Is shaving your forearms safe?

While hair growth on forearms is a natural occurrence for everyone, some don't mind it, whereas others may not like its appearance. If you've considered shaving your forearms, rest assured it's safe, provided you proceed with caution. It can even boost your confidence. However, there are key points to keep in mind before reaching for the razor.

Shaving is one of the most widely-used methods for hair removal, though it only affects the surface level of the skin. As a result, the hair will grow back relatively quickly, typically within one to three days [source: Hirsch]. It's also important to remember that newly regrown hair might feel rough or prickly, so frequent shaving might be necessary to maintain smooth skin. The myth that hair grows back thicker or darker after shaving is simply untrue [source: Barba].

To shave your forearms, you just need to follow a few straightforward techniques. If your arm hair is thick, begin by trimming it before you shave. Soak your arms in warm water to soften both the hair and skin. After that, use an alcohol-free shaving gel or cream, as alcohol can dry out and irritate your skin. When you're ready, make sure your razor is clean and sharp, and always shave in the direction of the hair growth, not against it [source: Mayo Clinic]. Avoid pressing too hard with the razor and refrain from shaving over the same area multiple times to prevent irritation [source: WebMD]. Once you're done, rinse your arms with warm water and apply an alcohol-free moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated.