How To Shave Your Armpit Hair - Gillette Venus

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How to Shave Your Armpits

Gillette Venus

Writer and expert • 29 Mar 2023

Want to prevent razor burn and skin irritation when shaving your underarms? We’ve put together seven simple tips for how to shave armpit hair the right way.

Want to avoid razor burn and skin irritation when shaving your underarms? We’ve put together simple tips for how to shave armpits. Learning how to shave your underarms correctly can reduce the chances of razor burn, ingrown hairs and skin irritation. So here are straightforward tips for how to shave women's armpit hair.

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Step 1

Don’t use a dull razor

Shaving with a dull razor blade increases the likelihood of razor burn and skin irritation. If you start to feel your blade pull at your body hair or feel rough on your skin, replace it.

Step 2

Hydrate your skin before you shave

It may be tempting to dry-shave your armpits given how small the area is. But keep in mind the skin under your arms is sensitive, so it’s important to protect it while shaving.

Soak your underarms in warm water in a shower or bath for around three minutes to soften your skin and make the hair thick with water. This helps the hair cut more easily.

Young woman applying cream on her armpit

Step 3

Wash your underarms

Cleaning your armpits before you shave can ensure they are clear of sweat and deodorant which can clog razor blades.

This helps the razor more effectively shave off body hair; it also helps prevent bacteria from the combination of sweat and deodorant from penetrating through the skin if nicked while shaving.

Woman with soapy skin shaving her armpit

Step 4

Use shaving gel

Although the surface area is tiny and only takes a few strokes of a razor to shave, remember underarms are sensitive. Use shaving gel to maintain moisture and help the razor glide more easily over your skin, to better safeguard from irritation.

Step 5

Shave your armpits in all directions

Women's armpit hair grows in all directions, so shaving in one direction might not result in a close shave. The best way to shave your armpit hair is to lift your arm above your head, press gently down on the razor and shave lightly in short strokes in all directions — downward, sideways and back upward, if needed.

Woman shaving underarm with a razor in a bathroom setting.

Step 6

Be sure to moisturize

Once you’re finished shaving, rinse and gently pat your armpits dry with a clean towel. Apply moisturizer or oil, preferably an alcohol-free one. Although it may sound counterintuitive to moisturize this area, it will help keep your skin hydrated and reduce the chances of developing razor burn and bumps.

Woman wearing a towel putting cream on her underarm

Step 7

Wait Before Applying Deodorant

After you shave, wait a little bit before putting on antiperspirant. Applying deodorant to freshly shaven skin may cause some discomfort. So, allow your skin time to rest to reduce the chances of irritation from the deodorant.