How to Shave Your Arms

Ignore those haters. Turns out, you CAN shave your arms.

Of course, hair removal is a very personal choice, and nobody should tell you whether or not to shave. From your arm hair to your pubic hair, or any kind of body hair -- remember this: your hair, your choice. 

Hairy arms are certainly nothing to feel embarrassed about, but you also shouldn't feel guilty about waxing, shaving, sugaring, or lasering off any unwanted hairs.

If you decide to shave your arms, here's the best way to do it without ending up with nicks, ingrown hairs, and razor bumps. 

1. Trim the Longer Arm Hairs

If it's your first time shaving your arm hair, you might want to start by trimming down long, thick hair with an electric razor or trimmer before using a razor to shave. Besides making it easier, it will also keep your razor blade sharper for longer and prevent re-shaving over the same area, which can cause skin irritation.

2. Exfoliate

Exfoliation helps keep your skin healthy by removing dead skin cells, which can increase irritation and rashes. 

Grab a tub of Tighten Jelly Mask, slather it all over your arms, and leave it on for 5-10 minutes. This formula is powered by alpha hydroxy acids (AHA), which chemically exfoliate the skin, dissolving dead cells, unclogging hair follicles, and prepping your arms for shaving.

In case you didn't know, exfoliated skin absorbs product better than unexfoliated skin. So, the nourishing skincare products to come will work 10x harder now that your arms are freshly buffed. 

3. Lather Up With Shave Butter

Using shaving gel, cream or butter preserves moisture and enables your razor blade to glide across your skin effortlessly to prevent razor burn. Shaving cream also helps you see where you have already shaved to avoid re-shaving areas and irritating your skin. Frankly, we like butters best since they're the most hydrating formulas, helping to prevent dry skin, irritation, and rashes.

Try our Smooth Shave Butter, a nourishing formula made up of coconut and vanilla to lubricate your arms before shaving and prep your skin for an effortless razor glide. It's also great for all skin types, including sensitive skin. So anyone can use with ease!

Simply lather it up with warm water, spread it across your arms, and grab your razor.

4. Shave

Technique and product make all the difference when it comes to achieving hairless arms.

Always use a clean and sharp razor blade to protect your skin from razor rashes, ingrown hairs and skin irritation. Dull razor blades can pull at body hair, and cause more cuts and irritation.

Rinse your razor after each stroke to keep the blades clean and cutting hair efficiently. While dermatologists recommend shaving in the direction of the hair growth, if it doesn’t result in a close enough shave, reapply shaving butter and gently shave against the grain.  

Remember to take your time. It's important not to rush as you could end up getting cut.

5.  Treat Texture

Especially if you've got dark hair, it may take a couple of repeats to remove all the hair and get that silky smooth finish you crave. If shaving leaves you with rough, bumpy skin, follow up with an exfoliating serum to smooth out roughness and leave the skin feeling babysoft.

Our Glow Serum is formulated with resurfacing glycolic acid and protective bakuchiol to illuminate, gently exfoliate, and improve skin texture. Use it on any part of your body that needs a little TLC and a little extra sparkle!

6. Fade Dark Spots 

Dealing with dark spots and discoloration on your upper or underarms? 

You can make things brighter again by slathering on our Brighten Serum. Vegan collagen and pineapple work in tandem in this illuminating facial serum to fade dark spots + discoloration -- wherever that may be. It can also soothe any shave-related irritation or redness so your arms look flawless again. Plus, it'll leave you smelling like a tropical paradise!

If you shave your armpit hair, facial hair, or bikini line, you can also apply this formula there for the same benefits.

7. Moisturize Your Shaved Arms

Finally, now your arms are hair-free, it's time to smother them in moisturiser to seal in moisture, ward off irritation, and leave your arms feeling soft to the touch. 

Instead of your regular lotion, try our Hydrate Body Butter, which is a dozen times more hydrating and promises to leave skin soft, smooth + smelling like cupcakes. Yum! It's made with coconut and vanilla to hydrate, nourish, and soothe your skin post-shave -- or whenever!

Always moisturize after every shaving session to keep skin healthy, smooth, and happy. Plus, it can help prevent a slew of skin concerns such as razor burn, bumps, redness, and dryness.

AFTERCARE TIPS

So you've officially shaved your arms for the first time, and now you want them to stay looking and feeling as soft as they do now. Here are a few quick tips for taking care of your arms after shaving.

• Keep them moisturized: after showering, always slather on a hydrating lotion or butter to keep your skin healthy and prevent irritation.
• Wear loose fitting clothes for the first few days: when your skin is freshly shaved, it tends to be a little more sensitive than usual. Avoid irritating your skin by dressing in loose fitting clothing for the first 2-3 days after shaving.
• Store your razor in a clean, dry place: to keep your razor performing its best, always store it somewhere clean and dry.

You absolutely can shave your arms, and you should if you feel like that's what you want. With this easy, 7-step arm shaving routine, you can get the smoothest arms of your life without undesirable side effects like cuts, burns, and bumps. Ouch!

Alternatively, speak to your dermatologist about other hair removal options like laser hair removal, which offers a more permanent solution and can be helpful if your skin gets easily irritated from shaving.