You probably know that breasts come in all different shapes and sizes, but did you know the same goes for nipples? Actually, there are eight different kinds of nipples, says Dr. Tsippora Shainhouse, a board-certified dermatologist and pediatrician. All nipples are normal, and in fact, it’s possible to have a combination of two or more types (like protruding and bumpy, or flat and hairy). It’s also possible that your nipples don’t exactly fit into any of these categories — and that’s totally normal, too.
Before we break down the different types of nipples, it’s helpful to familiarize yourself with the anatomy of the breast and some definitions you may not know. You most likely have heard the terms nipple and areola before, but there’s a chance you might now know exactly what they mean. The nipple is a small projection located at the center of your breast, while the areola is the pigmented circular area surrounding the nipple, according to the Cleveland Clinic. This area looks different from person to person.
Now that you know a little bit more about the nipple, it’s time to get into the specifics. Below, we break down everything you need to know about the eight different types of nipples in the world.
Protruding
Protruding nipples are those that are raised a few millimeters above the surface of the areola and point outwards. When cold or stimulated, the nipple can harden and become more pronounced.
Flat
The entire nipple is flat and tends to remain level with the areola. Like a protruding nipple, a flat nipple may harden and become more pronounced when cold or stimulated.
Puffy
The entire areola and nipple area looks like a small, raised mound on top of the breast. The nipple can harden and become more pronounced when cold or stimulated.
Inverted
An inverted nipple retracts inwards. Sometimes, you can use your fingers to bring it out, but sometimes, the muscles are too tight.
Unilateral inverted
One nipple is raised, while the other is inverted. If you’ve always had unilateral inverted nipples, that’s perfectly normal. However, if this is a new development (as in, your nipples used to both be the same and now one is inverted and the other is raised), it might be a sign of breast cancer, infection, or injury, according to the Cleveland Clinic, so schedule an appointment to see your doctor.
Bumpy
It’s common to have bumps on the areola surrounding the nipple. These bumps are called Montgomery glands and can sometimes look like whiteheads. You might be able to squeeze dead skin cells out of them, but don’t play with them. Every person with breasts has the glands, but some people are bumpier than others.
Hairy
Stray, dark hairs growing out of the areola area are normal. Everyone has hair follicles, but some people are hairier than others. They might be fine or coarse, and it’s safe to pluck them out with a tweezer. Just be careful — the skin is super sensitive down there.
Supernumerary
Some people (like Harry Styles!) have extra, smaller nipples, but they’re typically harmless. They tend to either look like flat moles, or like a fully-formed, raised bump.
Hannah Orenstein is the author of several novels, including Meant to Be Mine (out June 7, 2022), Head Over Heels, Love at First Like, and Playing with Matches. She's also the Deputy Editor of Dating at Elite Daily. She lives in Brooklyn.
