Why do Michael Phelps Shave Off His Armpit Hairs??

Question

I'm Just Curious... alot of swimmers keep their armpit hairs

Answer 1

helps him to swim faster

he also shaves down under

Answer 2

most professional swimmers shave everything

Answer 3

I used to shave mine when I would swim.

For some people it just feels better.  And if it works in your head, you do it.

Answer 4

Yes they shave off all body hair. It slows them down.

That's why they wear shower caps too.

Answer 5

One word: aerordynamics.

Answer 6

Having less body hair while your a swimmer makes you swim faster.  

Answer 7

he has the need for speed

Answer 8

By shaving your body hair you have less resistance while in the water, and when your swimming in races like that, the less resistance the better, and the faster you can go.

Answer 9

same reason i do to swim faster the more pubic hair u have the slower u swim i think my coach said it takes a secon off for every 10 pubic haise

Answer 10

Because less body hair allows them more speed in the water.  

Answer 11

swimmers shave off their hair

so they can swim faster

even guys.

i guess hair slows them down.

its weird

but true.

Answer 12

Well, some coaches/serious athletes think that there's an extremely small amount of friction caused by the hair so they shave their whole body nearly to go faster/swim easier.

Also, too much chlorine can cause some hair thinning/loss so he could just shave it because it's already somewhat messed up.

Answer 13

It might have something to do that by shaving his armpits he cuts down on drag. So he can swim faster. That's why a lot of swimmers shave the hair off of their body, wear tight suits, and wear swim caps.