Bahati’s unshaved underarms: Is armpits hair a matter of choice or cleanliness?
By Valerian Khakayi, September 8, 2025Choice and cleanliness are frequently at the centre of the controversy surrounding underarm hair.
While some regard shaving underarm hair as a sign of proper grooming, others see keeping it as a matter of personal preference that has little to do with hygiene.
This conversation recently gained momentum after the multitalented musician Kevin Kioko, alias Bahati, posted a series of photos on Instagram. Fans were quick to notice his unshaved armpits, and what seemed like a casual update quickly became a talking point.
Many of his followers and even fellow celebrities poked fun at his hairy underarms, turning it into light banter that sparked a wider discussion on grooming standards.
Fan’s reaction to Bahati’s bushy armpits
Ultimately, the reactions to Bahati’s unshaved armpits reflect a broader cultural shift: growing acceptance of individuality over rigid beauty and hygiene standards.
“Imebaki tu dye sasa,”@yycomedian said.
“Tajiri mchafu..nyoa makwapa,”@254-015 reacted.
“Kuna watu wa dready kadhaa nawajua Washuke hiyo afro,”@ladyrisper added.
“Ata izo nywele zaa Makwapa zinaweza tengeneza Dready,”@kikuyuog added.
“Nyoa makwapa kwanza ,”@mghoi1963.
Shaving underarm
For years, body grooming has been associated with notions of cleanliness, attractiveness, and even social status.
In Kenya’s digital space, shaving underarm hair is often considered the norm, with numerous advertisements and hacks on different ways to get rid of the hair, either through professional help or at home using DIY methods.
However, across different cultures and generations, keeping underarm hair natural has also been seen as normal, healthy, and sometimes even a statement of authenticity.
Hygiene
Contrary to many beliefs that hairy armpits cause bad odour, according to Dr. Shani Francis, a clinical assistant professor at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, underarm hair does not cause bad smell.
“Underarm hair itself doesn’t cause odour; the smell comes from sweat mixing with bacteria on the skin, so if you have no armpit hair but don’t wash your underarms regularly, you’ll still have odour.”
“Cutting the hair only removes, let’s say, the ‘house’ for the bacteria. If you have no armpit hair but don’t wash your armpits, you’re still going to have odour,” Dr Francis said in a past interview with Health.
Proper hygiene, regardless of shaving habits, remains the key to staying fresh. This shifts the debate away from appearance alone and toward individual comfort and cleanliness.