Should men shave their armpits? A comprehensive guide to armpit hair removal

Should men shave their armpits too? The benefits of shaving armpits

The question of should men shave armpits as well has gained traction in recent years, and it seems like we might be entering an age where attitudes towards body hair are evolving, not just for women but also for men.

Armpit hair removal has been a cultural practice dating back centuries. Throughout history, different cultures and societies have had different answers to the question of ‘should men trim armpit hair?’ In ancient Egypt, for example, when it came to shaving armpit hair, men and women removed their body hair for aesthetic reasons.¹ In the early 20th century, after it wasn’t given much thought in the Victorian era, Western societal norms began to associate body hair on women with uncleanliness and deemed it ‘unladylike’, leading to the widespread adoption of armpit hair removal.²

There are many reasons men might want to shave their armpits, including hygiene, personal preferences, and societal expectations.

• Hygiene. Men who engage in sports or physical activities may find that shaved armpits allow for better sweat evaporation, reducing the chances of body odour. Additionally, keeping the underarm area clean and free from excess hair can prevent the buildup of bacteria and minimise the risk of skin issues. You still need to wash to remove these bacteria, however.³ 

• Personal preferences. Some men simply prefer the look and feel of smooth underarms, finding it more aesthetically pleasing or comfortable. Others may choose to remove armpit hair as a form of self-expression, aligning with their overall grooming routine or style.
  
  
• Athletic performance. Athletes often prefer to trim or shave their armpit hair as they believe it can improve athletic performance. By reducing drag and making the body more aerodynamic, shaving armpit hair can be particularly beneficial to swimmers.⁴
  
  
• Societal expectations and cultural norms. In certain industries or social circles, a clean-shaven underarm might be seen as more professional or socially acceptable. However, it's essential to emphasise that personal choice should always be the determining factor, regardless of societal pressures.

In a 2019 study conducted by Men’s Health, of 4,044 men surveyed, 68 percent said they trim their armpit hair. Of that 68 percent, 52 per cent they do it for aesthetic reasons, while 16 percent said they trim their armpit hair for athletic performance. Interestingly, 11 percent responded that men should never shave their armpit hair, which could be a reflection of societal expectations.

How to shave your armpits properly: avoiding cuts and rashes

For those who choose to remove their armpit hair, proper shaving techniques are crucial to avoid discomfort and skin irritation. It’s also important to use the very best tools for the job. The Philips OneBlade, for example, is a versatile all-in-one tool that allows you to trim and shave your armpit hair effortlessly. And, when the time comes to replace the blade, we provide shaver head replacements, so you can continue using the same handle, reducing unnecessary waste.

To ensure a smooth and irritation-free shaving experience, follow these steps for how to shave underarms:

1. Prepare the skin. Begin by taking a warm shower or using a warm towel to soften the hair and open up the pores. This will make the shaving process easier and less likely to cause irritation.
   
   
2. Choose the right tools. Opt for a high-quality grooming tool with multiple blades to ensure a close shave. Consider using a tool specifically designed for sensitive skin, like the Philips OneBlade, to minimise the risk of cuts and irritation. And with the Philips service and repair service, if your device ever needs a bit of TLC, you can send it in to Philips for an overhaul. That means better grooming, and less waste due to replacing the entire device.
   
   
3. Apply shaving cream or gel. Use a shaving cream or gel that is suitable for sensitive skin and apply it evenly to the armpit area. This will provide lubrication and help the grooming tool glide smoothly, reducing the chance of nicks and razor burns.
   
   
4. Shave with gentle strokes. Start by shaving in the direction of hair growth to minimise irritation. Rinse the tool frequently to prevent clogging and maintain its effectiveness.
   
   
5.  Rinse and moisturise. Once you have finished shaving, rinse the area with cool water to close the pores. Pat the skin dry gently and apply a moisturiser or soothing lotion to hydrate and calm the skin.