Should Men Shave Their Armpits? The Grooming Lounge Guide

Those big sweat stains that pool under your arms might suggest that underarm hair is to blame. But the issue is actually a bit more complex. Sure, shaving your pits might make you a sleeker swimmer, but does it help you sweat less? Before you grab a razor, let’s break down what’s really happening under there.

What’s The Purpose of Armpit Hair?

Maybe you’ve looked at your underarms and wondered, “What’s all this hair even doing here?” Armpit hair actually serves a purpose. First, it acts as a natural buffer to ease friction between your arms and torso during physical activity. Second, it’s involved in distributing pheromones, the chemical signals tied to attraction.

The Role of Your Sweat Glands

Shaving your underarms won’t stop you from sweating — that comes down to your sweat glands, which live beneath the skin. There are two main types to know:

• Eccrine glands — located all over your body, these regulate temperature through sweat.
• Apocrine glands — found in your underarms, they produce a thicker secretion, especially under stress, which can have a musky scent associated with pheromones.

So even if you go completely smooth, your sweat glands will keep doing their job.

Why Do Armpits Smell?

Let’s face it — armpits are the perfect environment for odor-causing bacteria: dark, warm, and moist. Bacteria thrive in this area and break down sweat, leading to the familiar funk.

Does Shaving Help?

While having underarm hair doesn’t make you sweat more, it can slightly interfere with how well deodorant reaches the skin. Removing or trimming armpit hair can help your deodorant absorb more effectively, improving odor protection and making your grooming routine more efficient.

Our Take: Should You Shave?

If you’re after less friction, better deodorant absorption, and a cleaner look, shaving or trimming your underarm hair can make sense. But remember, it won’t directly stop sweat production — that’s the job of your sweat glands, no matter how smooth you go.

Whether you want help trimming, shaping, or getting an overall fresh look for summer, our team at Grooming Lounge Barbershop + Spa is ready to help you keep your grooming routine on point.

Book your appointment today and enjoy a cleaner, cooler, and more confident season.