How to Shave or Trim Your Armpit Hair

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Removing underarm hair can help reduce body odor and is a cultural norm in many places. Some athletes, such as swimmers, remove body hair to improve performance. Shaving is one of the most efficient and low-cost ways to remove underarm hair. The most common methods include using a safety razor or an electric shaver. Using a straight razor is not recommended.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Using A Safety Razor

PDF download Download Article
  1. It is often easiest to shave in the shower or during a bath. Water will soften the skin while the warmth will prevent goosebumps, which can get cut while shaving. [1]
  2. Commercially produced shaving gel, lotion or foam can help soften the skin and make a smoother shave possible. Soap, shampoo, or conditioner may be adequate substitutes.
    • Cover the entire area with a generous amount of lubricant.
    • If necessary, soap or gel can be reapplied partway through the shaving process.
    Advertisement
  3. When the skin is taut, it is easier to get a smooth shave and prevent cuts.
  4. Hold the razor in your other hand and start by shaving in the direction of hair growth. If your skin is sensitive, shaving against the grain can result in razor burn. If sensitivity is not an issue, shave both up and down, as underarm hair may grow in several different directions. [2]
    • Avoid pressing the razor too firmly against your skin, as this can result in razor burn.
  5. For the smoothest shave it is best to remove foam and cut hair strands.
    • Do not attempt to dislodge hair or otherwise clean the razor with your fingers. You will cut them.
  6. It may take some practice to use your weaker hand to shave, but over time this will become easier.
  7. Rinse under both arms to remove any remaining foam or loose hair. The skin is likely to be sensitive, so consider using a gentle moisturizer after you dry off.
    • Deodorants may sting if applied immediately after shaving.
    • Consider shaving at night to allow the skin to rest and heal before applying any products.
    • If irritation or inflammation persists consult a dermatologist or try a different process.
    8. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Using An Electric Razor

PDF download Download Article
  1. Some newer models can be used with wet or dry skin, but the typical electric razor is designed only for dry use. Review the packaging to be certain which kind of razor you have.
    • If you are unsure, try dry shaving first.
    • Electric appliances should never be used in the shower or bath. Wet shavers can be used on wet skin, but should not be used while you bathe.
  2. You will get the smoothest shave if the hair is completely dry. Clean your underarm hair to remove oils or  deodorant residue. [3]
    • Consider using a pre-shave product designed specifically for electric razors. These may be marketed to men to ease facial hair removal.
  3. Lift your arm in such a way that the skin underneath is as tight and smooth as possible. This will reduce the risk of skin becoming caught in the razor.
    • Hold the electric shaver at a right angle to your skin.
    • Shave against the grain of the hair. This may entail strokes in several different directions to ensure the closest shave.
  4. If you are just beginning to use an electric shaver your skin may be sensitive and irritated easily. After several weeks of consistent use this problem should self-resolve. If irritation persists, discontinue use or consult a dermatologist.
    5. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Is it good to shave armpit hair?
    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
    It's totally a matter of personal preference. There's nothing intrinsically wrong with having armpit hair. It's natural, after all!
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 8 Helpful 38
  • Question
    Is it bad to shave your armpits a lot?
    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
    It can cause some irritation or razor burn if you aren't careful or you're shaving super often. This wouldn't normally be a huge deal though, and most people generally don't need to shave all that often.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 23
  • Question
    Are there any easier ways to get rid of armpit hair?
    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
    I'm super fond of sugaring or laser treatments for armpit hair. Sugaring involves heating sugar, water, and lemon juice and then working that into your skin to remove hair at the follicle. Laser treatments are done in a professional office or salon. Both of those are good options if you don't want to shave.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 8 Helpful 22
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • Most electric shavers are designed for men to use on facial hair, which may be too powerful for soft underarm skin. If you try a shaver marketed to men and have problems, consider searching for a product marketed to women instead. [4]
        Thanks
        Helpful 4 Not Helpful 0
      • Always use a sharp razor; this helps prevent underarm bumps. If your razor becomes dull discontinue use or replace the blades.
        Thanks
        Helpful 8 Not Helpful 0
      • Using a safety razor without water or lubricant can increase skin irritation. It is better to avoid dry shaving with a safety razor when possible.
        Thanks
        Helpful 7 Not Helpful 0
      Show More Tips
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Shave With Conditioner
      How to
      Shave Your Legs
      How to
      Shave Your Face
      The Best Ways to Remove Unwanted Female Facial Hair
      How to
      Shave Pubic Hair in Your Bikini Area (Plus the Best Razors to Use!)
      How to
      Have Good Hygiene (Girls)
      How to
      Shave Your Genitals (Male)
      How to
      Shave Your Pubic Hair
      How to
      Properly Shave Your Butt Hair (And Prevent Bumps & Burns)
      How to
      Shave Pubic Hair Near Your Vagina Before Sex
      How to
      Shave With an Electric Shaver
      A Complete Guide to Shaving Your Body (and Preventing Razor Burn)
      How to
      Shave Body Hair (Men)
      How to
      Shave Your Own Back (Plus Other Hair Removal Options)
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.webmd.com/beauty/video/women-shaving-tips
      2. ↑ https://www.webmd.com/beauty/video/women-shaving-tips
      3. ↑ http://www.menshealth.co.uk/style/grooming/rules-of-electric-shaving
      4. ↑ https://www.allure.com/story/would-you-use-an-electric-razo

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      Before you shave your armpits using a safety razor, raise one arm over your head and apply a generous layer of shave gel or lotion to your entire armpit. Hold the razor in your other hand and shave in the direction of your hair growth, rinsing the razor after each stroke. If your skin is not sensitive, shave against the grain of your hair as well, since underarm hair may grow in different directions. Avoid pressing the razor too firmly against your skin, as this may result in razor burn. Repeat on the other side, then rinse underneath each of your armpits. If you want to learn how to use an electric razor under your armpits, keep reading!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,135,452 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Cydney Leach

        Apr 27, 2016

        "I am 11 and my armpits are let's say, hairy! My dad tried to teach me because I don't have a mom. I got ..." more
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story
      If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission .

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement