Why Do We Have Armpit Hair?

Chatting about armpits may make you giggle, but underarm hair serves a purpose. From puberty on, body hair is common. Many girls grow underarm hair between ages eight and thirteen, while boys might notice growth around age eleven.

Whether you've had underarm hair for decades or are new to it, how you treat your armpit hair is a personal choice. Some people choose to remove it, while others trim it or leave it be. Learn more about why it's there and how you can care for this area of the body.

Why Do We Have Armpit Hair?

During puberty, the pituitary gland secretes androgen hormones that trigger sweat glands to produce perspiration. This stimulates your armpits' hair follicles, leading to armpit hair growth.

Facial, pubic, and underarm hair are collectively termed "mature hair" or sometimes "terminal hair." This hair type starts fine and soft and gradually becomes thicker and darker. Armpit hair generally won't grow longer than six inches.

The Importance of Armpit Hair

Those little patches of hair under your arms serve several key bodily functions.

Reduces Friction

Armpit hair works as a cushion to prevent skin-on-skin rubbing, irritation, and chafing during physical activities where your arms move vigorously against your body. Think jogging or playing sports like basketball or baseball.

Helps Prevent Skin Conditions

Keeping underarm hair intact helps deter uncomfortable acne, pimples, and ingrown hairs.

Regulates Body Temperature

Sweat and armpit hair work together to cool the body when temperatures climb due to environmental conditions, anxiety, nerves, or stress.

Traps Pheromones

Your sweat contains pheromones, natural chemicals that play a role in interpersonal dynamics. Pheromones have been the subject of many studies to understand why body odor can spark emotion, memories, and sexual attraction. One study suggests body odor influences reactions to stress and supports social communication. Armpit hair helps trap this natural scent.

Historical and Cultural Perspectives on Body Hair

Early reasons for body hair removal include deterring parasite infestations, such as lice. In the early 1900s, Americans became more aware of how sweat traps bacteria and started shaving to reduce odors, equating shaving with basic hygiene. Marketing strategies for shaving tools also promoted shaving as a way to improve attractiveness and femininity.

In the 1920s, women's fashion debuted sleeveless tops and dresses, which meant underarms would be visible in social situations. Enter the first razor marketed to women, who were encouraged to make their armpits "smooth." Meanwhile, underarm hair on men was more acceptable.

The first hair removal devices date back to 30,000 BCE. The ancient Egyptians and Greeks "idealized hairless bodies" and used shaving techniques to achieve smooth skin, a sign of cleanliness and health.

Today, shaving is a personal choice rooted in cultural norms, gender roles, and grooming preferences. Some people also maintain their body hair to challenge social norms. For example, the Instagram account Januhairy encourages people to post their body hair grooming choices and styling.

Armpit Hair and Personal Hygiene

Hair itself doesn't cause odor. However, armpit hair traps sweat, leading to the formation of odor-causing bacteria. If you're concerned about odor, you have a few options. How you manage body odor is a personal decision that may change over the years.

Bathing

Washing your body regularly helps rinse off sweat and bacteria. Try a gentle bar soap like Tom's of Maine Natural Beauty Bar in Creamy Coconut to refresh and reset without disrupting your skin's natural moisture. This can help you feel fresh and reduce unwanted odor—armpit hair or no armpit hair.

Deodorant and Antiperspirant

Once your body is clean, control underarm wetness with antiperspirant or ward off potential odors with deodorant. If you prefer to avoid aluminum (the key ingredient in antiperspirants) but want to reduce moisture, try a deodorant with wetness protection.

Simply apply deodorant to dry skin after toweling off and confidently go about your day. You can use deodorant and antiperspirant on unshaven or shaven armpits.

Hair Removal

If removing underarm hair feels right for you, go for it! You have many options, including razors (wet or dry), depilatories (hair removal creams), and waxing. Some people opt for natural hair removal techniques, like sugaring and pumice stones. See what works for you.

How You Manage Armpit Hair Is Personal

Why do we have armpit hair? The fuzz tucked under each arm serves many purposes. From reducing skin issues to helping pheromones work their mate-attracting magic, body hair is pretty cool. However you choose to maintain it, from washing and using personal care products to shaving, trimming, or waxing, do what feels best for your personal hygiene and cultural beliefs. It's your body and your choice!

Wondering whether to try deodorant or antiperspirant? Learn more about selecting the right underarm product for you.

Image Source: Pexels | Pexels | Pexels

The views and opinions expressed in any guest post featured on our site are those of the guest author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of Tom's of Maine.