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 non-crossover, 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.