HEALTH

Hair removal is never a super enjoyable activity, but shaving your underarms can be a whole new level of frustrating. It's tough to get the perfect angle for your razor, and it's so easy to accidentally nick yourself. Not to mention the fact that armpit hair seems to grow back almost instantaneously. Ugh...the struggle!

Thankfully, shaving your armpit hair doesn't have to be such a horrible process. All it takes is the right tools, techniques and a little bit of patience.

Use the right razor.

Image: instagram.com/gillettevenus

It might be enticing to grab a pack of $1 disposables from the drugstore, but cheap razors won't do your skin any favors. For extra sensitive areas like your underarms, you definitely want to use a higher quality razor. Try a razor with a moisturizing strip for extra protection against razor burn and dry skin. If you're having trouble reaching the crevices of your underarm, try a razor with a rounded, pivoting head.

Make sure that the blades on your razor are clean and sharp. That rusty thing that's been sitting on the ledge of your shower for five months? Probably not the best one to use. Dull or rusty razors create more friction as they move over your skin, so they cause more irritation. 

Don't skip the shaving cream.

A dry shave (especially on your underarms) is a recipe for disaster. Be sure to use water and shaving cream to avoid pain and redness. If normal shaving cream just isn't cutting it, try Cremo Shave Cream, which you can grab from Target or Amazon. It has a special, concentrated formula to fight nicks and bumps. It softens and smooths with ingredients like aloe and papaya, leading to a closer and more comfy shave. The bonus? You only need a tiny amount, so it lasts for a long time.

If you need something in a pinch, you can always use conditioner in place of shaving cream. Yep, the product softens body hair just like it does the hair on your head! But it can clog your razor, so make sure to rinse it off frequently.

Lather up with lotion.

Shaving can really dry out your skin, so staying moisturized is key to avoid redness and itchiness later. As soon as you hop out of the shower, pat your freshly-shaved pits dry (no rubbing with a towel—it can cause irritation) and apply a generous amount of lotion. If you have sensitive skin, opt for an unscented, gentle formula.

Try not to shave every day.

It's tough to avoid when your go-to top is a tank, but shaving every day can be really irritating to those with sensitive skin (helloooo, razor burn). If you're experiencing pain when you shave, it's best to let your hair grow out between shaves—even if it's just for two or three days.

Slider & top image: instagram.com/gillettevenus

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by Kathleen O'Neill | 1/29/2021