It’s actually good future proofing. I didn’t do this, but over the years a “sensor patch “ faded so I can get a good read.

Good thinking. I had the craziest readings yesterday, then I realized the end of my strap had somehow folded back and was between my skin and my sensor. You don't want interference.

What about body hair? Sometimes I think how the hell is able to read anything in my case lol

Never had any issues personally

Just shave the rest my dude, poor fucking sensor trying to find a heart beat in the jungles of Bolivia.