What Do Swimmers Use to Remove Body Hair? The Secrets Revealed

Why Swimmers Remove Their Body Hair

Swimmers, especially elite ones, often go to great lengths to optimize their performance. A significant part of their regimen includes body hair removal. But why is this a common practice? Well, the main reason has to do with aerodynamics and speed. Less hair means less drag in the water, which allows swimmers to glide more efficiently and shave valuable seconds off their times.

From personal experience, I’ve heard swimmers complain that even the smallest bit of drag can make a noticeable difference in a race. Imagine trying to beat a rival by just one second — that drag becomes an enemy!

What Do Swimmers Use to Remove Body Hair?

So, what do swimmers use to achieve that smooth, hairless skin? There are a few methods that top swimmers swear by to get rid of body hair. Here's a breakdown of the most common options:

1. Shaving: The Classic Choice

Shaving is by far the most popular method. It’s fast, effective, and gives instant results. Many swimmers prefer to shave before major competitions. It’s part of the ritual, and some say it makes them feel lighter in the water, although this is a psychological advantage more than anything else.

Honestly, I’ve tried shaving before and after swimming, and I can tell you, there’s a noticeable difference in how smooth and fast you feel. There’s this feeling of “freedom” when you’re gliding through the water.

Shaving works well for most swimmers, but the drawback is the maintenance. You need to shave frequently to keep that smooth look. The skin also becomes more sensitive, and shaving can sometimes lead to nicks or irritation.

2. Waxing: For Longer-Lasting Results

Some swimmers go the extra mile and choose waxing. Waxing removes hair from the root, meaning results last much longer than shaving. This is particularly handy for swimmers who want to avoid the hassle of shaving multiple times a week.

I’ve spoken with friends who’ve used waxing, and they’ve shared that while it’s painful, the smoothness lasts much longer. It’s not ideal for last-minute touch-ups, but for those willing to endure the discomfort, waxing can be a game-changer.

3. Depilatory Creams: Quick and Easy

If you’re looking for something that’s less time-consuming than waxing but lasts longer than shaving, depilatory creams are another option. These creams break down the hair at the skin’s surface, leaving you with smooth skin without the need to shave.

However, some swimmers find that depilatory creams can cause irritation, especially for those with sensitive skin. The smell is another downside (honestly, it’s not the best fragrance!). But for those who want a relatively painless solution, creams might be worth considering.

4. Laser Hair Removal: The Investment for Long-Term Results

For those who want to avoid the hassle of hair removal altogether, laser hair removal is the answer. While this is definitely more of an investment, laser hair removal offers long-term results by targeting hair follicles and preventing future growth.

Laser treatment has become more popular, especially among competitive swimmers who want to minimize hair-related distractions over time. It’s permanent (well, almost), and it’s something that saves a lot of time in the long run.

That said, it’s important to remember that laser hair removal requires multiple sessions, and it’s not cheap. But for those who are serious about swimming and willing to make the investment, it can be a fantastic solution.

Are There Any Risks to Removing Body Hair for Swimmers?

While body hair removal offers benefits for swimmers, it’s important to note that it also comes with some risks. Shaving, waxing, and even using depilatory creams can cause skin irritation. For swimmers with sensitive skin, this can be particularly uncomfortable, especially after hours in chlorinated pools.

I know a swimmer who had an allergic reaction after using a depilatory cream, which forced him to sit out of practice for a few days. It’s definitely important to test any new products on a small area of skin first.

Conclusion: Find What Works for You

At the end of the day, the best method of body hair removal depends on personal preference, pain tolerance, and how much time you’re willing to dedicate to maintenance. Whether you choose shaving for its speed, waxing for its longevity, or even laser hair removal for permanent smoothness, it’s clear that body hair removal plays a role in improving performance for many swimmers.

If you’re new to hair removal or are looking for a change, try experimenting with different methods. You might find that one method works better for your skin, while another fits your swimming routine better. But hey, one thing’s for sure — a smooth body can help you feel faster and more confident in the water.

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How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.