Re the "scandal" aspect - I decided to switch from default mode unshaven to default mode shaven when I attended my first large, general audition as an auditor. Sitting in the theater with some 100-200 other casting directors, directors, and others and watching hundreds of people audition each day, I took note of what the folks beside me wrote on people's resumes. When watching that many actors, very often people just write down their first impressions or little mnemonic details ("VERY short", "yellow dress", etc). I decided that I didn't want to be remembered as "hairy armpit girl" in case I decided to wear something sleeveless. Of course, if they're that focused on your clothes or armpits, you might be missing something as an actor. Or they might be very bored or very observant.
On a separate note, I also put up with years of hassle from my parents for not shaving.