How to Make Your Arm Hair Shorter

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A simple guide to cutting your arm hair with an electric trimmer or scissors
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If you have long arm hair that you don't want, there's no need to worry! It’s easy to groom your hair to keep your arms looking smooth and hair-free. Instead of using a razor or shaver, simply trim your hair every 1 to 3 months. You can use either an electric trimmer or a sharp pair of scissors. Take your time, make small snips, and you’ll trim your arm hair to a comfortable length.

Things You Should Know

  • Set the flat side of an electric trimmer against the opposite direction of your hair growth. Start trimming at your shoulders and move down to your forearms.
  • Use a 4-6 guard size on the electric trimmer for long hair, 2-4 for medium, and 0-2 for short.
  • Or, comb your back against the direction of your hair growth. Then, use a pair of small, sharp scissors to trim the ends of your hair starting at your forearm.
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Deciding on Hair Length

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  1. When it comes to arm hair length, it is a matter of personal preference. If you are comfortable with a little longer hair, use a short guard if using electric trimmers or trim only a tiny bit of hair off if using scissors.
    • This is a more natural look that looks good on men.
  2. If you don’t want to trim off all of your hair but want to groom your arms, avoid trimming your arm hair too short. Remove some of the hair, but stop when your hair is at your desired length.
    • This looks good for both men and women.
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  3. If you want to trim your arm hair short, make your cuts close to the skin or don’t use a guard on your trimmers. Avoid cutting your hair all the way at the skin, as the hairs may grow in darker. [1]
    • This is a good idea if you are a bodybuilder or fitness enthusiast and want to show off your guns.
    • This is a popular look for women as well as men.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Using an Electric Trimmer

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  1. When trimming arm hair, the goal is to get a uniform hair length. Using electric clippers is the easiest way to do this, since there are different guard settings available. To put on the guard, place the tip of the razor into the guard and snap it into place. [2]
    • If you want longer arm hair, use a 4-6 guard size.
    • If you want medium length hair, use a 2-4 guard.
    • For very short arm hair, use a 0-2 guard size.
  2. To best trim your hair, look at your arm hair to determine its direction of growth. Then, position the electric trimmer in the opposite direction. [3]
    • This way, you can trim the hair completely rather than smoothing it over your skin.
  3. Hold the flat side of the razor against your skin, and move your trimmer in 3–5 in (7.6–12.7 cm) sections across your shoulder. [4]
  4. Position your electric trimmer so the flat edge is against your skin, and move it in small sections to trim your hair. Oftentimes, the bicep is where uneven patches of hair grow. Make sure you follow the opposite direction of your hair growth. [5]
    • The hair can grow in different directions around your bicep.
  5. Once you trim the hair on your biceps, continue trimming down your arms to your forearms. You may have to switch directions again, based on the way your hair grows. Once you trim the hair around your wrist, you are finished. [6]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Trimming with Scissors

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  1. Use a fine-tooth comb to brush the hair backwards several times. Do this until the hair is mostly vertical, so you can easily see its total length. [7]
    • Combing your hair the opposite direction makes it easy for you to see the hair and trim it to your desired length.
  2. Trimming scissors work great for trimming your arm hair. After you comb your hair upwards, make small snips across your arm hair, starting with your forearm. Remove any uneven areas and try to get all of your hair the same length. [8]
    • When trimming your hair with scissors, starting at your forearm ensures the rest of your hair will be the close to the same length.
  3. As you trim your hair, it may make it easier if you comb up your hair again. That way, you can easily see the length. After you comb the hair, trim it in small sections until you are comfortable with your outcome. Take your time as you do this to avoid messing up. [9]
    • As you trim, check to make sure you don’t have any high or low spots in your arm hair. You want your hair to all be close to the same length.
    • If you rush, you can cut your hair too short or cut yourself.
    • Avoid over-trimming your arm hair. You can always trim more off, but you can’t put it back if you cut it too short!
  4. When you are finished trimming your arm hair, use your fine-toothed comb to smooth your hair back against your arm. [10]
    • Combing your hair again also makes makes it easier to notice any long patches or uneven sections.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I make my arm hair thinner?
    Karina Villalta
    Certified Esthetician
    Karina Villalta is a certified Esthetician and Owner of Oh Sweet and Sugar and Shears, a skincare and hair removal service located in Seattle and Kirkland, Washington. With over eight years of experience, Karina specializes in eyebrow shaping, a hair removal technique called sugaring, and organic facials. Karina started her career and was trained at Benefit Cosmetics Brow Bar. Since opening her own business, Karina ensures her clients are educated about their skin and helps them implement personalized skincare routines.
    Karina Villalta
    Certified Esthetician
    Expert Answer
    You have two options: sugaring or laser hair removal. Sugaring works by pulling the hair out from the root, and over time, this can make the hair grow back finer and less noticeable. Some people see a difference after just two treatments, but to keep the results, you’ll need to do it about every 6 weeks. Laser hair removal is another good option and can give longer-lasting results. Most people need 6 to 8 sessions to see a big reduction in hair. After that, you might only need a few touch-up treatments now and then. So just remember that hormonal fluctuation or even your body's normal response can cause the hair to grow back. Some may grow back thinner, and others may grow back thicker, so that's something to watch for.
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  • Question
    After trimming, will my arms hairs look sharp and thick?
    Community Answer
    They will look clean and sharp. As for thickness, it depends on how thick your arm hair is.
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      Tips

      • If you need help, ask a trusted friend or relative. It may be easier to have someone else trim your hair for you.
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      • Trimming your arm hair does not make it thicker, as long as you do not remove the hair at its root.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.gq.com/story/gq-mens-body-grooming-duide
      2. ↑ https://www.getridofthings.com/get-rid-of-arm-hair/
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/av8De-qKjtY?t=1m6s
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/av8De-qKjtY?t=2m32s
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/av8De-qKjtY?t=2m32s
      6. ↑ https://youtu.be/av8De-qKjtY?t=2m32s
      7. ↑ https://youtu.be/uG0HHWz0YiI?t=34s
      8. ↑ https://youtu.be/uG0HHWz0YiI?t=43s
      9. ↑ https://youtu.be/uG0HHWz0YiI?t=59s
      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/uG0HHWz0YiI?t=1m33s

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To trim your arm hair, try using an electric trimmer. You can adjust the guard on the trimmer to the length you want, which will avoid an uneven cut. Move the trimmer in the opposite direction of your hair growth and work from your shoulder down to your forearm for best results. You can also trim your hair with scissors. To do this, comb your hair straight so you can easily see how long it is. Then, cut it in short snips with small scissors. You’ll find it easier to get an even cut if you work from your forearms upwards so you can see your hair length as you work. For tips on how to decide how short to trim your arm hair, read on!

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