Do men need to remove body hair? The traditional belief is that hair removal is mainly for women for cosmetic purposes. In fact, there is very little advertising promoting hair removal for men. However, hair removal for men is often a practical necessity.
In recent years, underarm hair removal has become popular among men for reasons beyond aesthetics, including hygiene. The sweat glands in the armpits are stimulated by various factors such as stress, exercise, and hot environments, resulting in increased secretion. This secretion mixes with oil secretion and is discharged through hair follicles. These secretions are normally odorless but can be transformed into an odor by bacteria on the skin and hair. Body odor can affect confidence and self-esteem, so personal hygiene and cleanliness are also very important for men. Regular cleaning and antiperspirants can effectively reduce bacterial activity and thus reduce odor. Will shaving, laser hair removal, or waxing reduce odor? A study has found that men who remove armpit hair and then use soap to clean have less odor than those who use soap alone. The reason is that the bacteria that transform sweat into an odor thrive in hair, and reducing hair can naturally reduce odor.
Another common area for men’s hair removal is the chin. Unruly facial hair affects appearance and can make a person look unkempt. Additionally, it increases the time spent shaving every day. Some men’s hair grows in a curly or wavy pattern. If they shave too deeply, the sharp edge of the razor can cut the skin, and the curly growth of the hair can cause residual hair to re-enter the skin, causing a condition called “pseudofolliculitis barbae.” The problem usually appears on the chin and neck because the growth of beard hair is irregular and disorderly, making it more susceptible to inflammation and nodules. In severe cases, it can cause hypertrophic scars or keloids. The treatment is to use laser to destroy hair follicles so that the hair no longer grows. This demonstrates that laser hair removal is not just about aesthetics but also has therapeutic effects.
Hair removal for men is becoming more and more common, not just for aesthetics, but also for hygiene and medical reasons.
*A comparative clinical study of different hair removal procedures and their impact on axillary odor reduction in men. Anthony Lanzalaco et. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 15, 58—65.