It’s one of those internet urban legends that actually turned out to be true. Usually, when you hear a rumor about a pop star having a physical "anomaly," it’s some weird PR stunt or a blurry paparazzi photo of a shadow. Not this time. Harry Styles really does have four nipples.
He’s been incredibly chill about it for over a decade. Honestly, it's kinda refreshing. While most celebrities spend millions airbrushing every "imperfection" out of existence, Harry has just... let them be. He even calls them his "best trait."
The Moment the World Found Out
You’ve probably seen the old One Direction videos. Back in the "Kiss You" music video era of 2012, fans with eagle eyes started pausing their screens. They noticed two small, dark marks sitting symmetrically below his primary nipples. For years, people argued about it. Was it just a weird tan? Moles?
Then came the interviews.
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In a 2017 sit-down with Chelsea Handler, the comedian didn't hold back. She asked him straight up if the rumors were true. Without missing a beat, Harry said, "Correct." He didn't just admit it; he pointed to them. He showed where they were located—just a few inches below the "usual" ones.
He’s also joked about it in the past, once saying he thinks he might have been a twin in the womb, but the other one "went away" and just left its nipples behind. It’s a funny mental image, but science has a slightly more technical explanation.
What Science Says About Harry Styles 4 Nipples
In the medical world, this isn't called "the twin thing." It's known as polythelia or supernumerary nipples.
Basically, it happens while you’re still a tiny embryo. Around the fourth week of development, humans (and most mammals) develop "milk lines" or mammary ridges. These lines run from your armpits all the way down to your groin. Normally, these ridges disappear everywhere except for the two spots where your actual breasts develop.
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Sometimes, they don't quite go away.
- Prevalence: It’s more common than you’d think. Somewhere between 1 in 18 and 1 in 40 people have at least one extra.
- The "Kajava" Classification: There are actually eight different types of extra nipples.
- Harry’s Type: Based on how they look, Harry likely has Category 6. This means it's just the nipple tissue itself, without the areola (the darker circle) or any underlying breast tissue.
Most people mistake them for moles. They can be tiny, flat, or slightly raised. They don't usually cause any health issues, though they can occasionally be sensitive to hormonal changes. For Harry, they’re just... there.
He’s in Pretty Good Company
Harry isn't the only one in Hollywood with "extra" parts. It’s actually a surprisingly long list of famous faces.
Mark Wahlberg has a third nipple on his left side. He’s been open about it for years and says he never considered having it removed. Lily Allen has one too, and she’s even famously showed it off on live television. Even Tilda Swinton reportedly has one, which she jokingly called her "witch's mark."
The difference with Harry is the symmetry. Most people only have a third one. Having four—a perfect second set—is significantly rarer. It’s almost like his body followed a different blueprint for a second.
Why Does Everyone Care?
It’s about the "perfect" celebrity image. We’re used to seeing stars who look like they were carved out of marble. When someone like Harry Styles, who is arguably one of the biggest style icons and sex symbols on the planet, shows off something "weird," it breaks the illusion.
It makes him human.
The "Harry Styles 4 nipples" conversation has shifted from a "did you know?" trivia fact to a weirdly empowering example of body positivity. He’s performed shirtless in front of millions. He’s done high-fashion shoots for Vogue and Rolling Stone where they are clearly visible. He hasn't asked editors to Photoshop them out.
What You Should Know If You Have One
If you’ve discovered a "mole" on your chest or stomach that looks suspiciously like a tiny nipple, don't freak out.
- Check the Line: Does it sit along the "milk line" (from the armpit to the groin)? If so, it’s probably polythelia.
- Consult a Pro: If you’re worried, show a dermatologist. While they are usually harmless, an expert can confirm it isn't something else, like a dysplastic nevus (a fancy word for a weird mole).
- Removal is Optional: Unless it’s causing physical discomfort or you really don’t like how it looks, there’s no medical reason to chop it off.
Honestly, Harry Styles has proven that you can have a "spare set" and still be the most charming person in the room. It’s a quirk, not a flaw.
The next time you’re scrolling through his concert photos and see those two little dots below his butterfly tattoo, you’ll know exactly what they are. They aren't scars, they aren't smudges, and they definitely aren't something he’s trying to hide.
Actionable Takeaways
- Check Your Body: If you have extra "moles" on your torso, see if they align with the embryonic milk lines.
- Embrace the Quirk: If it's a supernumerary nipple, know that you share a trait with Mark Wahlberg and Harry Styles.
- Medical Confirmation: If any "growth" changes shape, color, or starts bleeding, see a doctor immediately, regardless of whether you think it's a nipple or a mole.
Most people go their whole lives without realizing their "birthmark" is actually a vestigial nipple. It's just a small glitch in the way we're built. But as Harry has shown, those glitches are often what make us the most interesting.