Should Men Shave Their Underarms? (And How Often)

While hair removal from the body and even the face is one of the openly discussed, even appreciated topics, the same is not the case for men. Men can grow a beard and leave their body hair untouched. However, the grooming routine can be different when it comes to the armpits making men wonder if they should shave their armpits. There are several factors to consider regarding armpit hair as they are coarser and thicker than the hair on other body parts in men. So, are you confused about what should you do about the underarm hair? If yes, let us find it out right here. Understanding the implications of underarm hair grooming can help you make an informed decision about your personal grooming habits. Table of Contents: Part 1: Why Do Men Choose to Shave Their Underarms? Part 2: Why Do Men Choose Not to Shave Their Underarms? Part 3: Should Men Shave Their Underarms? Part 4: How Often Should Men Shave Their Underarms? Part 5: Tips and Tricks to Shave the Underarms Part 6: Other Hair Removal Methods for Underarms for Men Part 1: Why Do Men Choose to Shave Their Underarms? As some men choose to remove the pesky underarm hair, here are the reasons for it. Removing underarm hair can boost confidence for many men, contributing to personal grooming and hygiene. 1. Less Skin Irritation The first and foremost reason men like to go hair-free is the skin irritation caused by their dark and thick hair. In areas like underarms, hair especially pokes the skin and makes men feel uncomfortable. Removing armpit hair greatly reduces skin irritation. 2. Less Body Odor Hair in the underarms acts as a place for the colonization of bacteria, dirt, and microbes. These mix up with sweat and give a bad body odor. So, having less body other can be another reason for shaving armpit hair as mentioned in how to eliminate armpit smell. 3. Less Sweating Armpit hair prevents the flow of air through the clothes. It also increases the body temperature. Both these factors make you sweat more. This sweat appears on the clothes and makes you embarrassed. When you shave the armpits, there is better ventilation and less sweating. 4. A Boost in Confidence Although some men flaunt their armpit hair, others feel conscious about it. As a result, they hesitate while going to the beach or wear sleeveless shirts. Shaving the armpits can give such men the confidence to wear whatever they want and go to the beach anytime. Also, less sweating and body odor add to the benefits. 5. A Clean Appearance No matter how acceptable armpit hair is in men, we have to agree that men look well-groomed, neat, and hygienic without it. Furthermore, having no armpit hair makes cleaning such a concealed area easier. So, shaving armpit hair is a way to maintain hygiene. 6. Better Effects of Underarm Products Imagine having armpit hair and applying deodorants or antiperspirants over it. You will have little to no benefits. It is because the products get stuck in the hair and do not reach the skin. Without underarm hair, deodorants and antiperspirants can work more effectively, ensuring better protection against odor and sweat. In contrast, the application and absorption of the products are greatly increased on hairless skin. Also, check the best deodorants and antiperspirants for men here. 7. Better Performance in Sports Armpit hair can interfere with aerodynamics and increase the opposing force to movement. Although it won’t be significant in most athletes, it plays an important role in swimmers and reduces their performance. In sports, reducing drag from underarm hair can provide a minor but beneficial advantage, particularly for competitive swimmers. So, shaving underarms can improve performance in sports. Part 2: Why Do Men Choose Not to Shave Their Underarms? While there are so many reasons to remove the underarm hair, there are a few reasons why men prefer to keep it. These are given as. 1. Standards of Society Society is not as critical of body hair in men as it is for women. Also, there is not much talk about unwanted hair or its removal in men. Even the commercials mostly feature hair removal in women. Consequently, men’s hair is considered normal and at times attractive. So, men choose to leave them as it is. Men often feel comfortable embracing their natural body hair, viewing it as a part of their masculinity. 2. Lack of Time Armpits are a hidden area that is difficult to reach as well. With shaving, hair grows quickly. So, although men make time to take shower, they might be too busy to get rid of armpit hair frequently. Therefore, they choose not to shave and go all natural. 3. Risk of Side Effects Shaving armpits can be tricky. It can give men nicks, cuts, razor burns, and even ingrown hair when done incorrectly. So, many men avoid shaving their armpits for fear of such side effects. In addition, shaving can also affect the skin barrier and allow bacteria to enter into the skin. This results in folliculitis, a painful inflammation of the hair follicles. These side effects can lead to discomfort and may deter men from regular shaving practices. 4. Personal Choice Just like shaving armpit hair, for whatever reason, is a personal choice, so it not shaving it. So, you can choose not to shave it if armpit hair is not hindering your activities, making you lose confidence, or reducing personal hygiene. 5. To Reduce Chaffing While removing armpit hair is a more effective way to prevent chaffing and skin irritation,  some men experience chaffing without armpit hair if their skin is sensitive, they wear tight clothes or are involved in intense exercises. Also, harsh products can irritate sensitive skin when they are applied on it directly. Using gentle products designed for sensitive skin can help minimize irritation and discomfort. Part 3: Should Men Shave Their Underarms? Shaving armpit hair is a personal preference just like grooming any part of the body. It is especially a privilege for men when society accepts them as it is. However, the answer could be different if we consider the pros and cons of shaving armpit hair side by side. Therefore, yes, men should shave their underarms for better hygiene, physical performance, confidence, appearance, and body odor. Also, shaving is not the only hair removal method for men, they can give other methods a try as well. Alternative methods may include trimming or using hair removal creams, which can also achieve desired results. Part 4: How Often Should Men Shave Their Underarms? The frequency of shaving underarms in men varies according to the growth rate of their hair, the thickness of irritation it causes, the need to wear specific shirts, and the time they can make. As a man, if you shave the armpits one day, you will notice new hair the very next day. So, you can shave the armpits every day. However, as this hair is not visible 24/7, you can choose to keep the length appropriate by shaving the underarms once every day. In conclusion, shaving once every 3 to 7 days will be a good decision. Shaving every 3 to 7 days can help maintain a clean appearance while minimizing skin irritation. Part 5: Tips and Tricks to Shave the Underarms As shaving underarms can be tricky, let us help you with a few tricks and tips to shave the armpits like a pro. These tips can enhance your shaving experience, ensuring smoother results and less discomfort. 1. Pre and Post Care are a Must Although men consider their skin to be thick and strong and directly use a razor on it, we will have to discourage it. Regardless of gender, skin preparation before shaving is a must to prevent the side effects of shaving and get a close shave. For this, cleanse the armpits and wash them with warm water to soften the hair and make shaving more suitable. Warm water not only softens the hair but also opens up the pores, making the shaving process easier. 2. Trim the Hair Beforehand If you have not shaved in a while and your hair is too long, do not use a razor directly. Long hair clogs the razor and makes shaving difficult. Trimming beforehand can significantly improve your shaving experience and reduce potential skin irritation. So, take scissors and trim it to an appropriate length to shave it. That is also why it is recommended to shave often so that you do not have to spend extra time trimming. 3. Never Skip a Lubricating Product If you have sensitive skin, using a shaving cream or gel is a must. If your skin is normal, it is still advised to apply a lubricating product on the armpits before shaving. It will help you move the razor easily on your underarms without irritating the skin. Additionally, a lubricating product helps in preventing side effects like burns, cuts, and nicks. Using a good lubricating product can create a protective barrier, enhancing the comfort of your shave. 4. A Sharp Razor is Your Best Partner The sharper the razor, the better the shave you will get. On the other hand, a dull razor won’t cut the hair effectively. Rather, it will harm the skin. A sharp razor not only ensures a cleaner cut but also reduces the risk of skin irritation and injury. Therefore, use a new disposable razor after every few shaves or simply buy a safety razor and change the blades often. Part 6: Other Hair Removal Methods for Underarms for Men Here are 4 other hair removal methods for men to get rid of the unwanted hair on their armpits. 1. Using an Electric Trimmer If using a shaving razor seems a lot to you and you are afraid of cutting the skin, an electric trimmer is there for you. It is made of foils to protect the skin and trimmers to remove the hair. Therefore, you can get a close shave without any harsh effects of the blades on the skin. Using an electric trimmer can provide a gentler alternative to traditional shaving methods, reducing the risk of skin irritation. 2. Waxing Imagine staying hair-free for about 3 weeks or even longer in addition to finer hair growth over time. Yes, this is what repeated waxing of the armpits does for you. Waxing can lead to longer-lasting results compared to shaving, making it a popular choice for those seeking smooth underarms. You can use hard wax to treat the armpits at home with less pain or simply book an appointment at a salon once every week to get smooth underarms. Choosing hard wax for home use may result in less discomfort than other methods, making it an appealing option for many. 3. Hair Removal Creams/Sprays Hair removal sprays and creams have made hair removal in men extremely feasible. Simply apply the cream, wait a few minutes, and wipe it off. Its results will last longer than shaving. But be careful of the chemical burns. While hair removal creams and sprays can be effective, it’s important to follow instructions carefully to avoid any adverse skin reactions. Also, many men already use these products on their chests. This adds to the feasibility of using a depilatory hair removal product. The familiarity with hair removal creams used on the chest may lead to greater comfort in using such products for underarm hair removal. 4. IPL Hair Removal Last but not least, men should also have the opportunity to try semi-long-lasting hair removal like women do. This will help them save time and money along with removing armpit hair safely. IPL hair removal offers a semi-permanent solution that can significantly reduce the frequency of shaving, allowing for a smoother experience. Using the Ulike Air3 Sapphire IPL hair removal device, you can get rid of unwanted hair within a few minutes. Within a few sessions, more than 90% of your armpit hair follicles will be put into a resting phase for up to 6 months. Conclusion Underarm hair removal can be a little embarrassing to discuss for young men or teenagers who just started developing thick hair leaving them wondering what to do about it. Discussing underarm hair removal can be challenging for young men, but understanding the options available can ease this transition. Well, the answer is to get rid of them whether with a razor, electric trimmer, waxing, hair removal sprays, or an IPL hair removal device. It is done to be more confident in your skin. Choosing a hair removal method can enhance your confidence, as it allows you to present yourself in a way that feels best for you. However, you can simply choose to accept the underarm hair if they are not a source of any sort of discomfort for you. Accepting your natural underarm hair is perfectly valid; comfort should always be a priority in your grooming choices. Jason