The Impact of Hairs on Local Skin Wetness Perception at the Underarm During Static and Dynamic Applications of Cold‐Wet Stimuli

ABSTRACT Previous research highlights that wetness perception differs between hairy and glabrous skin, yet it remains unclear how hairs affect wetness perception in the same region. This study investigated the role of underarm hair on wetness perception to inform antiperspirant design. Ten healthy males (21 ± 2y) underwent a quantitative sensory test of wetness perception on hairy and shaven underarm skin, whereby they reported on a 100‐mm visual analogue scale. Five applications of a wet temperature‐controlled probe were applied both statically and dynamically. A significant interaction between hair and application mode was found ( p = 0.036), such that: (a) during static applications, wetness perception was greater under shaven vs. hairy conditions ( p = 0.036); (b) wetness perception was greater during dynamic vs. static applications under hairy conditions only ( p = 0.008). These findings suggest that underarm hair modulates wetness perception, acting as a thermal insulator during static contact and enhancing perception during movement, highlighting combined contributions to the “wet feel.”