How to trim armpit hair the right way

Why trim underarm hair?

There is no hygiene requirement that says men must remove underarm hair. Armpit grooming is a personal choice, and the look or feel you prefer may be different from someone else's.

Common reasons for trimming men’s armpit hair include:

• Appearance: Shortening longer growth can create a more even, controlled look.
• Comfort: You may simply prefer the feel of shorter underarm hair.
• Routine: If you already groom your chest, legs or other body hair, you may want your underarms to fit the same overall style.
• Preference over shaving: Trimming keeps some visible hair and means you can choose a length rather than removing it at skin level.

So, do guys trim underarm hair? Some do, and some do not. There is no right choice, and your grooming routine can change whenever your preferences change.

Choosing your underarm hair length and tool

When trimming men's armpit hair for the first time, begin longer if you are unsure what length you prefer. You can always shorten it further, but you cannot put length back once it has been cut. Start with a guard or comb that leaves more hair, check the length and adjust in small steps until you’re happy with the results.

For how to trim men's underarm hair with more control, choose a body-grooming tool with an appropriate comb or adjustable length setting. The Philips All-in-One Trimmer Series 9000 comes with multiple attachments and 27 length settings from 0.2 mm to 20 mm. That range can help you choose a controlled body-hair length rather than aiming automatically for the shortest possible cut.

Before you start armpit grooming...

• Read the instructions for your exact trimmer and select an attachment intended for body hair.
• Check that the underarm skin is free from cuts, soreness or obvious irritation.
• If the hair is very long, start with a longer setting and reduce the length gradually.
• Make sure the trimmer and attachment are clean before use.

How to trim armpit hair for guys, step by step

If you are wondering how to trim underarm hair with a trimmer, follow the instructions provided in the product manual. As a practical routine, work slowly and use the guard to control how much hair you remove.

1. Prep the area. Wash your underarms with a gentle cleanser and make sure the skin is dry before trimming. Clean, dry skin helps the trimmer move more smoothly and reduces the chance of pulling or snagging longer hairs.
2. Gather your equipment. Choose a clean, high-quality body trimmer, such as the Philips All-in-One Trimmer Series 9000. Trim in front of a mirror so you can see the area clearly and keep your movements controlled.
3. Choose your starting length. Fit the body comb or guard at a longer setting if you are unsure how short you want to go.
4. Position your arm comfortably. This helps expose the underarm area so you can see where you are trimming.
5. Trim gradually. Guide the trimmer over the hair using light, controlled movements rather than pressing hard into the skin.
6. Check different directions. Underarm hair does not always grow uniformly, so inspect the direction of hair growth and make additional controlled passes only where needed.
7. Stop and assess. If you want a shorter finish, reduce the setting one step at a time rather than jumping straight to the shortest length.
8. Clean the tool. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for removing hair from the attachment and cleaning the trimmer after use.
9. Aftercare. Gently wipe or brush away loose hairs, then rinse or cleanse the area if needed. Pat the skin dry and apply a light, fragrance-free moisturiser to help keep the underarms comfortable after trimming.

Remember to work methodically rather than repeatedly passing over the same patch. If the skin starts to feel sore, stop and let it recover.

Trimming armpit hair FAQs

Should guys trim their underarm hair?

Only if they want to. Keeping, shortening or removing underarm hair is a personal grooming choice. Choose the option that feels comfortable and suits the appearance you prefer.

How short should men trim underarm hair?

You can trim your underarm hair as short as you would like. If you are new to trimming, start longer and work down gradually until you find a length you like. An adjustable trimmer or guard like the Philips All-in-One Trimmer Series 9000 gives you more control over the result.

Can you use a trimmer on underarm hair?

Yes, provided the trimmer and attachment are designed for body grooming and you follow the supplied instructions. Use light pressure, keep the tool clean and stop if the skin becomes irritated.

Good armpit grooming does not need to be complicated. Just ensure you make use of the trimmer guards and attachments provided with your trimmer so that you can find the length you like. Over time, you can decide how often to trim underarm hair based on your preferred length and how quickly your hair grows.