Competitive swimmers often shave completely, from top to bottom, because it improves performance. I've heard of one study, conducted at the East Carolina University, demonstrating that body shaving improves performance by 5 percent.
In recent years, body and pubic shaving has become common in Europe. The modern trend hearkens back to ancient times, when the Egyptians—male and female—would shave their bodies, heads and faces. In the 5th century B.C., the Greeks celebrated the young, hairless and athletic man as the exemplar of beauty. Hairy bodies, on the other hand, were associated as satyrs and barbarians.
There are several other reasons for shaving one's body. A shaven body, including trimmed armpit hair, improves hygiene. Getting rid of one's pubic hair also benefits. It's not that the hair itself smells. Body odor is caused by bacteria that grow in damp, tight conditions. Hair blocks air exchange and traps sweat so bacteria can thrive.
When you shave your chest or pubic hair, take a hot bath to soften the skin and hair, use a sharp razor and a quality shaving cream, and when you're done, use a lotion to moisturize your skin. If you're trying this for the first time, be sure to trim your hair with scissors as close to the skin as possible (as you would in getting rid of a beard). Several products are now on the market to make shaving easier and safer: They're a male adaption of products women use for shaving their armpits and legs.
As for me, nature did not give me chest hair. I had been trimming my pubic hair for many years. It was fine. But when I took the final step of removing my pubic hair entirely and then closely cropping my armpit hair as well, I was absolutely delighted. I feel much sleeker and more hygienic than ever before.
Go for it! What do you have to lose? If you don't like it, just let your hair grow back. But I'll bet you like the clean look better.
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| Photo by Ewoud Boeksma |
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