Under Control Underarms – Does Shaving Reduce Sweat?

When tackling the challenge of managing sweat and odor, it's natural to explore all potential factors that could be contributing to it. You may be asking yourself questions like “does shaving your armpits reduce sweat and body odor?” or “does shaving your armpits reduce sweat stains?” We’ve got good news for you. We’re here to set the facts straight on these big questions, so you can feel fresh and confident all day long.

The Lowdown on Sweat

Okay, so you’re looking to find out how to reduce underarm sweat. But, first, let’s get a little more familiar with what we’re up against: sweat.

Sweating is like our body’s built-in air conditioner, helping regulate our internal temperature. When our body temperature rises due to external factors or physical activity, our sweat glands kick into action, releasing moisture. As this moisture evaporates off our skin, it cools us down.

But beyond just keeping us cool, sweating also plays a few more critical roles. It expels toxins, cleanses the skin, and can even help with circulation. So, it's not just a byproduct of getting physical – it's a sign that your body's systems are working in harmony.

However, as you know, there’s a downside to sweating. While sweat itself is mostly water when it mixes with the bacteria on our skin, it can produce body odor. And let's face it, that's not the scent we're aiming for.

Those bacteria feed on waxy sweat and produce volatile fatty acids from our sweat, which gives rise to the unmistakable smell of body odor. So, while sweating is all natural and sometimes useful, knowing how to reduce armpit sweat can help get body odor under control.

Shaving Your Armpits – Answering the Three Big Questions

If you’re looking to get sweat under control, then we’ve got answers to your three big questions...

Q1. Does shaving armpits reduce sweat?

No, shaving your armpits doesn’t reduce the amount of sweat produced.

Your body’s sweat production is governed by sweat glands, which operate independently of hair follicles. These little glands are responsible for churning out sweat, regardless of whether there's a jungle or a barren land on the surface. When you run that razor blade or wield that trimmer, you're only interacting with the hair, leaving those sweat glands untouched.

However, without the insulating layer of hair, sweat tends to evaporate more rapidly, leading to the feeling that you're sweating less. So, while shaving won’t stop the sweat completely, it might mean it doesn’t stick around for as long.

Q2. Does shaving reduce sweat stains?

When it comes to the battle against unsightly sweat stains, the state of your armpit hair can definitely play a role.

When this hair is left to grow, it can channel the sweat away from your skin and direct it straight onto your favorite t-shirt. By keeping the hair short or shaving it off entirely, you effectively cut off this route. So, while the act of shaving won't stop you from sweating, it can reduce the evidence of it on your clothes.

Q3. Does shaving armpits reduce body odor?

So that brings us to the question of how to reduce armpit sweat which leads to body odor. Remember that sweat on its own is mostly a harmless mix of water, salt and other compounds. The true culprits behind that unwanted body odor are the bacteria on your skin.

Armpit hair can act as an incubator for these bacteria, offering them a cozy environment, trapping moisture and providing opportunities to mingle and produce that distinctive scent. By trimming or shaving, you're crashing this party, dispersing the crowd and essentially reducing their habitat. The result? A more pleasant, less odor-intensive environment. So, while clean-shaven pits won't promise a fragrance paradise, they certainly help reduce any unwanted odors.

How to Reduce Sweating

So, does trimming armpit hair reduce sweating? Not exactly, but we have learned that there might be some benefit in getting that sweat under control. The next question is knowing how to reduce sweating. Fear not, for we’re sharing pro tips on how to reduce sweating without having to reach for your razor.

Stay hydrated

Believe it or not, drinking plenty of water can regulate your body temperature, which in turn can prevent excessive sweating. It seems a little counterintuitive, but by keeping hydrated, you help your body stay cool, meaning it doesn’t feel the need to sweat as much in response to rising temperatures.

Wear breathable fabrics

Another tip on how to reduce sweating is as simple as picking the right clothes. Natural fibers like cotton, linen and bamboo allow your skin to breathe. Synthetic fabrics, on the other hand, can trap sweat, worsening odor and making you feel stickier. Next time you pick an outfit for the day, choose breathable fabrics.

Mind your diet

Ever noticed how after a spicy taco night, you wake up feeling like you’ve run a marathon in your sleep? Certain foods can trigger an increase in sweating. Caffeine, spicy foods and alcohol might be fun at the party but can also contribute to excessive sweating the next day.

Manage stress

It wouldn’t be an article on how to reduce sweating without mentioning this major culprit. Emotional sweat, especially from stress, anxiety or adrenaline is particularly potent when it comes to odor. Techniques such as meditation, deep-breathing exercises or even just a regular workout can help manage stress levels, keeping your personal fragrance on point.

Shower regularly

This might seem like a no-brainer, but regular showers wash off the bacteria that break sweat down into body odor. A quick rinse post-workout or after a long day can make a world of difference.

If you think your hygiene game might be letting you down, check out our Aqua Bergamot Premium Body Wash, designed to keep you smelling fresh for up to 12h.

When it comes to knowing how to reduce sweating, these tips are all effective in their own right. However, there’s one final pointer on how to reduce underarm sweat, and it’s a big one…

Using Antiperspirants and Deodorants

If you want to know how to reduce sweating and body odor, it really is as simple as finding a great antiperspirant or deodorant to protect you as you go about your day. If you’re not too sure how these two products are going to help, let’s quickly break it down...

Antiperspirants

These are your shields against sweat. They contain compounds – often aluminum-based – that temporarily block the sweat ducts, reducing the amount of perspiration that reaches the skin's surface. This doesn’t mean your sweat glands stop working. It just means less moisture sees the light of day, keeping you drier for longer.

Want to know more? Check out our guide to antiperspirants.

Deodorant sticks

Unlike antiperspirants, deodorants don’t reduce sweat, but they’re armed with antimicrobials that eliminate those odor-producing bacteria. This means even if you do sweat, the aroma is neutralized before it can smell bad.

Want to know more about how deodorant works? Say less. We’ve got the full masterclass on men’s deodorant for you.

Deodorant body sprays

These are like the finishing touch, the cherry on top. Not only are they tackling unwanted body odor, but they're also delivering a stronger fragrance compared to sticks. They may not directly combat sweat like antiperspirants, but they're great for ensuring you smell good throughout the day.

If you could use some help choosing the right body spray for the job, we’ve got you covered. Take a look at our full guide to men’s body spray.

Unsure about which to choose? No need – try an antiperspirant deodorant combined product for ultimate freshness. Our final tip on how to reduce sweating is using our Apollo Antiperspirant Deodorant Stick, designed to combat sweat and odor while delivering a fresh sage and cedarwood fragrance at the same time.

Get ready to beat body odor

You should now know more about how shaving your underarms and body odor affect each other. Below is a quick recap...

Does shaving your armpits reduce sweat? No, shaving doesn't affect the function of sweat glands or reduce sweat production. However, without hair, sweat might evaporate faster, giving a feeling of reduced sweat.
Does shaving your armpits reduce sweat stains? Yes, by removing or trimming armpit hair, there's less wicking of sweat onto clothing, potentially reducing visible sweat stains.
Does shaving your armpits reduce body odor? Yes, shaving can help reduce body odor. Hair provides a breeding ground for bacteria, which break down sweat and produce odor. Removing hair can decrease this bacterial activity.

Remember, sweat is a natural bodily function, so don’t feel any shame or pressure around trying to get on top of it. But, if lingering, unpleasant body odor is knocking your confidence, try our Fine Fragrance Collection. World-renowned perfumers helped us create deodorant body sprays, sticks, and body washes that tackle body odor and leave you smelling amazing.

Check out our Blue Lavender Premium Deodorant Body Spray, designed to keep you feeling fresh and protected for up to 72h.