Do Men Shave Their Armpits? The Ultimate Grooming Guide

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Do Men Shave Their Armpits

Do men shave their armpits? It is a common question that arises when it comes to men’s grooming.

While most men focus on shaving their facial hair, the armpit hair also needs attention. According to a recent survey, up to 67% of American men shave their armpits at least once a week for various reasons.

Let’s look into some of those reasons and a few grooming tips for armpit hair.

Check out this Youtube video: “Guys Shave Their Armpits For The First Time – YouTube,” to witness how men react and feel after shaving their armpits for the first time. It’s an entertaining and informative video that sheds light on grooming in men‘s lifestyle.

Do Men Shave Their Armpits?

While it is less common for men to shave their armpits compared to women, it is not uncommon either. Men’s grooming has become more and more important in recent years and shaving armpits is a part of it for some men.

The decision to shave or not to shave is entirely personal and has its benefits and side effects. One of the benefits that men may experience after shaving their armpits is a reduction in body odor caused by armpit sweat.

This is because less hair allows for less surface area for bacteria to grow and cause odor. Additionally, some men find that having less armpit hair feels airier and less itchy.

On the other hand, shaving can also cause irritation, razor burn, and ingrown hairs, especially for men with sensitive skin. Ultimately, the choice to shave is up to the individual and what works best for their personal preferences and needs.

Reasons Why Men Shave Their Armpits

For Aesthetics

Although it is less common for men to shave their armpits, some men choose to do so for aesthetic reasons. Removing armpit hair can contribute to a cleaner, well-groomed appearance.

In addition, it can make the underarm area look less busy and more streamlined. Some men also find that it helps with body confidence, particularly when wearing clothing that reveals the underarm area.

For Hygiene

Research studies show that shaving armpit hair can decrease body odor and improve overall hygiene. This is because the hair in the underarm area can trap sweat and bacteria, leading to unpleasant smells.

Shaving also allows for more effective cleansing, as it eliminates potential obstacles for soap and water to reach the skin. Therefore, men who shave their armpits may notice a decrease in body odor and feel fresher throughout the day.

For Athletic Reasons

Some male athletes choose to shave their armpits to avoid discomfort and potential skin irritation caused by friction from underarm hair. When participating in sports or other physical activities, having less armpit hair can lead to a more comfortable and less itchy experience.

Additionally, without hair to trap sweat, the underarm area stays dryer, reducing the chance of chafing or rashes. Overall, shaving can benefit athletic performance and make physical activities more enjoyable for men.

Reasons Why Men Don’t Shave Their Armpits

It’s Natural

Many men choose not to shave their armpits simply because it’s a natural part of their body. Armpit hair is a secondary sexual characteristic that serves as an indicator of puberty and sexual maturity.

While society has set certain standards for grooming, men should feel comfortable in their own skin and embrace their natural features.

However, some people may argue that not shaving armpit hair can lead to hygiene issues. It is important to note that proper hygiene practices such as regular bathing and deodorant use can prevent unpleasant odors.

Pain and Discomfort

Sometimes men choose not to shave their armpits due to the pain and discomfort that comes with it. Razor burn, ingrown hairs, and irritation are all common side effects of shaving.

It’s also worth mentioning that the underarm area is sensitive and can be more prone to these issues.

Personal anecdotes and examples can help illustrate this point. Some men may have experienced painful razor burn or ingrown hairs that made them hesitant to continue shaving their armpits.

Proper Armpit Shaving Techniques

Shaving armpit hair is a personal preference for men. While it’s less common, some men prefer to shave their armpits to reduce body odor or stay comfortable while exercising.

Here are some proper armpit shaving techniques that you can follow to prevent discomfort, injury, or caused itching:

Prepare Your Skin

Before you shave your armpits, you need to prepare your skin properly to avoid irritation or razor burn. Here are some steps to prepare your skin effectively:

Step 1: Take a warm shower or bath to open up your skin pores and soften the hair. This can help you shave more comfortably and reduce irritation.

Step 2: Gently exfoliate your armpits with a loofah, exfoliating scrub or soap. This can help to remove dead skin cells, dirt and oil from the surface of your skin, and it can reduce the risk of ingrown hairs.

Step 3: Apply shaving cream, gel, or oil to your armpits. A good quality shaving product is essential for a smoother and less painful shave.

Be sure to choose a shaving product that contains natural ingredients and is fragrance-free to avoid skin irritation.

Choose the Right Razor

Choosing the right kind of razor for armpit shaving is important to prevent injuries and irritation. Here are some ways to choose a razor that suits your needs:

Step 1: Choose a razor with multiple blades to get a closer shave. A razor with two or three blades can maximize hair removal with every pass, leaving your armpits smoother.

Step 2: Use a razor with a pivoting head. A razor with a pivoting head can help you to shave around the contours of your underarm, so you can avoid nicks and cuts.

Step 3: Choose a razor with a moisturizing strip to soothe your skin. A moisturizing strip can help to moisturize your skin and reduce irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Shave Your Armpits Safely

Here are some smart shaving techniques that can help you to shave your armpits safely:

Step 1: Hold your razor at a 90-degree angle and shave in the direction of your hair growth. This can help to prevent ingrown hairs and reduce skin irritation.

Step 2: Shave your armpits carefully and slowly to avoid nicks and cuts. Using a light touch and going back over an area can help to achieve a closer shave.

Step 3: After finishing shaving, rinse your armpits with cold water to help close the pores and reduce skin irritation. Pat your armpits dry with a soft towel, then apply an all-natural moisturizer or aftershave lotion to soothe the skin.

By following these proper armpit shaving techniques, you can enjoy the benefits of a comfortable and smooth armpit shave without experiencing any injuries or discomforts.

Alternative Armpit Hair Removal Methods

Trimmers or Scissors

For those who want a less painful and less time-consuming alternative to shaving their armpits, using trimmers or scissors can be a great choice. These tools allow you to trim your hair to a desired length, without the risk of getting razor burn or ingrown hairs, which can be a problem with shaving.

Additionally, trimming your armpit hair is a lot easier and faster than shaving, making it a preferred method for many men. Plus, trimming is a lot less risky than shaving and is a good alternative to consider if you have sensitive skin.

Waxing or Laser Hair Removal

Waxing and laser hair removal are much more effective than shaving, but they come with a significantly higher price tag and can be more painful. Waxing removes hair from the roots, resulting in a smoother and longer-lasting finish.

But this popular practice can cause you to break out into bumps, which is not only uncomfortable but can be unsightly as well. Laser hair removal, on the other hand, is relatively painless but expensive.

Plus, it requires multiple sessions to remove hair permanently. If you’re willing to spend the money and endure some minor discomfort, waxing and laser hair removal are a great option to consider for armpit hair removal.

Conclusion

In conclusion, shaving armpits is not only common among women but also beneficial for men’s grooming. Men with shaved armpits may find a reduction in body odor and feel more comfortable wearing short-sleeved clothes.

However, shaving can also cause razor burn, ingrown hairs, and irritation. Men can follow simple steps like trimming the hair first, shaving in the shower, and using a sharp razor to avoid these issues.

Alternatively, other hair removal methods such as laser hair removal, waxing, or depilatory creams can also be considered. Regular grooming of armpit hair is crucial to maintaining personal hygiene and a clean appearance.

References

• GQ – Do men shave their armpits?
• Manscape – Do Guys Prefer Girls to Shave?
• Men’s Health – How to Shave Your Armpits: An Illustrated Guide
• Byrdie – Men’s Hair Removal Options for Every Body Part