Raise your arm fully so the underarm skin is stretched flat, then move the shaver in short strokes in several directions: up, down and side to side. Underarm hair grows in more than one direction, so a single pass one way always leaves some behind. Start on clean, dry skin with no deodorant on it, and keep the pressure light.
Why are underarms harder to shave than legs?
Three things make this small area awkward.
- The shape. The underarm is a hollow. A flat shaver head cannot touch all of it at once unless the skin is stretched.
- The growth pattern. Hair in the upper half often grows upward and hair in the lower half downward, with some growing sideways in between.
- Product residue. Deodorant and antiperspirant leave a film that flattens hair against the skin and gums up the shaver head.
Once you deal with those three, the rest is straightforward.
What do you need?
- A charged electric shaver with a clean head
- A mirror and good light
- A towel
- A plain, fragrance-free moisturizer for afterward, if your skin tends to feel dry
Step by step
Step 1: Wash off deodorant
Clean the area with soap and water and rinse well. Any residue left behind will make the shaver drag.
Step 2: Dry the skin completely
Pat dry with a towel and wait a minute. Unless your shaver's instructions say it can be used on wet skin, even slight dampness makes hair cling to the skin instead of standing up.
Step 3: Shorten long hair
If it has been a few weeks, trim the hair down first. Long hair tends to bend over the guard and get pushed around instead of cut.
Step 4: Raise your arm high
Lift your arm straight up and rest your hand on the back of your head. This opens the hollow and stretches the skin. If part of the area still dips, use the fingers of your other hand to pull the skin gently toward your ribs.
Step 5: Shave in several directions
Place the head flat on the skin and make short strokes upward. Then go downward, then across. Slow, overlapping strokes work better than quick ones.
Step 6: Check by touch
Run a fingertip across the area. You will feel stray hairs more easily than you can see them. Go back over those spots with one or two light passes.
Step 7: Clean up
Brush loose hair off your skin and out of the shaver head. Apply moisturizer if you want it.
When can you put deodorant back on?
You can apply it straight away if your skin feels fine. If freshly shaved skin tends to sting, wait a little while first, or shave in the evening and apply deodorant the next morning. Products with alcohol or strong fragrance are the ones most likely to sting on just-shaved skin.
What if the result is not smooth?
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Hairs left in the center | The hollow was not stretched flat | Raise the arm higher and pull the skin taut |
| Hairs left at the edges | Strokes went in only one direction | Add downward and sideways passes |
| Shaver drags or tugs | Damp skin, residue, a clogged head or low battery | Wash and dry the skin, brush out the head, recharge |
| Redness afterward | Too much pressure or too many passes | Lighten your grip and limit repeat passes |
| Long hairs slide past the head | Hair is too long to enter the guard | Trim first, then shave |
Choosing a shaver for underarms
A small, light shaver is easier to angle into the underarm than a bulky one, and a cordless design means there is no cable to work around while one arm is raised. The Uexim rechargeable electric shaver for women is described as compact and lightweight, with cordless, rechargeable operation and an ABS housing. It is listed for use on the legs, underarms, bikini area and face, and comes in white.
How often should you shave your underarms?
There is no fixed schedule. Underarm hair tends to grow back quickly, so many people shave every two or three days and some shave daily. If your skin feels sore, leave a longer gap and let it settle before the next shave.
Keeping the area comfortable between shaves
- Wear loose sleeves for an hour or two after shaving if your skin feels sensitive.
- Brush out the shaver head every time, so the next shave starts clean.
- Do not shave over a rash, cut or irritated patch. Wait until it has cleared.
- Wash the area gently. Scrubbing straight after shaving can add to redness.
Frequently asked questions
Is an electric shaver or a manual razor better for underarms?
It comes down to preference. A manual razor with shaving gel can cut very close. An electric shaver keeps a guard between the blades and your skin and needs no water or foam, which many people find quicker and more comfortable.
Why do my underarms still look dark after shaving?
Shaving cuts hair at the surface, so the part of the hair just under the skin can still show as a shadow, especially if your hair is dark. That is normal and not a sign that you shaved badly.
Can I shave my underarms every day?
Yes, if your skin tolerates it. Use light pressure and take a break if you notice soreness.
Should I shave my underarms in the shower?
Only if your shaver's instructions say it is safe to use wet. Otherwise shave before you shower, on dry skin.
The bottom line
Clean and dry the skin, lift your arm high to flatten the hollow, and shave in every direction with a light hand. Those three habits fix most underarm shaving problems.
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