A comparative clinical study of different hair removal procedures and their impact on axillary odor reduction in men

BACKGROUND: Axillary hair can influence the development of underarm odor in men. OBJECTIVE: To compare different hair removal procedures and their impact on the effectiveness of standard soap washing (SW) in reducing male axillary odor. METHODS: The axillae of healthy Caucasian males (N = 30; 18–48 years of age) were randomized in a noncrossover, split body design. Two of four axillary treatments were evaluated per subject: clipped with scissors; wet shaved with a razor; waxed; and untreated. Odor evaluations were performed by trained assessors according to the American Society for Testing and Materials organization at baseline (24 h postcontrol SW), immediately, 12 and 24 h following treatment plus SW (Day 1). Further evaluations were conducted immediately and 24 h following SW on Day 2 and Day 3. Mean odor scores were calculated and an analysis of covariance conducted using baseline data as covariate. RESULTS: On Day 1, hair removal by clipping with scissors followed by SW offered no significant improvement in immediate odor control (27.2% reduction from baseline) when compared with SW alone. Both shaving and waxing followed by SW resulted in an immediate, significant reduction in axillary odor compared with SW alone (57.3% and 75.3% reduction, respectively; P < 0.0001). This improvement persisted for 24 h after shaving (P = 0.0682). Further, a single shaving treatment significantly improved the immediate effectiveness of SW on Day 1, Day 2, and Day 3 compared with SW alone (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Blade shaving of the axillae can optimize the cleansing and odor reducing effectiveness of daily hygiene measures for men without the discomfort associated with waxing.