Should Men Shave Their Armpits?

Medical Disclaimer: Freebird provides general information, not medical advice. For any health or medical advice, consult a licensed healthcare professional

Ever catch yourself with arms raised and wondering if those hairs poking out are a vibe or a problem? What was once a woman's grooming habit has now become mainstream for men. 

A Men's Health survey found that 68% of guys groom their armpit hair. 52% do it for aesthetic reasons, and 16% for improved athletic performance. That's more than two-thirds, with only 11% who stay natural. 

I've shaved my underarms for the first time, reviewed dermatology studies, athlete grooming practices, and learned from guys who've been shaving their pits for years. I'll walk you through why guys shave their armpits, the reasons why some don't, and whether it's worth adding to our routine.

The Advantages of Shaving Your Armpits

The armpit grooming trend isn't random. Here's what's driving it:

• Reduce Body Odor: A P&G study shows that shaving armpits reduces body odor. Bacteria live on hair shafts. No hair, no funky bacterial odor.
• Deodorant Performs Better: Your deodorant reaches the skin instead of coating the hair, making it work more effectively. Anti-perspirants too. They can now reach sweat glands and do their job.
• Look Bigger: Hair hides muscle definition. Without it, your shoulders, chest, and arms look bigger and more defined.
• Better Hygiene: Hair absorbs moisture like a sponge. Perfect for bacterial growth. Shaved pits allows sweat to evaporate quickly, so you feel drier and smell better.
• Athletic Edge: Swimmers shave their whole body for less drag. A study shows you swim faster without hair. Runners also avoid chafing when their arms are rubbed thousands of times during long races.
• Confidence Boost: Some guys feel conscious when massive hair bushes peek out from sleeveless shirts. A trim or shave gives you the confidence to raise your arms without thinking about it.
• Evolution of Male Grooming: More guys are manscaping these days. We now trim or shave our head and whole body, unlike before. Why stop at your pits?
• Better Therapy: Massage therapists can work deeper into muscle tissue, while sports tape sticks better and is painless to remove, too.

The Disadvantages of Shaving Your Armpits

Let's get real about what happens when you shave your armpits:

• Annoying Stubble: Shaving isn't the worst part; guys often complain about regrowth. Short and spiky stubble feels like two pieces of Velcro rubbing together in your armpits. Men often quit after one try.
• Never-Ending Maintenance: Once you start, you can't stop maintenance. Think 60 to 90 shaves per year. Can you commit? If not, stubble will drive you crazy!
• Razor Burn: Armpit skin is thinner, and razor burn is worse since you move your arms constantly.
• Ingrown Hair: Shaving curly and coarse hair increases the risk of ingrown hairs. Pit ingrowns are painful and may take weeks to heal.
• Wet Pit Paradox: You don't sweat more, but you feel it more since hair isn't wicking it away. This confuses guys.
• Nicks Bleed More: Ever cut yourself shaving pits? Pits have tons of blood flow because of all the nerve endings. A tiny nick can bleed a lot.
• Gym Buddy Chatter: You might get some "interesting" comments and "sideways" looks with shaved pits. Ignore the haters.

How to Shave Your Armpits Without Destroying Your Skin

1. Buzz it Down First

Don't go straight in with a razor if you have long pit hair. That's asking for painful hair pulling and tugging. Grab your hair clipper or trimmer and buzz everything down.

2. Shower First, Shave Last

A warm shower softens hair and opens your pores. Wash your pits to remove deodorant buildup for a better shave. Cold or lukewarm water won't soften hair enough.

3. Exfoliate

Use a body scrub to exfoliate skin. Be gentle, pit skin is super sensitive. Do this the day before shaving, not right before. Fresh exfoliation, followed by immediate shaving, equals irritation city.

4. Lather Up

If you're using a manual razor, don't skimp on shaving gel. A slick surface gives you a smoother shave.

For electrics, like Freebird's FlexSeries Pro, it's IPX7 waterproof, so you can shave in the shower or dry if you prefer. 

For guys with sensitive pits, applying a pre-shave oil can be a game-changer.

5. Use the Right Technique

Raise your arm straight to stretch the skin flat. Don't rush, go slow. Shaving too fast can nick or irritate the skin (with manual razors). Go over each area 2 to 3 times max.

Armpit hair grows in multiple directions, so you might have to shift angles a few times. Rinse your blade frequently while shaving.

6. Rinse Cold

After shaving, blast your pits with cold water for 30 seconds. This closes pores and reduces inflammation.

7. Moisturize

Apply an alcohol-free aftershave balm or moisturizer. Wait an hour before applying deodorant. If you can wait longer much better. I shave before bed to give my skin more time to recover before applying deodorant, which can sting if applied immediately.

Pro-Tip: Experienced shavers often use witch hazel. It's an inexpensive, natural astringent that kills bacteria and closes pores without the sting of alcohol. Avoid tight shirts, wool, and spandex for 24 hours after shaving. These fabrics create friction and may cause irritation.

Alternative Armpit Hair Removal Methods

Not ready to shave? You've got options:

• Trimming: This is the sweet spot for most guys. Trim with a 3mm to 5mm guard to keep things neat and tidy. That's 90% of the benefits with 10% of the hassle.
• Waxing: Rips pit hair from the roots, so you stay smooth for 3 to 6 weeks. Sound great? Only for guys with insane pain tolerance.
• Hair Removal Creams: Creams dissolve hair, but they stink like burnt hair mixed with chemicals. They can also cause chemical burns on sensitive pit skin. Hard pass.
• Laser Hair Removal: Works great, but pricey. Think $200 to $500 per session, for 6 to 8 sessions. Best for guys who want smooth pits forever.

Trimming vs Shaving Your Armpits

Still can't decide? Trim your armpit hair if you:

• Want to test the waters first
• Hate maintenance routines
• Have sensitive skin
• Get irritated by manual razors
• Want to reduce bulk and odor without stubble
• Like the convenience (5 minutes every two weeks)
• Don't mind a natural, tidier look

Shave your armpit hair if you:

• Are a swimmer, cyclist, bodybuilder, or soccer player
• Have a partner who prefers it
• Want peak deodorant performance
• Want to reduce body odor
• Don't mind shaving regularly
• Prefer smooth over trimmed

Pro-Tip: Start by trimming and observing for two weeks. Now you can decide whether to trim or go fully smooth. I chose trimming for convenience and to avoid the dreaded armpit stubble.

My First Armpit Shaving Experience

I'm part of the generation where we look sideways when we see guys manscaping. It never crossed my mind that I would start manscaping myself decades later. I first groomed my pits with a trim first. I know how beard stubble feels and imagining that on my pits made me think twice about shaving. I loved the convenience and neatness of trimming (I used my FlexSeries Pro trimmer attachment without the guard) and I've stuck with trimming over shaving ever since.  

What Do People Think About Men Shaving Armpits?

Will people judge you? Stats show you're part of the majority. Gen Z and Millennials manscape, while OGs and Boomers may give you a side look, but who cares? They're still adjusting to guys manscaping in the first place.

Women's opinions vary widely. Some love groomed pits, some don't care, some prefer natural. No consensus here. You can't please everyone, so do what makes you comfortable.

Swimmers, bodybuilders, and cyclists with smooth pits, standard practice. Athletes get a complete pass. 

The Bottom Line

So, should you shave your armpits? It's a personal choice based on your comfort and style.

Whether you shave, trim, or leave them alone, the choice is yours. Confidence matters more than whether your pits are smooth or hairy.

FAQs 

What's the Biggest Mistake Guys Make when Shaving Their Armpits?

Going straight to a razor without trimming first. Long pit hair clogs your blade and causes painful tugging. Always buzz it down with clippers first, then shave. 

Should I Trim or Shave My Armpits Completely?

Trimming is the better choice for most guys. Use Freebird's BeardSeries Trimmer with a 3-5mm guard every 1-2 weeks for reduced odor, better deodorant application, and a cleaner look.

Does Shaving Armpits Reduce Sweating?

No, shaving doesn't change how much you sweat. You have the same number of sweat glands whether you're hairy or smooth. 

Will My Armpit Hair Grow Back Darker or Thicker?

No, that's a myth. Electric shaving cuts hair at the skin surface, creating a blunt edge that feels coarser when it grows back. The hair isn't actually thicker or darker; it just feels different because you're comparing blunt stubble to the natural tapered ends your hair used to have.

How Do Athletes Shave Their Armpits Without Irritation?

Professional athletes prefer electric body shavers to avoid cuts and razor burn. They shave the night before the competition (not on the day of) to allow their skin to recover, and they moisturize immediately afterward.

How Long Does It Take to Shave Your Armpits?

Your first time takes 10-15 minutes per pit if you're careful with a manual razor. After you master the technique, you can complete both pits in a total of 10 minutes. Electric shavers cut that time in half. Freebird's FlexSeries Pro takes about 3 to 5 minutes for both armpits.

How Often Do You Need to Shave Your Armpits?

Most guys need to shave every 4-7 days to maintain smooth pits. Hair grows fast in the armpit area, faster than on your face for many guys. If you skip more than a week, you'll be dealing with annoying stubble. Trimming instead of shaving only needs to be done every 1-2 weeks, which is why it's the better option for most guys who want low maintenance.