Does shaving armpits reduce odor?

Author: Dr. Alec Rogahn V  |  Last update: Saturday, June 14, 2025

Does shaving your armpits reduce body odor? Yes, shaving can help reduce body odor. Hair provides a breeding ground for bacteria, which break down sweat and produce odor. Removing hair can decrease this bacterial activity.

Do armpits smell less if you shave?

Comments Section Me too! Regularly shaving your armpits can help reduce the surface area where bacteria can thrive. Shaving also allows sweat to evaporate more quickly. With less hair, sweat doesn't get trapped on the skin's surface, which might minimize the smell.

Is it more hygienic to shave armpits?

Shaving underarm hair is not inherently hygienic or unhygienic; it largely depends on individual practices and preferences. Good hygiene practices, such as regular washing and proper skincare, are more important than whether or not hair is removed.

How do I get my armpits to stop smelling?

How to treat body odour yourself
  1. wash your armpits, groin and feet at least twice a day with soap and dry thoroughly.
  2. shave your armpits regularly.
  3. use antiperspirants and deodorants.
  4. change and wash your clothes regularly.
  5. wear natural fabrics like cotton, wool and silk.
  6. wear antibacterial socks.

Does shaving down there reduce odor?

Reduced Bacteria: Hair can trap sweat and bacteria. When hair is removed, there's less surface area for bacteria to cling to, which can help reduce odor.

Stink Alert: Understanding the Reasons Behind Smelly Armpits

Why do I smell better when I shave?

The bacteria on your skin breaks down the sweat, which creates the unpleasant smell. The bottom line is this: shaving armpits and body hair leads to fewer bacteria and less smell.

Do most girls shave down there?

Pubic hair grooming, described as partial or complete removal of pubic hair, is considered a prevalent practice in both men and women [1]. Notably, The prevalence of this practice is reportedly high in groomers with more than 80% of women actively engaging in it, as evidenced by multiple studies [1,2,3,4,5].

Why do my armpits smell bad even with good hygiene?

We all have natural bacteria on our skin and that's totally normal. However, when our sweat interacts with that bacteria, it can cause the production of compounds that can have a strong smell. This is especially true in the armpits, where the warm and moist environment encourages more bacteria to grow.

How to smell good naturally as a woman?

7 tips to help you smell good all day long
  1. Watch what you eat. It's not just what you put onto your body that counts. ...
  2. Drink plenty of water. ...
  3. Choose a perfume / scent that suits you. ...
  4. Where and when? ...
  5. Watch what you wear. ...
  6. Wash regularly. ...
  7. Ensure good dental hygiene.

Why do I smell bad even with good hygiene down there?

A strong vaginal odor may be a sign of vaginitis, or it may be a temporary smell related to your hygiene, lifestyle or other changes. Take note of whether you have other symptoms. If the odor is related to an infection, you'll usually notice other changes, like vaginal itching, burning and discharge.

Do men prefer hairy or shaved?

Women regularly remove their body hair, and the media portrays them as more attractive for doing so. Current research confirms this, showing that heterosexual men are more attracted to women with a hairless body.

How often should armpits be shaved?

Some prefer to shave the underarms every 2-3 days as they prefer the smoother feeling, others may have slower growth and opt to shave just every 3-5 days and some of us may shave once in a blue moon for a special occasion, it is entirely up to you and your comfort.

What are the cons of shaving armpits?

You're more likely to get nicks and cuts in the area, and armpits are famous for getting razor burn. Razor burn can cause deodorant to sting and burn upon application and can increase the itch you're trying to eliminate in the first place by getting rid of the hair.

Do you smell more if you don't shave?

Hair growth has nothing to do with body odor

Shaving your underarms or letting that hair growth has no impact on whether you smell or not. Aigen explains that sweat is released from sweat glands regardless of if there is hair there or not, and is odorless until it comes into contact with bacteria.

Why does female underarm hair stop growing?

All body hair that sprouts during puberty—think hair on your underarms, genitals, and chest hair on guys—is controlled by hormones. Since our estrogen levels drop as we reach middle to later age, body hair growth corresponds by becoming sparser and thinner, too.

How to detox armpits?

An armpit detox is a mask that can be applied to your underarms for around 15 minutes. The mask can be made at home with common household items like baking soda and cornstarch, or some beauty brands offer their own masks or scrubs.

What is the most attractive smell on a woman?

Vanilla. Arguably one of the most beloved and sultry fragrances out there is vanilla. You can find this delicious smell in Sweet Ash. Subtle, low-key, and addictive, Sweet Ash is a sweet scent that features a combination of juniper, bergamot, fir balsam, tonka, white moss, and patchouli.

How to remove smell from underarms permanently?

The following suggestions may help:
  1. Bathe daily. Regular bathing, especially with an antibacterial soap, reduces the growth of bacteria on your skin.
  2. Choose clothing to suit your activity. For daily wear, choose natural fabrics, such as cotton, wool and silk. ...
  3. Try relaxation techniques. ...
  4. Change your diet.

What makes body odor attractive?

Androstenol, found in fresh male sweat, is attractive to women. Men and women are attracted to the pheromones they produce and HLA is related to the perceptions of other peoples' odours. Men produce androstenol and androstenone.

Why do I still smell like BO after a shower and deodorant?

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.

Why does it smell when I open my legs?

We get it — it's a common problem, but sometimes it can make you self-conscious (“wait, can other people smell that, too?!”) and affect your confidence. Inner thigh odor is caused by various factors, including excessive sweating, fungal infections, poor hygiene, and hormonal changes.

What pubic hair do men find most attractive?

Seventeen per cent prefer a full bush, 18% prefer the area bare and most prefer a polite “clean-up” of the general genital vicinity. More than 71% of male respondents say they've never been turned off by a partner's pubic or butt hair.

Does pubic hair cause odor?

If you sense a little body odor, it's because your pubic hair is doing its job of trapping sweat, oil, and bacteria. To care for your pubic area, all you need to do is regularly rinse with water. Long story short, there is nothing dirty or unclean about pubic hair. There is no medical reason to remove it.

What cultures don't shave pubic hair?

Japan: Women in Japan have preferred to shave only their legs and underarms, leaving the bikini and pubic area untouched. It is also quite common to remove facial hair and peach fuzz for a smooth, glass-like appearance.

Previous article
What spots to put pimple patches on?
Next article
Is lemon bad for your teeth?