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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Also, many men already use these products on their chests. This adds to the feasibility of using a depilatory hair removal product.

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.

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.

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.

However, you can simply choose to accept the underarm hair if they are not a source of any sort of discomfort for you.