Let's talk about Back Hair & Genetics

Whenever summer rolls around, some men prefer to hit the waxing salon, while others prefer to rock their full back hair. Whether body hair graces your shoulder blades or your skin is bare, your genetic code helps determine what type of hair you grow—and when and where you grow it.


How it works

Our hair follicles produce one hair at a time. As hair cells grow from the bottom of the follicle, proteins like keratin help connect and build the cells to form a strand.

The genetic link

23andMe researchers found 17 genetic variants that are associated with back hair. But scientists are still investigating exactly why certain patterns of hair growth occur in some people but not others.

Hair follicles

Did you know?

Humans have about 5 million hair follicles, but our body hair is mostly fine, short, and often too tiny to see. Scientists believe our relative hairlessness evolved as our ancient ancestors moved to hotter climates. Less hair made it easier for the human body to stay cool on long, hot days and especially while hunting.

Explore more

What do your genes say about body hair? 23andMe’s Health + Ancestry kit can give you insight into your own backstory. Pick up the kit, spit, and find out whether you’re likely to have back hair based on your genetics. Please note that this report is only available for men.

Health + Ancestry Service Kit

Health + Ancestry Service

Learn more

References

23andMe Blog (2018, July 16). “The Complex Genetic Architecture Underlying Human Differences.” Retrieved September 22, 2018, from https://blog.23andme.com/health-traits/the-complex-genetic-architecture-underlying-human-differences/.

Bramble DM et al. (2004). “Endurance running and the evolution of Homo.” Nature. 432(7015):345-52.

Carrier DR et al. (1984) “The Energetic Paradox of Human Running and Hominid Evolution.” Current Anthropology. 25(4): 483–95.

Paus R et al. (1999). “The biology of hair follicles.” N Engl J Med. 341(7):491-7.

Qi, J et al. (2014). “An Overview of Alopecias.” Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med. 4(3).

Rantala, MJ. (1999). “Human Nakedness: Adaptation against Ectoparasites?”Int. J. Parasitol. 29 (12):1987–89.

Stenn KS et al. (2001). “Controls of hair follicle cycling.” Physiol Rev. 81(1):449-494.