Should Men Shave Their Armpits? How to Trim Safely, If You Decide

There’s something ever-so masculine about armpits that are shrouded in mystery. And by mystery, we mean tons of hair. While many men love to embrace the potential of the pits, some people would much rather go clean. It’s a personal preference.

But maybe you’re unsure what’s right for you and your body hair. Worry not, we’ll break down the pros and cons, hair length, and grooming tips to get the job done right.

Should Men Shave Their Armpits?

Let’s get this out of the way: should men shave their armpits? That is entirely up to you. Some guys leave their armpit hair completely natural. Others prefer to keep it trimmed or even completely smooth. There’s no “right” way to manage armpit grooming, just what makes you feel more comfortable and confident.

But if your armpits are uncomfortable, feeling sweaty and itchy, then trimming may be a game-changer for you. You might even find that less hair leads to less odor and better airflow throughout the day.

Why Do We Have Armpit Hair?

There are evolutionary reasons why we grow hair all over our bodies, and our armpits are no different. For one, your armpit hair helps to reduce friction and skin-to-skin chafing. When you walk or run and swing your arms, the skin under your armpits rubs against each other. Your hair acts as a cushion, giving you more comfort during these activities.

Additionally, armpit hair helps wick moisture from your skin’s surface, which is great for cooling you down. On the flip side, this can trap odor-causing bacteria. Interestingly, that may not be all bad news, given the next point.

Lastly, hairy armpits might actually help you catch a mate.

Maybe not necessarily from the looks of your pit hair, but the smell of them for sure. We’re not making this up. Your armpits release an odor called pheromones — a naturally occurring chemical that plays a role in sexual attraction. Your armpit hair can trap these odors and make your pheromones smell even stronger.

Benefits of Shaving Your Armpits

While your hair under there can have some benefits, keeping it groomed has its own pros.

If you do decide to shave your pits, you can find comfort in knowing that you’ll sweat less. Simply put, less hair means more air flow. If you have thick armpit hair that holds onto sweat, it may even cause you to sweat more because it’s holding on to that moisture.

Remember the odor we mentioned? Well, if the sweat is able to evaporate more quickly, then you’re less likely to experience the same level of body odor that results when bacteria break down sweat.

And for some people, an entirely clean-shaven look can look a little bit better overall. Again, there is no right or wrong way to treat the hair on your body.

If you’re ready to get rid of your pit hair or at least trim it down, here’s what to consider, go-to tools, and grooming tips to get your underarm area under control.

Trimming vs. Shaving Armpit Hair

When it comes to grooming your underarms, both trimming and shaving can get the job done. It just depends on the look, feel, and maintenance level you’re after.

Trimming armpit hair means shortening the hair without removing it completely. It’s great for guys who want better airflow and hygiene without the smooth, shaved feel. A trimmer with an adjustable guard allows you to control the length of armpit hair to suit your personal preference, whether that’s close to the skin or a bit fuller.

Shaving, on the other hand, removes the hair entirely. It gives a clean, smooth finish, which some men prefer for athletic reasons or aesthetic style. Going hair-free can also reduce odor more noticeably in some cases. Keep in mind, however, that it does require more maintenance and can cause skin irritation if not done carefully.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

What’s the Ideal Armpit Hair Length?

There’s no universal standard for armpit length hair, but most guys start thinking about trimming when the hair feels heavy, overly curly, or starts to show outside of sleeveless shirts. Armpit hair length can influence body odor and how well your deodorant works.

Some prefer a short, cropped look for hygiene or athletic reasons, while others like a bit of volume. As a general guideline:

• ½ inch or less is easier to clean, low-maintenance

• 1 inch or more may hold more moisture or require more attention

If you're not ready to shave, trimming to a comfortable armpit length is a smart in-between.

How to Trim Armpit Hair for Men: Step-by-Step

Armpit skin is sensitive and prone to irritation, even more so because they aren’t exposed to the outside world too often. This makes it even more important for you to take extra care during your sessions. Note that if you have particularly sensitive skin, you may prefer trimming over shaving. You can still maintain a neat appearance, but with fewer side effects.

Here's how to trim armpit hair the right way (with underarm skincare in mind):

1. Choose Your Trimming Tool

Even for a clean shave, always start with a trimmer to clear away the bulk of the hair before using the razor. If you do plan to just shorten your armpit hair, go for a body trimmer and select a guard length that matches the amount of hair you want to keep.

See below for a general guide:

• #1–2 guard for a clean, short trim
• #3+ guard for a more natural look with less bulk
• No guard or Shaver for a close cut or full shave

For the best experience, prep properly to help prevent ingrown hairs, clogged tools, and that awful hair tugging.

2. Prep: Clean & Soften the Area

To get started, wash up using warm water. You want to cleanse, get rid of any bacteria and deodorant residue, and soften the hair follicles, all of which will make it easier for your trimmer and razor to glide smoothly.

3. Start Your Trimmer First (Even If You're Shaving)

Even if you’re shaving, start with your trimmer to remove excess hair. Long hair clogs razors quickly and increases the risk of nicks. Stretch your arm upward, and trim upwards using your selected guard length. Rinse the trimmer head frequently as you go to prevent buildup and keep your trim even.

Now, most people can stop here, but if you want a closer, hairless finish, follow the next steps using a manual razor.

4. Apply a Shave Gel or Cream

Before shaving, apply a gentle, skin-safe shaving gel to reduce friction and protect your skin. Those with sensitive skin may find that foams are harsh and dry out their skin.

5. Shave Underarms Carefully

• Pull the skin taut with one hand
• Use short, light strokes
• Shave in the direction of hair growth first, then across or against the grain only if needed
• Rinse your blade every few strokes

6. Rinse, Pat Dry, and Moisturize

Once you’re done, rinse thoroughly with cool water to close the pores. Gently pat dry and apply a fragrance-free moisturizer or soothing balm.

What to Expect After Trimming or Shaving

It’s normal to feel a little prickliness and mild itching as the hair grows back, especially when transitioning from long underarm hair to smooth skin for the first time.

To stay comfortable, moisturize daily with a light lotion or post-shave balm and avoid tight fabrics immediately after shaving to prevent irritation. For weekly maintenance, use a gentle body scrub once or twice a week, exfoliating dead skin cells to help prevent underarm ingrown hairs.

Armpit Grooming Do’s and Don’ts

DO:

• Cleanse with body wash and warm water before trimming

• Use a waterproof trimmer for easy in-shower grooming

• Change razor blades regularly

• Trim before shaving for a smoother glide

• Let your skin rest post-shave before applying deodorant

DON’T:

• Don’t shave dry—always use a shaving cream or gel

• Don't use face razors or cheap disposables on underarm skin

• Don't apply harsh deodorants right after shaving

• Don't forget to moisturize afterward

Armpit Etiquette (Besides Hair Removal)

Even if you don’t want to shave your armpits, you still have a duty not to make everyone around you want to flee in the opposite direction. 

Take your pit etiquette (pitiquette) to a new level with these helpful tips:

1. Wear Deodorant

No matter whether or not you have some armpit hair, you still have the potential to smell pretty bad, especially after a grueling workout. Make sure you’re not messing up anybody else’s reps by wearing deodorant every single day to help block out that body odor smell.

Deodorants and antiperspirants aren’t the same thing, but some people tend to use them interchangeably. Here’s the low-down:

• Deodorant eliminates odor but doesn’t stop you from sweating. They’re technically alcohol-based. 

• Antiperspirants stop you from sweating by blocking the sweat pores. They are usually aluminum-based. 

What the day requires will usually dictate what you need to roll on. 

2. Dress for Success

You’ll want to wear clothes that let you air out during intense sweat sessions. Clothes made with moisture-wicking fabrics can help you stay fresh for longer, as opposed to those made of polyester, which absorb moisture and retain it, all while becoming extremely smelly.

3. Get in the Cologne Zone

Finally, you can amp up your scent by wearing cologne across your whole body to mask that body odor scent no matter what. Cologne can amplify the benefits of deodorant or can be a great way to smell great if you happen to have forgotten your deodorant at home. However, don’t forget that there is such a thing as too much cologne — proceed with care. 

Final Thoughts: Keep It Comfortable, Keep It Clean

Trimming your armpit hair is a personal choice and definitely not a necessary move for every man. However, if your armpits turn into a jungle and start to smell like one, too, this might be your sign to give them a trim.

Manscaping refers to taking care of your appearance, both on and off your face. Whether you go for a full shave or just a little cleanup, the key is treating your skin with care.

Ready to upgrade your grooming routine? The Beard Club’s waterproof body trimmer and grooming tools are built to handle sensitive areas with ease so you can keep your pits (and everything else) clean, confident, and irritation-free.

Sources:

Pheromones and their effect on women’s mood and sexuality | PMC

Antiperspirant Basics - International Hyperhidrosis Society | Official Site

What should your underarm care routine look like? | Curology

Taking Care of Ingrown Underarm Hair | Healthline