Achselhaar

Achselhaar, also known as axillary hair, refers to the hair that grows in the armpit. This type of hair growth is a secondary sexual characteristic, meaning it typically appears during and after puberty. The development of achselhaar is stimulated by androgens, the primary male sex hormones, although they are present in both males and females.

The onset of achselhaar growth usually begins a year or two after the development of pubic hair. The hair is generally coarser and more pigmented than the vellus hair found on other parts of the body. The exact timing and thickness of achselhaar can vary significantly among individuals due to genetic factors and hormonal influences.

Culturally, the presence or absence of achselhaar is viewed differently across various societies and time periods. In many Western cultures, there is a prevailing trend for women to remove axillary hair for aesthetic or hygienic reasons, while practices for men are more varied. In some cultures, axillary hair is left naturally unshorn. The perceived function of axillary hair is debated; theories suggest it may play a role in pheromone dispersal or thermoregulation, though conclusive evidence is limited. Hygiene practices related to achselhaar include washing to prevent odor and grooming methods such as shaving, waxing, or epilating for those who choose to remove it.