It’s an age-old question: Should men shave their armpits? Societally speaking, men are less likely to do so, and it’s more accepted for guys to have hairy pits.
For proof, just go to the beach. A lot of guys allow their armpits to grow out of control.
However, there are benefits to shave your armpits that are worth considering that both you and your partner will enjoy.
Should You Shave Your Armpits?
It’s really a matter of personal preference. If you tend not to be a stinky guy and like having some hair up there, it may not be a problem.
After all, it’s not like shaving causes hair to grow in thicker, so you don’t have to worry about that.
But before you head out to the pool with full thickness, here are some points you should consider.
Reasons to Shave Armpit Hair
A main reason to shave your armpit hair has to do with body odor. Your armpits are filled with glands that produce sweat, which is why you need deodorant to cover it up.
However, having exceptionally hairy pits can get in the way of deodorant working correctly. The deodorant may not reach your glands with all that hair, so you may want to trim so that it can work properly.
A lot of men have also found that shaving their armpit hair makes those areas airier and less itchy. If your hair’s causing you problems in those departments, a shave could be in order.
Reasons to Not Shave Armpit Hair
There can be unwanted side effects with shaving armpit hair. For instance, you may have to contend with razor burn, ingrown hairs, cuts, and irritation.
But those shouldn’t be a problem provided you shave the right way.
How to Properly Shave Your Armpits
First, if you haven’t shaven your pits in a while, you should begin by trimming the hairs with scissors. This will allow the razor to get down further to actually shave your armpits.
Next, you want to exfoliate the area, which vastly reduces your risk of getting ingrown hairs. An exfoliating body scrub or loofah will work wonders in removing dead skin cells and bacteria.
From there, it’s recommended to shave your pits in the shower where it’s nice and wet. Hot water softens the hairs and reduces the risk of you pulling any out of place.
Make sure you use a new razor so you don’t irritate the skin. Ideally, you’ll have one with a rotating head so that it conforms to the natural curves of your pits. Also, ensure you take it nice and slow so as not to pull or cut yourself.
After shaving, you should use an unscented shave balm. Do not use one that’s alcohol-based because that can irritate the skin. From there, you just need to wait about three minutes before applying deodorant to your pits.
After that, you’re ready to take on the world, confident in the knowledge that your pits look and smell great.
Alternatives to Shaving Armpit Hair
Shaving is arguably the most efficient way of removing armpit hair. However, it can get burdensome and the cost of razors can really add up after a while.
Plus, you’ll have to shave somewhat frequently to ensure the hair doesn’t grow back. Here are some alternatives you should consider if you want a more permanent solution.
- Laser hair removal
- Waxing
- Depilatory creams
- Electrolysis
- Sugaring
- Threading
- Epilators
At the end of the day, it’s all a matter of how you wish to groom yourself. But if you do decide to shave your pits, make sure you have the right tools to keep yourself looking fresh. A good razor and shave balm should be part of your haircare toolbox, along with a brow and beard gel comb and shaving cream.
References:
Gallagher, Grace. “Are There Benefits to Shaving Arm Hair? A How-To If You Choose to Do It.” Healthline, 28 Jun. 2019. https://www.healthline.com/health/shaving-arms#other-hair-removal-methods
Weaver, Erin and Mansuroglu, Adam. “Why Men Should Shave Their Armpits.” Men’s Health, 26 Jun. 2019. https://www.menshealth.com/style/a19547599/why-men-should-shave-armpits/
