Hair Removal 101: How To Shave Bikini Area And Underarms Without Damage — And Why Overusing Razors Can Cause Problems

Nine out of ten women use a razor to remove unwanted hair — it’s quick, easy, and affordable. But frequent shaving can sometimes lead to skin darkening and coarser-looking hair regrowth, which isn’t exactly ideal. So, what’s the best way to solve this?

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Why Is Shaving So Popular?

According to informal surveys, around 90% of women have either tried or regularly use razors for hair removal. The reason is simple: convenience. One quick glide is all it takes to remove hair, making it much faster than depilatory creams or waxing.

When you’re in a hurry and need smooth, clean skin in minutes, a razor is a lifesaver. They’re also inexpensive — even if you replace them regularly, they won’t break the bank, which makes them especially appealing for budget-conscious women.

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Shaving Techniques for Different Body Areas

While shaving works quickly, it’s important to adjust your technique depending on the body part to avoid irritation or missed spots.

1. Underarms

Start by gently exfoliating with a mild scrub to remove dead skin cells for a smoother shave. Apply shaving gel — or even shower gel — to fully cover the area. Raise your arm, then shave from top to bottom with the razor close to the skin. Follow with a second pass from bottom to top to catch any missed hairs.

2. Arms & Legs

The same method works for both arms and legs: apply a lubricating product like shaving gel or a thick moisturizer, shave in the direction of hair growth, then do a second pass against the grain. For tricky spots like elbows or knees, bend the joint to create a flat surface for safer, more effective shaving.

3. Bikini Area

The bikini line has delicate skin, so be extra careful. Work from the outside inwards, moving the razor in a horizontal motion. If a regular razor feels awkward, try a small flat razor for better control.

4. Facial Hair

Excess facial hair can make skin look dull and may increase the risk of clogged pores. Removing peach fuzz can brighten the complexion and help makeup apply more smoothly. Use a small flat eyebrow razor instead of a standard T-shaped razor, and gently glide over areas like the upper lip and cheeks. Keep movements light to avoid nicks.

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5 Common Shaving Questions — Answered!

1. Can I Shave Every Day?

Hair growth speed varies from person to person. Some women notice stubble just a day or two after shaving and are tempted to shave daily.

However, shaving causes friction and mild irritation, so daily shaving can over-stress the skin. It’s best to wait at least one to two days between shaves to give your skin time to recover.

2. Should I Shave With or Against the Grain?

Shaving with the grain is gentler but may not remove all hairs. Against the grain gives a closer shave but can cause more irritation.

For the best of both worlds, shave once with the grain, then a second time against it — and always follow up with aftercare to soothe the skin.

3. How Often Should I Replace My Razor?

Never use the same razor forever! A razor’s “lifespan” is roughly 5–10 uses. Ideally, replace it every 1–2 weeks.

If you shave in the shower, moisture can cause rust — and using a rusty blade is a big no-no. Always replace it immediately if you notice rust.

4. Does Shaving Make Hair Grow Back Thicker?

No — this is a beauty myth. Shaving only removes hair at the surface. Because it cuts the fine tapered tip, the regrown hair may appear blunt and thicker, but it’s just an optical effect, not an actual change in hair thickness.

5. Is an Electric Shaver Better Than a Razor?

Electric shavers can be more convenient and safer, with some models designed for both wet and dry use across different body areas. Some even include skin-protection features. However, they tend to cost more — often several times the price of a disposable razor — ranging from around $20 to over $100. If the investment makes sense for you, it’s worth trying.

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7 Important Shaving Precautions You Shouldn’t Ignore

Shaving might seem simple, but there are actually many important points to keep in mind. One careless move could injure your skin! If you want a smooth and thorough hair-removal result, take note of these 7 dermatologist-recommended tips:

1. Never share your razor with others

No matter how good your razor is, or how much your best friend swears by hers, you should never share the same razor. You might think a razor only scrapes away hair and maybe a little skin, and that it’s fine to share after disinfecting. But in reality, shaving creates tiny, invisible cuts on your skin. Using someone else’s razor could transfer their blood and bacteria to your skin — and even into your bloodstream.

2. Avoid shaving over wounds

Some women still shave even when they have a skin injury, wanting to maintain a clean look. Technically, it’s not impossible to shave with a wound, but if the blade touches it, the risk of repeated infections rises. Using a rusty blade is even worse — bacteria could enter your bloodstream through the wound.

3. Exfoliate before shaving

After a full day of activity, your skin accumulates dust, dirt, and sweat. Regular body wash can’t fully remove old keratin buildup. When dead skin accumulates, your skin becomes rough, making it harder for the razor to glide smoothly.

Gently exfoliating before shaving — with a scrub or exfoliating gel — helps the razor stay close to the skin, improving hair removal results and preventing pigmentation.

4. Shave at night for better skin recovery

Some women wonder if shaving in the morning or at night makes a difference. Hair won’t grow back dramatically overnight, but dermatologists recommend shaving at night. After shaving, skin is more delicate, and since nighttime activities are minimal, there’s less friction — reducing the chance of dullness.

5. Use a lubricant on the skin

Dry shaving with a razor can be harsh on your skin. If you’re using a regular T-shaped razor, apply shaving gel first. If you don’t have any, you can use shower gel or a thick layer of cream as a substitute. This reduces friction and minimizes irritation or injury.

6. Avoid acidic skincare products right after shaving

Some people recommend using AHA products after shaving to remove extra keratin and brighten the skin. This is actually a mistake. Freshly shaved skin is sensitive and may have invisible micro-cuts. Using acidic products immediately after can further irritate your skin.

7. Switch to a small razor for tricky areas

T-shaped razors don’t always work well for curved or bony areas like elbows or knees, and can sometimes cause nicks. In these cases, use a flat, small razor (like an eyebrow razor). Its close-fitting blade removes hair more precisely without harming the skin.

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4 Drawbacks of Shaving — Nicks Are Just the Beginning

Many believe shaving isn’t the best hair-removal method. Even the most premium razors can cause irritation and friction. Here’s what long-term shaving can do to your skin:

1. Short-lived results: Shaving only keeps you smooth for 2–3 days. To stay hair-free, you’d need to shave every 1–2 days — and forgetting can lead to awkward stubble.
2. Incomplete hair removal: Because skin has natural curves, razors can’t always stay perfectly flush against it — especially around joints. This often leaves behind missed patches of hair.
3. Ingrown hairs: Missed hairs can curl back into the skin and grow inward, appearing as tiny black dots. In severe cases, this can lead to folliculitis.
4. Pigmentation: Each shave causes micro-friction on the skin, stimulating pigment cells to produce melanin over time. This leads to dull, darkened skin.

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Black Dots After Shaving? Laser Hair Removal Can Help

For the sake of your skin health, consider putting down the razor for good. Shaving isn’t your only option — laser hair removal can solve unwanted hair problems and even stop hair growth altogether, freeing you from hair concerns permanently.

Perfect Medical’s laser hair removal service is designed for Asian skin, using a special 808nm wavelength laser that penetrates deep into the skin to cut off the follicle’s nutrient supply. Over time, hair growth slows and stops. The laser also targets melanin to brighten and reduce dullness.

Right now, Perfect Medical is offering an exclusive deal — no membership required — to try 6 sessions of the A3 Laser Hair Removal Treatment at a special price. Say goodbye to unwanted hair and enjoy smooth, fresh skin anytime!