Should I Shave My Arms?

Arm hair isn’t widely spoken about. Still, that doesn’t mean we don’t have questions about it like, is it safe to shave your arms? Will shaving arms lead to hair growing back thicker?

At the end of the day, it’s your body hair and you get to decide what you want to do with it. If you’re dealing with thick, coarse arm hair, you might be wondering, ‘Should I shave my arms?’

Here’s everything you should know about shaving arm hair, whether or not to do it, and how to shave your arms for the best possible outcome.

Should I Shave My Arms?

The short answer is that it's up to you. There are no physical health benefits to shaving your arms, but grooming your hair in a way that makes you feel your best can boost your self-esteem and positively affect your mental health. If having hairy arms doesn't bother you, then you shouldn't feel any pressure to shave them. On the other hand, if you prefer smoother, hair-free arms, then it's perfectly okay to look into hair removal options.

Is it Bad to Shave Arms?

Shaving your arms is generally considered safe. However, there are some potential side effects to keep in mind. Some people may experience razor burn, rashes, nicks, ingrown hairs, and skin irritation. That said, this can happen when you shave your armpit hair, leg hair, or bikini line. That is why it’s always important to follow a skin-friendly shaving routine so you enjoy smooth skin without the side effects.

Side Effects of Arm Shaving

In addition to razor burn and ingrown hairs, there are a few other potential side effects of arm shaving to be aware of. First, shaving can cause the hair to grow back with a blunt tip, which can make it feel stubbly or prickly as it regrows. Second, shaving can lead to dry skin, especially if you don't use a moisturizing lotion after you shave. Finally, if you shave your arms too often, you may be at risk of developing folliculitis, which is an inflammation of the hair follicles that can be caused by irritation or infection.

Do Arm Hairs Grow Back Thicker?

One of the most common myths about shaving is that it makes hair grow back thicker and darker. This is not true. When you shave your arms, you are cutting the hair off at the surface of the skin. The hair that grows back will be the same thickness and color as it was before. However, because the hair is cut off at a blunt angle, it may feel thicker or coarser as it regrows.

How to Shave Arms

If you've decided to shave your arms, here are some tips to help you do it safely and effectively.

1. Prepare your skin: The first step to shaving your arms is to prepare your skin. Take a warm shower or use a warm towel to open up your pores and soften the hair. The warm water or towel will make it easier to shave and prevent razor burns.

2. Trim arm hair: If you’ve got very thick, coarse armpit hair, it might be best to remove hair with a trimmer. At least just to get rid of the majority of it so that your razor can easily glide through the rest.

3. Exfoliate: Before you begin shaving, exfoliate your arms to remove any dead skin cells. This will help prevent ingrown hairs and ensure a closer shave. You can use a loofah or body scrub for this step.

4. Lather up and lubricate: Apply a generous amount of shaving cream or shaving gel to your arms. Make sure to use a product specifically designed for sensitive skin to prevent irritation.

5. Use a sharp razor: Use a sharp razor with multiple blades to get a close shave. Avoid using a dull razor as it can cause cuts and irritation. It's also important to use a razor specifically designed for the body, as they are often larger and more flexible to maneuver around the contours of your arms.

6. Shave in the direction of hair growth: Start by shaving in the direction of hair growth. This will prevent razor burns and ingrown hairs. Once you have shaved in one direction, you can shave in the opposite direction for an even closer shave.

7. Rinse and moisturize: After you have finished shaving, rinse your arms with cool water and pat them dry with a clean towel. Apply a moisturizing lotion or serum to prevent dryness and soothe any irritation.

8. Clean your razor: Once you're finished, rinse your razor with warm water and pat it dry with a towel. Store it in a dry place to prevent rusting and ensure it stays sharp for your next use.

Try this Arm Shaving Routine

Step #1: Smooth Scrub

Buff away razor-dulling dead skin cells with Rainbow’s Smooth Scrub, a formula of niacinamide and strawberry designed to gently exfoliate skin for improved tone and texture.

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Step #2: Shine Polish

Lubricate your skin with Rainbow’s Shine Polish to provide a slippery base on which your razor can glide over. Enriched with nourishing coconut and vitamin E, Shine Polish ensures a silky smooth, irritation-free shave.

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Step #3: Illuminate Serum

Soothe and treat hyperpigmentation with Rainbow’s Illuminate Serum which features brightening pineapple and retinol.

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Step #4: Hydrate Butter

Lock in moisture and dewiness with Rainbow’s Hydrate Butter, a blend of shea butter, vitamin E, and vanilla to deeply nourish, nurture, and plump your skin. It’ll leave your arms feeling heavenly soft.

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Shaving your arms is a personal choice. If you would like to achieve smooth arms then it's perfectly okay to consider shaving to remove unwanted hair. Remember to take care when shaving your arms to prevent potential side effects like razor burn, ingrown hairs, and folliculitis. By following these tips, you can achieve a smooth, hair-free look. You can also apply these tips when shaving other parts of your body like your legs, underarms, and bikini area.

If you’re looking for a more permanent method of arm hair removal, consider waxing or laser hair removal. However, if it’s your first time, stick to arm shaving which is a quick, easy, and painless way to get hairless arms.