Shaving, Sweating and Smell
These glands will continue to produce perspiration even when the hair is shaved down to skin level. The perspiration will continue to leak out of the hair's openings, even if there are fewer openings because the hair is shorter or shaved down to the skin [source: Mayo Clinic].
Studies have found the difference in the smell of regularly shaven pits compared to hairy ones is minimal at best. That's because our sweat is actually odourless and it's the bacteria it comes into contact with that causes a nasty smell. If you keep your pits nice and clean, then you shouldn't have a problem.
The more hair you have, the more surface area bacteria has to cling to, which keeps the smell so pungent, says Bowe.
Not shaving reduces skin-on-skin contact friction, which means when you do activities that involve arm movement, like running or walking, your skin is much less likely to get irritated by the friction. This might lead to fewer skin issues like rashes and ingrown hairs.
As with shaving any part of your body, shaving your armpits also opens up the possibility of getting razor burn, ingrown hairs and irritation, and the underarm area is definitely one of the more uncomfortable areas to experience this in.
By having less hair under your armpit (or none at all), there's less room for sweat-based bacteria to multiply. Crucially, this means a fresher post-gym grooming routine and less questionable smells once you're back at your desk.
Shaving can also cause skin irritation because your underarm area is sensitive. Razor burns can be caused by dull blades or shaving on dry skin. You may get ingrown hairs, which are painful bumps that happen when hair grows into your skin.
The Role of Underarm Hair
They found that the absence of hair optimizes cleansing and makes one's daily hygiene more effective in reducing body odor. Similarly, a 2012 study published in Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology states that the odor of shaved armpits (in men) was rated more attractive than hairy armpits.
Your armpits and groin are typically the stinkiest areas on your body, says Massick. That's because these areas are full of apocrine glands, which produce odor-emitting sweat after mixing with the bacteria on your skin.
For those that like the feel of smooth, hairless arms, shaving will be beneficial. Because hair holds onto moisture, shaving your armpits may result in less sweating, or at least less noticeable sweating (sweat rings on your shirt sleeves, for example). Shaving may also cut down on the odor associated with sweat.
ODOR AFTER A SHOWER IS DUE TO LINGERING BACTERIA
In addition to bacteria, oftentimes there is deodorant residue and other impurities that are trapped in the underarm pores and within the hair if you have armpit hair.
Your armpit hair has nothing to do with the reason(s) you're sweating. Sweating occurs when your internal body temperature climbs too high, or when you're nervous, stressed or anxious. Your sweat glands just so happen to be located under your pits.
Wait Before Applying Deodorant
After you shave, wait a little bit before putting on antiperspirant. Applying deodorant to freshly shaven skin may cause some discomfort. So, allow your skin time to rest to reduces the chances of irritation from the deodorant.
"It's safe to shave your legs, bikini area, and armpits every day if necessary," says Francesca Fusco, MD, a New York City-based dermatologist. "It's not unhealthy, it just needs to be done properly." So, in short: It comes down to your personal preference and the routine you like to keep.
Culturally, the Chinese consider it bad luck to alter their physical appearance in any way. Women in the U.S. have been on quite a roller coaster ride when it comes to their armpit hair, or lack thereof, over the past century.
So, do men shave their armpits? You might be surprised to find that a recent survey by MANSCAPED™ found that 68% of men do groom their armpits.
2.2 Helps reduce friction Armpit hair also helps prevent skin-to-skin contact when you do certain activities, such as walking or jogging. The same goes for pubic hair, as they help reduce friction during sex and other activities.
Of the 4,044 men surveyed, 68 percent said they trim their armpit hair; 52 percent said they do it for aesthetics, and 16 percent said they do it for athletic reasons. (About 1 in 10 guys surveyed said they never trim their armpit hair.)
While only 2 percent of Europeans lack the genes for smelly armpits, most East Asians and almost all Koreans lack this gene, Day told LiveScience.
Thioacetone is regarded as one of the worst smelling compounds known to science. This organosulfur compound is known to induce vomiting, unconsciousness and nausea for up to a half-mile radius if exposed to air.