPM, is a board-certified podiatrist with experience treating a wide array of foot and ankle conditions.
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   Hormones “The most important hormone affecting body hair growth is testosterone (which both men and women have),” says Dr. Tareen. “How your skin and hair respond to testosterone depends on certain enzymes in the skin. Some people convert more testosterone into a stronger form called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Higher sensitivity to DHT can lead to increased body hair, including on the toes.”

   • In women, hormonal changes from puberty, pregnancy, or menopause may also contribute to hair growth on your toes. Again, these changes are completely natural and unlikely to be associated with other underlying conditions without other symptoms present.
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   Age Dr. Tareen says, “As we age, hair distribution often shifts. Many people notice increased hair growth on the body and thinning hair on the scalp over time.”

   • That means you shouldn’t panic if you gradually start noticing more hair on your toes—it could just be a natural part of the aging process.
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   Side effects from medication There are certain medications that cause an increase in body hair (potentially including on your toes) as a side effect. Although it’s unlikely that just your toes will be targeted, drugs like the following may contribute to hairy toes:

   • Danazol (Danocrine); abnormal hair growth is a rare side effect.
   • Fluoxetine (Prozac); abnormal hair growth is a very rare side effect, as the drug is typically linked to hair loss.
   • Anabolic steroids (synthetic or natural), including testosterone; abnormal or excess hair growth is more common in women.
   • Corticosteroids, including prednisone (Rayos); degree of abnormal hair growth varies.
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   Adrenal or ovarian disorders Your adrenal glands produce hormones (androgens) that can trigger hair growth in both men and women. Those with ovarian conditions (like ovarian hyperthecosis, ovarian tumors, or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)) may also experience hormone balance changes leading to excess body hair growth (potentially including on the toes).

   • Keep in mind that toe hair is most often an aesthetic concern rather than a medical condition. Toe hair without any other symptoms likely isn’t a cause for worry.
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Section 2 of 4:

How to Get Rid of Hairy Toes

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   Depilatory creams Depilatory creams dissolve hair at the surface. Just apply the cream and leave it on for a few minutes according to your product’s instructions, then rinse it away to reveal smooth skin. “Using depilatory cream can be a great, cheap option to remove unwanted hair,” explains Dr. Tareen. “Look for products with urea, glycerin, almond oil, and shea butter to moisturize your skin while the other hair-removal ingredients work.”

   • Depilatory creams are a temporary solution for hair removal.
   • If you have sensitive skin, depilatories may cause irritation or a burning sensation (especially if they’re left on for too long).
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   Shaving Of course, a classic razor and shaving cream is an easy and inexpensive way to remove toe hair temporarily. Lather up your toes with shaving cream or shower gel to avoid cuts, irritation, and razor bumps/burn, then glide your razor gently over them for a smooth finish.

   • Shave your toes whenever you notice new hair, or make it part of your leg-shaving routine.
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   Waxing Waxing is another temporary fix, but it lasts longer than shaving or using depilatory creams (about 3-4 weeks on average). Trim any long hairs with scissors to minimize pain, then apply pre-made wax strips to remove the hair. Follow up with aloe vera or another soothing lotion to soothe any irritation.
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   Plucking If you’ve just got a few hairs you want to remove, plucking is an easy option. “Specific hairs can be carefully plucked with clean tweezers,” explains licensed esthetician Melissa Jannes. “Steady the tweezers at the base of the hair, grip carefully, and pull in a swift motion. Your goal is to remove the hair root and not break the hair in the process.”
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   Laser hair removal Laser hair removal is considered a long-term removal option (it’s not fully permanent). The process uses targeted pulsations of light (administered by a healthcare professional) to destroy hair follicles and inhibit future hair growth.

   • “Laser hair removal can be very painful, so that’s something to consider,” warns board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, MD. “Ask what specific type of laser your provider has and if there’s an option to do it in a more pain-free way.”
   • Board-certified dermatologist Heather Richmond, MD, adds that “Patients who have white or blonde hair may not respond to laser hair removal light; therefore, those patients can consider electrolysis.” This is because dark hair can absorb more of the laser’s heat than light hair.
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   Electrolysis Electrolysis uses thin wires inserted into your hair follicles to “zap” and destroy the root, causing the hair to fall out. Typically, you’ll need several treatments with a healthcare provider to fully remove all hair in the target area. “Electrolysis is actually the only form of permanent hair removal,” Jannes adds.
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Section 3 of 4:

Hairy Toes & Diabetes: What to Know

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   Hairy toes may indicate good circulation in your extremities. Those with diabetes are more likely to develop diabetic neuropathy, a condition where high blood sugar levels damage the nerves and blood vessels in the legs and feet (and potentially other areas) over time. Since hair requires oxygenated blood to grow, seeing hair on your toes is actually a sign of good foot health; it means that your circulation has not been impacted by neuropathy or another condition, and that your toes are receiving proper blood flow.

   • Dr. Tareen cautions that hair on the toes alone isn’t necessarily proof of good circulation “When doctors evaluate circulation, they look at several factors, including pulses in the feet, skin temperature, capillary refill (how quickly blood comes back into the skin), and sometimes specialized vascular testing.”
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   Hair loss or thinning on your toes could indicate poor circulation or neuropathy. “Hair follicles require oxygen and nutrients delivered by blood flow in order to grow,” says Dr. Tareen. “Because of this, severe or long-standing poor circulation can sometimes lead to thinning or loss of hair on the toes.” She adds, “People with diabetes have a higher risk of developing peripheral arterial disease (PAD), which can reduce blood flow to the feet,” leading to thinning or disappearing hair on the toes over time.

   • If you’ve never had toe hair, a lack of toe hair isn’t necessarily a cause for concern. It’s a change in toe hair that could be a potential warning sign.
   • But Dr. Tareen cautions against relying too heavily on the presence (or lack) of toe hair as a self-diagnostic tool: “Diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage related to excessive sugar in the blood) does not directly cause hair loss. Neuropathy affects sensation, not hair growth. In addition to hair loss of the toes, bigger clues that you may be developing diabetes include slow healing wounds, foot ulcers, cold feet, skin color changes, and diminished pulses.”
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   Check your feet for hair loss and other signs of damage regularly. Board-certified podiatrist Miguel Cunha, DPM, says, “If you’re diabetic, I would recommend having a podiatrist evaluate your feet every three months.” He explains that you can also check your feet yourself at home between doctor visits: “Check for signs of pain, swelling, changes in color, texture, or hydration of the skin and nails.”

   • Look out for potential symptoms of neuropathy, too. In addition to hair loss on your toes, “Neuropathy is often characterized by a combination of numbness, tingling, or burning. However, the pain can be more intense, such as electrical, stabbing, or shooting pain, too,” according to board-certified neurologist Eric Baron, DO.
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Section 4 of 4:

Frequently Asked Questions

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   Is it normal to have hair on your toes? Yes, having hair on your toes is common for both men and women. While some people have very little to no toe hair, most people have it to varying degrees.
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   Does toe hair mean high testosterone? Not necessarily. While elevated testosterone is linked to an increase in body hair, your genetics and other hormone levels also play a role in how much toe hair you have. So, having toe hair does not directly mean you have high testosterone. Elevated testosterone is more likely to cause excessive or abnormal hair growth in females than in males.
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   Do hairy toes mean good circulation? Yes, toe hair is generally a sign of good circulation to your toes and lower extremities. Healthy toe hair indicates that hair follicles on your feet are receiving fresh blood and oxygen, whereas hair loss or thinning on the toes can mean that your circulation is diminishing due to neuropathy or another condition.
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