Some things, like wine, get better with age — and some things just don’t. Even if you’ve been shaving your underarms since your awkward teenage years, it doesn’t mean you’re a pro... yet. There’s a lot to be desired when it comes to keeping your underarms smooth. A lot of the time, it can seem straight-up impossible to get a close shave. Even if you do it every morning, there always seems to be just a little bit of a shadow there. On top of that, underarm skin can sometimes get irritated, dry, and itchy if you don't prep properly. And who wants to be caught scratching their armpits? No one, that’s who. Armpits, while one of the most commons places to shave, are also the toughest to navigate.
So it's time to invest in some serious learning about the underarms and how to care for them better. Whether you're headed to yoga class, the beach, or your favorite music festival, get ready for the smoothest, most comfortable underarms ever. We partnered with BIC® Soleil Shine™ to show you everything you've ever needed to know about shaving your armpits.
Step 1: Be Diligent About Your Blade
An old, dulled blade — which means anything you've used to shave three or four times — sets the stage for a not-so-close shave. It only gets harder when you factor in your armpit, which is often curved and hollowed. When you're working with a blade past its prime, you tend to press harder on it to compensate for the dullness, and that simply doesn't get the job done. So, in short: out with the old, and in with the new. Not only will you get a closer shave, but you'll save time.
Step 2: Suds Up
Before you pick up your brand-spanking-new razor, lather skin with a moisturizing shave cream. The extra dose of hydration from the shaving cream will minimize dryness—and by keeping the skin barrier healthy, you lower your risk of irritation, too. It's a win-win for your skin.
Step 3: Find Your Shaving Sweet Spot
It's probably the oldest hair-removal trick in the book: Shave in the direction of hair growth. But while that rule holds for your legs and bikini line, your armpits are a special case since the hair there grows in all different directions. So you can experiment to see what works best for you — up, down, whatever gets the job done. A razor with a pivoting head and multiple blades, like BIC Soleil Shine makes it easier to switch directions and get into every curve, giving you the closest possible shave.
Step 4: Give Your Armpits Some TLC
You'll reduce the risk of razor burn or irritation if you treat your underarms like there's sensitive skin there — a.k.a., be gentle with them. When you hop out of the shower, pat the area dry with a towel. Then, wait a few minutes — moisturize your legs, brush your teeth, comb your hair — before you put on deodorant. Since you've technically exfoliated the top layer of skin, deodorant can sting the surface of the skin. Dab on a soothing moisturizer before you apply deodorant to ensure that your skin stays smooth and free of irritation.
This post is sponsored by BIC® Soleil Shine™.
Images: Andrew Zaeh for Bustle; Bic Soleil / YouTube; Fotolia (2); Ed Gregory, Pexels.
