Should Men Shave Armpits? Benefits, How-to Guide & Best Products (2025)

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A recent study found that shaving underarm hair can reduce odor by up to 57%. That’s not just a cosmetic change—it’s a measurable impact on how your body handles sweat and bacteria.

For men, the question of whether to shave armpits has shifted from taboo to legitimate grooming consideration, especially as athletes, professionals, and everyday guys recognize the practical benefits.

The choice isn’t just about aesthetics or following trends. It’s about understanding how underarm hair affects odor control, skin health, and personal comfort, then deciding what works for your lifestyle.

Whether you’re dealing with excessive sweat, curious about improving your grooming routine, or simply want to know what you’re getting into before picking up a razor, the decision comes down to weighing real benefits against potential drawbacks and maintenance requirements.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Shaving Armpits

Deciding whether to shave your armpits isn’t just about aesthetics—it comes down to weighing real benefits against practical drawbacks. From reducing odor and enhancing your grooming routine to dealing with potential irritation and upkeep, each factor plays a role in what works best for you.

Let’s break down the key pros and cons so you can make an informed choice.

Hygiene and Odor Reduction

When armpit hair traps sweat against your skin, it creates the perfect breeding ground for bacterial growth. Shaving can cut underarm odor by more than half—one study showed a 57% drop—because removing hair lets your deodorant reach the skin directly instead of coating the hair shaft. You’ll notice less body odor, especially after workouts, though watch for potential skin complications like razor bumps.

Shaving armpits can cut body odor by over half because it lets deodorant reach your skin directly instead of coating trapped hair

Regular showering is also essential to prevent odor, as is managing excessive underarm sweat.

Aesthetic and Grooming Considerations

Beyond odor control, grooming norms have shifted—over half of men who shave do it for aesthetic reasons, aiming for that cleaner, more sculpted look. Visual preferences lean toward less body hair, with research showing trimmed underarms boost perceived attractiveness and muscle definition.

Fashion trends favor neat, controlled grooming that won’t peek out from tank tops or fitted tees, directly influencing body image and psychological perceptions of polish. A recent survey indicates that a significant percentage of men trim their armpit hair.

Athletic Performance and Comfort

Athletes shave armpits for tangible gains—sweat evaporation accelerates cooling during intense workouts, and drag reduction can shave seconds off swim times. Chafing prevention becomes critical in endurance sports where repetitive motion meets moisture. Cyclists gain aerodynamic advantages, while runners report measurable performance metrics improvements.

Athletic reasons for shaving extend beyond hygiene to athlete hygiene and comfort: less friction, better mobility, and that psychological edge of feeling lighter and faster.

Potential Skin Irritation and Upkeep

Before you reach for that razor, consider the trade-offs. Shaving removes roughly a third of your skin’s protective barrier with each pass, which can trigger razor burn, ingrown hairs, and contact dermatitis. Darker skin types face pigmentation risks from inflammation, while daily upkeep demands time you mightn’t want to invest.

Pseudofolliculitis—those irritating bumps—affects up to 60% of shavers with curved hair follicles.

Preserving Natural Masculinity and Pheromones

While shaving offers hygiene perks, keeping your natural armpit hair provides real biological purposes tied to mate attraction and pheromones. Your underarm hair traps androstadienone—a compound linked to testosterone levels that signals sexual maturity. Cultural perceptions vary, but the evolutionary significance is clear:

• Hair increases surface area for pheromone production and dispersal
• Natural masculinity markers boost confidence in sexual attraction
• Body odor carries chemical signals that influence potential partners’ mood

Ultimately, it’s your call.

How Common is Armpit Shaving Among Men?

Armpit shaving among men isn’t as universal as you might think, but it’s far from rare. The practice varies widely depending on where you live, how old you are, and what circles you run in.

Let’s look at the trends, cultural shifts, and actual numbers that show how common this grooming choice really is.

Trends in Men’s Grooming

Men’s grooming has grown into a massive market, projected to reach nearly $120 billion globally by 2032. This shift reflects changing attitudes across generations about personal grooming for men.

You’re not alone if you’re rethinking body hair removal—surveys show 68% of men now trim their armpits, and younger guys aged 16–24 have doubled their underarm grooming rates in just two years.

Cultural and Generational Perspectives

Your relationship with body hair is deeply personal, shaped by where you live and when you grew up. Western norms increasingly favor smooth underarms, while cross-cultural practices vary widely—some Middle Eastern men view it as a religious duty, others embrace natural masculinity.

Generational shifts matter too: Gen Z men experiment more freely with grooming than older guys, facing less masculinity stigma around sexuality identity and aesthetic choices.

Prevalence Statistics and Survey Findings

How many guys actually shave their armpits? Generational trends reveal striking shifts: in the UK, 42% of men aged 16–24 removed underarm hair by 2018—up from just 16% in 2016. Global shaving rates vary widely, reflecting cultural norms and societal views on body hair.

A Men’s Health survey found 68% trim their pits, driven by aesthetic and social perspectives, while motivation for shaving centers on cleanliness and appearance.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Shave Armpits

Shaving your armpits doesn’t have to be complicated, but doing it right makes all the difference between smooth results and irritated skin. The key is following a proper sequence—from prep work to aftercare—that minimizes discomfort and keeps your underarms looking clean.

Here’s how to get it done without the razor burn or regret.

Pre-shaving Preparation and Trimming

Before you put razor to skin, a little prep goes a long way. Think of it as setting the stage for a smoother, irritation-free shave that actually lasts.

• Trim first: Use an electric trimmer or Philips OneBlade to cut hair down to about 1.5–3 mm, which prevents tugging and makes the blade’s job easier.
• Cleanse thoroughly: Hop in a hot shower to wash away bacteria, sweat, and any old antiperspirant that could clog your razor.
• Exfoliate gently: Before shaving, use a washcloth or mild scrub to lift dead skin cells and reduce the chance of ingrown hairs.
• Hydrate the hair: Let warm water soak the area for three minutes so hair softens and cuts cleanly without extra force.

Shaving Techniques for Sensitive Skin

Your razor choice matters more than you think—single-blade or closely spaced multiblade razors distribute pressure evenly, reducing irritation on sensitive skin.

Apply a dermatologist-tested shaving gel, then glide the blade with the grain using short, light strokes. Rinse your razor every couple of passes to prevent buildup.

Less pressure and fewer passes mean less post-shave discomfort, so let the blade do the work.

Preventing Razor Burn and Ingrown Hairs

You can dodge razor burn and ingrown hairs by sticking to a few proven habits. Pre-shave hydration softens hair and opens pores, so spend ten minutes in warm water before you start.

Keep your blade sharp—dull razors tug and create folliculitis. Always use lubrication; dry shaving invites irritation.

Shave with the grain in short strokes, and avoid pressing hard or repeating passes.

Post-shave Care and Moisturizing

Once you’ve finished shaving, your barrier function needs support. Skip deodorant for a few hours—freshly shaved underarm skin is sensitive. Instead, apply an aftershave balm or moisturizer with glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or ceramides within minutes.

These moisturizer ingredients repair skin irritation and lock in hydration. Make this your skincare routine: rinse, pat dry, moisturize.

Product prevalence shows most men experience underarm issues, so smart skin sensitivity management pays off.

Top 3 Recommended Armpit Shaving Products

Getting a smooth, irritation-free shave starts with having the right tools in your arsenal. The products you choose can make the difference between a quick, comfortable routine and a frustrating experience that leaves your skin angry and bumpy.

Here are three solid options that cover everything from prep to the actual shave itself.

1. Braun Multi Grooming Kit MGK3060

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The Braun Multi Grooming Kit MGK3060 delivers solid value for men tackling armpit hair removal. Its 8-in-1 design includes kit attachments spanning 13 precision length settings from 0.5 to 21mm, perfect for trimming before a close shave.

This electric trimmer addresses beard, body, and detail work, with cleaning ease thanks to its fully washable head. Battery performance offers about 60 minutes of cordless runtime, enough for several grooming sessions.

It’s a practical step in any men’s grooming guide, combining grooming suitability with affordability.

Best For: Men looking for an affordable, multi-purpose grooming tool that handles beard trimming, body hair management, and detail work without needing separate devices.

2. Easymoo Bath Loofahs Shower Sponge Poufs

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Once your armpits are smooth, exfoliation keeps them that way. The Easymoo Bath Loofahs Shower Sponge Poufs use a soft loofah material that gently lifts dead skin without aggravating freshly shaved zones.

Consumer reviews highlight their exfoliation effectiveness and budget-friendly three-pack design, though bacterial concerns call for thorough rinsing and drying after each use. Product lifespan hovers around three to four weeks, matching typical replacement cycles.

These poufs integrate easily into your shaving routine, enhancing your overall shaving experience with minimal fuss.

Best For: Anyone who wants gentle daily exfoliation after shaving or waxing, especially if you’re looking for an affordable option that creates rich lather without irritating sensitive underarm skin.

3. Aveeno Therapeutic Shave Gel For Women

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Sensitive skin demands a gentler approach. Aveeno Therapeutic Shave Gel delivers oatmeal skin benefits through colloidal oatmeal and vitamin E, creating a lubricating barrier that reduces friction and shaving irritation.

Its fragrance-free claims hold up—no synthetic perfumes, just a faint natural scent. The soap-free formula suits reactive underarm zones prone to razor burn, making it one of the strongest shaving product recommendations for men borrowing from the women’s aisle.

Dermatologist-tested and allergy-screened, this shave gel proves that sensitive skin use doesn’t require compromise on closeness or comfort.

Best For: People with sensitive or easily irritated skin who need a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic shave gel that minimizes razor burn and bumps in delicate areas like underarms.

Alternatives to Shaving and Maintenance Tips

Shaving isn’t your only option for managing armpit hair. You’ve got several alternatives that can fit different preferences, skin types, and grooming routines.

Let’s look at the main approaches you can take, from trimming to going completely natural.

Trimming Vs. Shaving

You’ve got two solid options for armpit hair grooming: trimming keeps things short without touching skin, while shaving removes everything at the surface.

Trimming with clippers takes under five minutes and slashes irritation risk, but you’ll still see stubble.

Shaving delivers smooth results and better odor control—clinical data shows up to 57% reduction—yet demands more upkeep and proper shaving techniques to avoid razor burn.

Waxing and Hair Removal Creams

When you’re weighing hair removal methods beyond shaving, waxing pulls hair from the root and keeps underarms smooth for two to four weeks—though waxing pain levels run higher than creams. Skin irritation risks differ: waxing can trigger redness or ingrown hairs, while creams occasionally cause mild stinging during use.

Hair removal creams dissolve hair at the surface with cream application times around five to ten minutes, but regrowth appears within three to seven days.

Maintaining Hygiene With Natural Armpit Hair

You can keep your natural armpit hair fresh without a razor—it’s all about smart hygiene.

Wash daily with a gentle cleanser to cut bacteria and underarm odor, then dry completely since moisture feeds the microbes that cause trouble.

Trim to a shorter length so deodorant reaches skin better, apply a mild moisturizer to protect your skin barrier, and you’ll knock out personal hygiene concerns while reducing body odor naturally.

Choosing The Best Method for Your Lifestyle

Match your grooming to your real life—time commitment, cost analysis, skin sensitivity, sport activity, and personal values all steer your choice. If razor burn plagues you, try alternatives to shaving like the Philips OneBlade or trimming.

Athletes often pick underarm hair removal methods such as the waxing method for less drag. Budget-conscious guys may skip laser hair removal and stick with quick clippers instead.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)