Not shaving armpits avoids razor burn, ingrown hairs, and nicks, while hair naturally reduces friction and wicks sweat, decreasing irritation and potential infections, though some find it reduces odor by limiting bacterial growth; ultimately, it's a personal choice for comfort, appearance, or perceived hygiene. It's a myth that hair increases odor or sweat, but bacteria trapped in hair causes smell; however, proper hygiene with deodorant works regardless of hair, and some prefer the look or feel of natural hair for comfort and confidence.
- Leaving armpit hair is the default for many American men because cultural expectations, low perceived necessity, convenience, and avoidance of skin irritation outweigh the benefits of removal. Trends are shifting, but the practice remains a matter of personal preference shaped by identity, practicality, and fashion.
Comments Section No, not in the slightest. Shaving armpits is just done for aesthetic reasons, there are no hygienic benefits. As long as you wash your armpits regularly you are fine, no matter if they are shaved or not. And shaving them makes you sweat much more and makes the skin more irritated due to chafing.
She didn't do it on purpose. There was an interview with her couple of years ago. She said that she just thought the sleeves were longer and that it would not show her armpits. And she thought it was funny that everyone took it as some kind of statement, and it wasn't her purpose.
If you've spotted a few unwanted hairs and are grabbing for your razor, you might want to think twice.
No, you don't need to shave or wax. However, if there's something going on with your skin, shaving or waxing will make it easier for your physician to evaluate the area.
From Sophia Loren in the 1950s to Julia Roberts in 1999, these trailblazing celebrities embraced their natural armpit hair long before it became a symbol of empowerment, challenging beauty norms and reminding us that confidence is timeless.
SOUND OFF: Miley Cyrus and several actresses have stopped shaving their armpits and are saying if men shouldn't have to, then women shouldn't feel pressured to do it either.
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.
Type 1A is the rarest hair type and is stick-straight without even a hint of a wave. This type of hair tends to be healthy and glossy, but it's extremely difficult to get it to hold curl or style.
Shaving your armpits can help reduce odor by minimizing the surface area where bacteria can hang out. The same goes for other body zones, like your groin area. Hair down there can trap sweat and bacteria too, especially during workouts or hot days. Shaving or trimming can help keep things fresher by reducing buildup.
A different short-term solution to shaving that you could consider is depilatory creams, such as the Veet BodyCurv Hair Removal Cream. This hair removal cream is suitable for sensitive skin and has a curved applicator, perfect for your pits. However, ensure you do a patch test in case of sensitivity.
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.
Cons. Potential irritation: The underarm area is sensitive; improper shaving can lead to razor burn or bumps. Frequent upkeep: Hair grows back quickly, so maintenance can feel more demanding.
Men in Italy and France keep their armpits and genital areas naturally hairy. Their counterparts in German-speaking countries, however, prefer the manicured look.
No — shaving hair doesn't change its thickness, color or rate of growth. Shaving facial or body hair gives the hair a blunt tip. The tip might feel coarse or "stubbly" for a time as it grows out.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized cleanliness, saying, “Cleanliness is half of faith” (Sahih Muslim). People don't have to cut their nails or shave their pubic hair, but it's recommended that they do so to stay clean.
Ellen Marmur, most women do indeed have abdominal hair, often due, like most other physical attributes, to normal ethnic variation or hormone levels. “When you're in a high hormone state, not only is your progesterone and estrogen high, but also your testosterone,” says Marmur.
It's important to note that hair is a symbol in Japan. It represents adulthood and maturity. The Japanese term for pubic hair is “bai ban,” and refers to the absence of female pubic hair. It is a sign of unhygienic and unsanitary.
As Roberts has pointed out, despite the attention (not to mention the column inches) that her armpits attracted, she had no pro-hair agenda at play; she was simply being herself.
WEDNESDAY, May 28, 2025 (HealthDay News) — Singer and actress Miley Cyrus says a rare voice disorder called Reinke's edema is behind her famous raspy voice — and also makes singing live very hard.
Nature's Rarest Palette: Red Hair Standing at the apex of rarity, natural red hair occurs in just 1-2% of the global population.
Julia Roberts has often spoken about her efforts to incorporate environmentally friendly products and organic food into her life. But her decision not to wear deodorant is unrelated, according to a comment she made to Oprah Winfrey in 2008. “It's just never been my thing,” she said.
Stars like Jake Gyllenhaal and Brad Pitt have admitted to going days without a shower, as well as Ashton Kutcher, who revealed he only washes certain body parts. Ashton claimed, “I wash my armpits and my crotch daily and nothing else ever. I got a bar of Lever 2000 that delivers every time.
The alarm in her house went off — just as she was shaving her armpits. “I was finally shaving after three months,” Barrymore told her Instagram audience while wrapped in a towel. This is not the only time the 50 First Dates actress spoke about shaving.