We all enjoy a good two-for-one deal, but does the same hold for stray hairs?
If you’ve ever experienced two hairs growing from the same follicle, you can finally put a name to it! This condition is called pili multigemini, and it’s most common on the scalp (especially in children) and men’s beards, but it can also appear in the armpits and pubic area of men and women, sometimes causing irritation after shaving or waxing. It’s characterized by multiple hair shafts within one follicle.
While harmless, pili multigemini can be frustrating for those looking for smooth skin. Let’s explore why it happens, how to manage it, and the best hair removal methods, including IPL therapy.
How Can Two Hairs Grow in One Follicle?
Pili multigemini, also known as “compound hairs,” occurs when a single hair follicle produces multiple hair shafts instead of just one. Normally, each follicle contains a hair matrix, which generates a single hair. However, in pili multigemini, this matrix partially splits, leading to the formation of two or more hairs per follicle.
The Mechanism Behind Pili Multigemini
Think of a hair follicle like an onion bulb — it grows beneath the surface and its deeper layers control hair production. With pili multigemini, the hair matrix divides, allowing multiple hair shafts to emerge from the same follicle opening.
This can happen anywhere on the body, but it’s most noticeable in areas with coarse hair, such as the scalp, armpits, and pubic area.
What Causes Multiple Hairs in One Follicle?
While the exact cause of pili multigemini isn’t fully understood, several factors can contribute to it:
1. Hormonal Changes
- Puberty, pregnancy, PCOS, and menopause in women can stimulate hair follicles abnormally.
- In men, hormones like testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) can trigger coarse hair growth in a single follicle.
2. Skin Conditions & Follicular Damage
- Folliculitis, blocked pores, ingrown hairs, or infections can alter normal hair growth.
- Shaving, waxing, or harsh hair removal methods can cause repeated trauma, leading to defensive overgrowth of hairs in one follicle.
3. Genetics
- If your family members have pili multigemini, you may be more likely to experience it too.
Best Ways to Remove Multiple Hairs in One Follicle
Pili multigemini is harmless and it’s likely one of those things that, if you have it, only you notice it, but many people choose to remove these BOGO hairs for smoother skin. Here’s a breakdown of the best removal methods.
1. Shaving
- Quick and painless (barring nicks and ingrown hairs), but doesn’t address the follicle root.
- Dermatologists recommend shaving in the direction of hair growth to avoid irritation, especially in sensitive areas like the pubic region.
2. Waxing & Threading
- Waxing removes hair from the root but can increase follicular trauma, leading to ingrown hairs or worsening the condition.
- Threading is effective for small areas like the face but may cause irritation.
- Avoid wearing tight clothing after waxing or threading to minimize irritation the likelihood of multiple hairs in one follicle occurring.
3. Electrolysis
- A permanent hair removal method that destroys follicles with an electric current.
- Highly effective, but expensive and time-consuming.
4. Laser Hair Removal
- Uses light energy to destroy hair follicles.
- Effective for long-term hair reduction, but multiple sessions are required.
5. IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) Therapy
- IPL is a cost-effective and at-home alternative to laser treatments.
- It targets melanin in hair follicles, reducing hair regrowth over time.
- Ideal for treating two hairs in one follicle, especially in the armpits and pubic area.
Using IPL for Pili Multigemini
If you’re considering IPL for multiple hairs in one follicle, adjusting energy levels is crucial for safety and effectiveness. Below are recommended IPL energy settings for treating pili multigemini in the most common areas (armpits and pubic area) using the Ulike Air 10 IPL Hair Removal Device:
- Start with a patch test on a less sensitive area of the leg (such as the inner thigh). Wait 2 hours after testing to see if you’ve had any adverse reactions. If not, proceed to a full treatment.
- Start on the lowest intensity setting (Fast Mode) and gradually increase based on your comfort level. Coarse hair responds better to higher energy settings, but given the sensitivity of the skin in this area, you’ll need to find a balance that works for you.
- Hold the device at a 90° angle and press the contact window firmly against the skin.
Precautions & Skincare Tips
1. Avoid Harsh Hair Removal Methods
- Repeated waxing and shaving can irritate follicles, increasing the risk of multiple hairs growing in one follicle.
- IPL, laser, and electrolysis are gentler long-term solutions.
2. Maintain a Skincare Routine
- Exfoliate regularly to prevent ingrown hairs and follicle blockages.
- Keep skin hydrated to minimize follicular stress.
- Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, which can weaken hair follicles and trigger irregular growth.
FAQs
Is pili multigemini dangerous?
No, pili multigemini is a harmless cosmetic condition. However, it can cause itching or irritation in some cases. If scratched or improperly treated, it may lead to complications such as infection.
Can IPL remove two hairs in one follicle?
Yes! IPL can reduce and manage pili multigemini by weakening the hair follicle over time. Some users experience fewer regrowing hairs per follicle after consistent IPL treatments.
Can home remedies prevent multiple hairs in one follicle?
While home remedies like exfoliation and hydration can support healthy hair growth, they won’t stop pili multigemini from occurring. For long-term results, IPL or laser therapy is recommended.
Final Thoughts
If you’re noticing two hairs in one follicle, especially in the pubic area or armpits, fret not — it’s a common and harmless condition. While the exact cause isn’t always clear, hormonal changes, skin irritation, and genetics can play a role.
For smooth skin, consider IPL therapy or laser hair removal, as they provide long-term hair reduction with minimal irritation. Pair this with a proper skincare routine to keep your follicles healthy and prevent further issues.
Would you try IPL for pili multigemini? Let us know in the comments!
