It’s been a question that’s been debated for years – should men wax their armpit hair?
Some guys are all for it, while others believe it’s unnecessary (and even unmasculine). Some say yes, it looks cleaner and more stylish. Others say no. It’s painful and unnecessary.
So, where do you stand on this crucial issue? Let’s look at the pros and cons of manscaping your pits.
Pros of Waxing your Armpit as a Man
You’re not alone if you’re a man who’s been thinking about waxing your armpits. In recent years, more and more men have been getting rid of their body hair, and there are plenty of good reasons to do so. Here are just a few.
It’s hygienic.
Let’s be honest. Underarm hair can get pretty stinky. Not to mention, it can trap sweat and bacteria, leading to body odor. Waxing is the way to go if you want to stay fresh and clean.
It can make you smell better.
This one might not be at the top of your list of reasons to wax your armpits, but it’s worth considering. Shaving can leave your skin dry and irritated, leading to more body odor.
Waxing, on the other hand, removes the hair from the root, which gives you much smoother and softer skin. And as an added bonus, applying antiperspirant to waxed skin is much more effective than shaving skin because there’s nothing to block the product from doing its job.
It makes you less prone to infection.
When you shave your armpits, you’re removing hair and a layer of protective skin. This can leave you susceptible to all sorts of infections, including ingrown hairs, razor burns, and folliculitis (which is just a fancy word for inflammation around the hair follicle). Waxing doesn’t remove any skin, so you don’t have to worry about any pesky infections popping up.
It’s affordable and easy.
Waxing may seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually quite simple and affordable. You can easily find at-home wax kits at your local drugstore or online, and they usually only cost around $20-$30. Plus, once you get the hang of it, doing both armpits only takes a few minutes.
It lasts longer than shaving.
If you’re a man who’s tired of having to shave your armpits every day (or even every other day), then waxing is definitely for you. When done correctly, a good wax job can last up to six weeks—much longer than even the best razor can promise.
It feels good.
Okay, this one is subjective, but hear us out. Many guys report feeling more confident when they don’t have any armpit hair peeking out from their shirt sleeves. If that sounds like you, waxing might be worth giving a shot. We promise it won’t be nearly as bad as you think.
Drawbacks of Waxing Your Armpits as a Guy
Let’s explore some cons of waxing your armpits as a man.
It can be painful.
Let’s face it: waxing is no picnic. While the pain doesn’t last very long, it can be intense while it lasts. If you have a low pain threshold, waxing may not be your correct hair removal method.
It can cause ingrown hairs.
Waxing can cause ingrown hairs, which can be uncomfortable and unsightly. An ingrown hair occurs when the hair follicle becomes blocked, causing the hair to grow back into the skin instead of up and out. This can happen if the wax isn’t applied correctly or if the person has sensitive skin.
It’s only sometimes practical.
Waxing doesn’t always get all the hair in one go, which means you may have to go over the same area multiple times to get rid of all the hair. This can be time-consuming and frustrating, especially if you’re in a hurry.
It can irritate the skin.
Waxing can irritate the skin, especially if you have sensitive skin. Irritation, redness, and bumps are all common side effects of waxing. If you experience these side effects, you must stop waxing and consult a doctor or dermatologist to see if Waxing suits you.
So, To Wax or Not to Wax?
For many men, the idea of waxing their armpits is met with a raised eyebrow and a baffled expression. After all, isn’t that something that only women do?
As it turns out, though, more and more men are trying armpit waxing. But is it really worth it? Let’s look at the pros and cons of this increasingly popular grooming practice and decide whether waxing is for you.
As mentioned above, there are quite a few advantages to waxing your armpits, even if you’re a guy. For starters, it can help you reduce body odor.
That’s because when hair is present, it provides a breeding ground for bacteria. When you remove the hair with wax, there’s no longer anything for the bacteria to cling to, which means you’ll stay fresher for longer.
Waxing can be good for your health. That’s because shaving your armpits can lead to ingrown hairs, rashes, and other skin irritations. When you wax instead of shave, you don’t have to worry about any of those issues.
Of course, there are also some downsides to waxing your armpits as a guy. For one thing, it can be painful. There’s no getting around that fact – especially if you’ve never done it before. If you have low pain tolerance, stick with shaving or another hair removal method.
In addition, waxing can be expensive. If you go to a salon to have it done, it will cost you more than if you were to shave at home. And depending on how fast your hair grows, you may have to get it done every few weeks – which can add up quickly.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, whether or not you decide to wax your armpits is entirely up to you. But we hope that this article has given you something to think about. If you’re looking for an alternative to shaving or are tired of constantly dealing with irritation and infection, waxing might be worth trying.
READ ALSO: Should Men Groom Their Eyebrows?
