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Shaving
How to Shave Your Arms Download ArticleExplore this Article parts 1 Preparing Your Arms 2 Shaving Your Arms 3 Treating Razor Burn and Maintaining Your Shaved Arms Other Sections Questions & Answers Tips and Warnings Things You'll Need Related Articles References Article Summary Co-authored by Juan Sabino
Last Updated: April 14, 2025 Approved
Download Article X
This article was co-authored by Juan Sabino. Juan Sabino is a Professional Barber and the Owner of Juan's Barber Shop, a barbershop based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Juan has over 20 years of male grooming experience and over eight years of professional barber experience. He specializes in combovers, barber fades, and tapers and is focused on improving men's overall wellness. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, several readers have written to tell us that this article was helpful to them, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 374,585 times.
Men and women shave their arms for a variety of reasons. Athletes, such as swimmers, runners, and cyclists, shave their arms to shave milliseconds off their race times. Bodybuilders shave their arms to look more aesthetically pleasing at competitions. Others simply prefer a shaved arm over a hairy appendage.
Steps
Part 1 Part 1 of 3:
Preparing Your Arms
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1 Exfoliate your arms. When shaving, the presence of dead skin cells can cause razor burn and ingrown hairs. It is possible to prevent razor burn and ingrown hairs by exfoliating the skin one to two days before shaving. While in the shower or bath, apply a store bought or homemade scrub to your wet arms. Rub the scrub over your appendages several times and then rinse off the product.[1]XResearch source
To make your own exfoliator, mix olive oil or coconut oil with brown sugar.[2]X Expert Source Juan SabinoProfessional BarberExpert Interview
2 Trim excess hair with electric clippers. If you have long, thick arm hair, shaving with a traditional razor blade will prove to be a long, frustrating, and tedious experience. Before you can achieve a close shave, you should trim the hair with an electric blade. Carefully run the electric clippers over your forearms, elbows, biceps, and shoulders. Advertisement
3 Rinse your arms. Haircuts, of any kind, have a tendency to make people feel itchy. Brush off your arms and then hop in the shower. Rinse in warm water to reduce irritation and remove the cut strands of hair from your arms and body.[3]XResearch source
Prior to showering, you may want to clean up the area in which you shaved—shake out the towel and or sweep up the floor.
Advertisement Part 2 Part 2 of 3:
Shaving Your Arms
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1 Wash your arms. You will significantly reduce your risk of skin irritation if you wash your arms before shaving your arms with a traditional razor blade. Remove any dirt and oils that have accumulated on your with a gentle cleanser. Rinse your arms thoroughly with warm water.[4]XResearch source
2 Lubricate your arms. Lubricants, such as shaving creams and gels, serve as a measure of protection against skin irritation and cuts. While you may coat your entire arm in shaving cream or gel, this may cause you to waste a large amount of the product. Instead, consider applying a lubricant to sections of your arms throughout the process of shaving. Once you have finished with a section, apply shaving gel or cream to an unshaven area of your arm.[5]XResearch source
3 Shave your arms. Divide your arms into small, manageable sections to shave.
Shave from the inside of your wrist, up the top of your forearm, and stop at your elbow. Gradually work your way across the forearm to the outside of your wrist, shaving in straight, even lines. Repeat on the other arm.
Shave the upper part of your arm—from your elbow to your shoulder—in the same manner. Repeat on the other arm.
Bend your elbow to tighten the skin. Slowly move the razor across the delicate skin of your elbow. Repeat on the other elbow.
If you are shaving your arms for swimming, it is recommended that you do not shave the underside of your arms. The hair on this part of your body allows you to feel the water as you are moving through it.
4 Rinse your arms. After you have shaved both arms, rinse them off under the warm water of your shower. The warm water helps to combat irritation. It may prevent the appearance of razor burn the next day.[6]XResearch source
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Treating Razor Burn and Maintaining Your Shaved Arms
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1 Apply aloe to your arms. Razor burn can plague even the most experienced and careful of shavers. If a red rash of little bumps appears on your arms, apply aloe to the irritated skin as soon as possible. Aloe soothes irritated skin and promotes healing. If your arms are in need of moisturiser, select a lotion that contains aloe.[7]XResearch source
2 Experiment with other natural remedies. In addition to aloe, there are several other natural razor burn remedies for your to choose from:
Apply apple cider vinegar to the irritated patches of skin.
Take a soothing oatmeal bath.
Spread a mashed up avocado onto the rash. It will soothe and moisturise your skin.
Rub coconut oil into your skin.[8]XResearch source
3 Shave every 1 to 2 weeks. While some individuals may only shave for certain occasions, such as a race or swim meet, others may wish to shave their arms regularly. The average person will need to shave the stubble from their arms every 1 to 2 weeks. If you have heavier hair growth, you may need to shave more frequently.
If you frequently get razor burn, shave less frequently.[9]XResearch source
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Question I am 12 and get red bumps on my arms when I shave my arms, what should I do? Chattox1 Community Answer This I called razor burn. It is likely due to you not using shaving cream, or your may be pushing down too hard, which creates small scrapes. Next time, don't push down as hard, and remember to use shaving cream or conditioner on your skin while you 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 10 Helpful 72
Question I've heard that the hair grows back thicker and darker, is that true? Community Answer Although this may seem true, no. After you shave your hair, the tips become blunt and might feel a bit coarse or "stubbly" for a while as it grows out. It doesn't actually change the thickness or the hair color. 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 12 Helpful 75
Question I want to shave my arms because I'm a runner, but my mom is very strict when it comes to shaving and I'm scared that she'll be very angry. What should I do? Community Answer The key here is to explain why you want to do this, and how it benefits you as a runner, and that other kids have done it. 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 45
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Tips
Rinse your razor with lukewarm water each time to prevent bacterial growth. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Replace your razor blade frequently. You may even wish to use more than one razor blade per shaving session. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
You are going to shave one arm with your non-dominant hand. If it is your first time, shave slowly and carefully until you feel more comfortable. Thanks Helpful 0 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
Warnings
Be extremely careful when you get to your elbow, just as you would with your knees when shaving your legs. Thanks Helpful 57 Not Helpful 7
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Things You'll Need
Electric clippers
Razor blades
Shaving gel or cream
Lotion and/or Aloe Vera
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Co-authored by: Juan Sabino Professional Barber This article was co-authored by Juan Sabino. Juan Sabino is a Professional Barber and the Owner of Juan's Barber Shop, a barbershop based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Juan has over 20 years of male grooming experience and over eight years of professional barber experience. He specializes in combovers, barber fades, and tapers and is focused on improving men's overall wellness. This article has been viewed 374,585 times. How helpful is this? Co-authors: 32Updated: April 14, 2025 Views: 374,585 Categories: ShavingArticle SummaryX
A couple of days before you shave your arms, rub a salt or sugar scrub all over the skin on your arms to exfoliate them. If you have long, thick arm hair, trim the hair short with electric clippers. Wash your arms with a gentle cleanser, then apply a generous amount of shaving cream or gel to a section of your arm. Slowly glide the razor across your arm, adding more shaving cream as you move to each section. When you’re finished, rinse your arms in the shower. Keep reading to learn how to treat razor burn!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Reader Success Stories
Safa'a Mehdar
Jul 25, 2016
"I liked the aloe vera step, it really does make, my skin less irritated."
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Juan Sabino Professional Barber Click a star to vote Co-authors: 32Updated: April 14, 2025 Views: 374,585
Safa'a Mehdar
Jul 25, 2016
"I liked the aloe vera step, it really does make, my skin less irritated."
Lucy Bright
Apr 23, 2017
"This helped me to shave my arms and gave me loads of advice. Thanks!" Rated this article:
Sia Park
Jun 28, 2017
"It helped me learn how to shave properly, and I like it." Rated this article:
Asi Eeman
Aug 10, 2017
"A great site-- this is my go-to site for everything!"
Bobby Burns
Jun 30, 2017
"This helped me. A lot. " Rated this article: Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories
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Download Article Explore this Article parts 1 Preparing Your Arms 2 Shaving Your Arms 3 Treating Razor Burn and Maintaining Your Shaved Arms Other Sections Questions & Answers Tips and Warnings Things You'll Need Related Articles References Article Summary Co-authored by Juan Sabino 
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Co-authored by: Juan Sabino Professional Barber This article was co-authored by Juan Sabino. Juan Sabino is a Professional Barber and the Owner of Juan's Barber Shop, a barbershop based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Juan has over 20 years of male grooming experience and over eight years of professional barber experience. He specializes in combovers, barber fades, and tapers and is focused on improving men's overall wellness. This article has been viewed 374,585 times. How helpful is this? Co-authors: 32 Updated: April 14, 2025 Views: 374,585 Categories: Shaving Article SummaryX
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1 Exfoliate your arms. When shaving, the presence of dead skin cells can cause razor burn and ingrown hairs. It is possible to prevent razor burn and ingrown hairs by exfoliating the skin one to two days before shaving. While in the shower or bath, apply a store bought or homemade scrub to your wet arms. Rub the scrub over your appendages several times and then rinse off the product.[1] 
2 Trim excess hair with electric clippers. If you have long, thick arm hair, shaving with a traditional razor blade will prove to be a long, frustrating, and tedious experience. Before you can achieve a close shave, you should trim the hair with an electric blade. Carefully run the electric clippers over your forearms, elbows, biceps, and shoulders. Advertisement 
3 Rinse your arms. Haircuts, of any kind, have a tendency to make people feel itchy. Brush off your arms and then hop in the shower. Rinse in warm water to reduce irritation and remove the cut strands of hair from your arms and body.[3] 
1 Wash your arms. You will significantly reduce your risk of skin irritation if you wash your arms before shaving your arms with a traditional razor blade. Remove any dirt and oils that have accumulated on your with a gentle cleanser. Rinse your arms thoroughly with warm water.[4] 
2 Lubricate your arms. Lubricants, such as shaving creams and gels, serve as a measure of protection against skin irritation and cuts. While you may coat your entire arm in shaving cream or gel, this may cause you to waste a large amount of the product. Instead, consider applying a lubricant to sections of your arms throughout the process of shaving. Once you have finished with a section, apply shaving gel or cream to an unshaven area of your arm.[5] 
3 Shave your arms. Divide your arms into small, manageable sections to shave. 
4 Rinse your arms. After you have shaved both arms, rinse them off under the warm water of your shower. The warm water helps to combat irritation. It may prevent the appearance of razor burn the next day.[6] Advertisement 
1 Apply aloe to your arms. Razor burn can plague even the most experienced and careful of shavers. If a red rash of little bumps appears on your arms, apply aloe to the irritated skin as soon as possible. Aloe soothes irritated skin and promotes healing. If your arms are in need of moisturiser, select a lotion that contains aloe.[7] 
2 Experiment with other natural remedies. In addition to aloe, there are several other natural razor burn remedies for your to choose from: 
3 Shave every 1 to 2 weeks. While some individuals may only shave for certain occasions, such as a race or swim meet, others may wish to shave their arms regularly. The average person will need to shave the stubble from their arms every 1 to 2 weeks. If you have heavier hair growth, you may need to shave more frequently. 
Chattox1 Community Answer This I called razor burn. It is likely due to you not using shaving cream, or your may be pushing down too hard, which creates small scrapes. Next time, don't push down as hard, and remember to use shaving cream or conditioner on your skin while you 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 10 Helpful 72 
Community Answer Although this may seem true, no. After you shave your hair, the tips become blunt and might feel a bit coarse or "stubbly" for a while as it grows out. It doesn't actually change the thickness or the hair color. 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 12 Helpful 75 
Community Answer The key here is to explain why you want to do this, and how it benefits you as a runner, and that other kids have done it. 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 45