Should Men Shave Their Armpits?

Hey gents, let's dive into a question that's been coming up more often lately: should men shave their armpits? It might seem unusual at first, but think about it—half the population (yup, women) regularly shaves their armpits. So, why shouldn't we? Are there any real benefits to shaving our armpit hair, or is it just a matter of personal preference?

Why Would a Man Want to Shave His Armpit Hair?

1. Armpit Hair and Sweat: There's some evidence—though not entirely conclusive—that suggests shaving your armpit hair could reduce the amount of sweat you feel. While shaving doesn't actually make your armpits cooler or reduce sweat production, it might make those annoying sweat stains less noticeable on your clothes. That's already a win in my book!

2. Underarm Hair and Hygiene: Here's a big one—bacteria. The odour we often associate with sweat isn't caused by the sweat itself but by bacteria that thrive in moist areas, like underarm hair. Shaving your armpits can reduce the surface area where these bacteria can multiply, making your deodorant work even better and keeping you fresher for longer.

3. The Aesthetics of a Shaved Armpit: If you're an athlete or a model, shaving your armpits is pretty much standard practice. But even for us regular guys, there's something to be said for a clean look—no one really wants to see hair sticking out from under your arms, right?

4. The Connection with Smell: Some people believe that shaving your armpits can help reduce body odour. There's even research suggesting that when men are more aware of their body odour, it can lower their confidence. So, in that sense, shaving might not just improve how you smell but also how you feel.

Does Shaving a Man's Armpit Hair Improve His Smell?

Here's where it gets interesting. Did you know a man’s natural odour can send signals about his immune system, hormone levels, social status, and even his diet? Women can pick up on these signals subconsciously, which can impact attraction.

Back in the 1950s, some research suggested that shaved armpits improved men's body odour, making them more appealing. Fast forward to 2011, researchers in the Czech Republic revisited this idea with a more modern twist.

They conducted several experiments with groups of men who were "odour donors." Some men never shaved, some shaved one armpit, and some shaved both regularly. After avoiding certain activities and foods, the men wore cotton pads in their armpits for 24 hours, which were then sniffed by a group of brave women (yes, really!).

The women rated the odours based on intensity, pleasantness, and attractiveness.

What Does All This Armpit Research Mean?

So, what did they find? Well, the results were mixed. The first experiment found a link between shaved armpits and a better smell, but subsequent tests didn’t show anything significant. This could mean several things:

• The first group of participants might have had stronger natural odours than others.
• The positive results could have been a fluke.
• Shaving might have a minimal effect on body odour, but it's not as dramatic as some people might think.

The Bottom Line

There’s just not enough evidence to conclusively say that shaving your armpit hair will improve your body odour significantly. It might help a little, but there are probably more effective ways to ensure you smell good.

Ultimately, it all comes down to your personal grooming routine, diet, how much water you drink, and how often you shower. So, whether you choose to shave or keep it natural, do what makes you feel comfortable and confident. At the end of the day, that’s what matters most.

If you do decide to be hair free under your arms for summer remember to use FINO Soothe and FINO Bump Control to combat those nasty bumps and ingrown under your arms and help keep you fresh and confident

Until next time, stay fresh!

— Tshego