Are you tired of dealing with itchy, irritated armpits after trimming your hair? You’re not alone!
Many people struggle with this issue, but the good news is that there are several ways to prevent and treat armpit itching.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about trimming armpit hair without itching.
What Causes Armpit Itching After Trimming?
Below we will break down each of the reasons why your armpit is itching after trimming.
1. Use of Dull or Dirty Trimming Tools
The use of dull or dirty scissors or razors can cause armpit itching after trimming. Dull blades may not cut cleanly, leading to the hair pulling or tugging, which can irritate the skin.
Dirty tools, on the other hand, can introduce bacteria or other pathogens onto the skin, which may cause a minor infection and consequently, itching.
2. Incorrect Hair Length
Cutting the hair too short or unevenly may also lead to itching. Hair that is cut too short can become ingrown as it grows back, which causes irritation and itching.
Unevenly cut hair, on the other hand, can cause some hair to poke or rub against the skin, leading to irritation and itching as well. Usually, one of the best things to do is not cut the hair as short as to lower the chance of this happening.
3. Lack of Proper Skin Care
Not moisturizing or exfoliating the skin before or after trimming can cause dryness and irritation, leading to itching.
Moisturizing helps keep the skin supple and less prone to irritation, while exfoliating removes dead skin cells and reduces the risk of ingrown hairs. Both these practices are essential for maintaining healthy, itch-free skin after trimming.
4. Wearing Tight or Synthetic Clothing
Wearing tight or synthetic clothing that rubs against the skin can cause friction, leading to irritation and itching.
This is especially likely if the clothing is worn soon after trimming, when the skin is most sensitive. Natural fabrics like cotton that are breathable and reduce friction are a better choice for preventing post-trimming itching.
5. Sensitive or Allergic Skin
Finally, individuals with sensitive or allergic skin may experience itching after trimming due to a reaction to the products or tools used. This can include allergic reactions to the metal in the scissors or razors, or to shaving creams, gels, or other products applied to the skin. In such cases, using hypoallergenic tools and products can help prevent itching.
How to Prevent Armpit Itching Before Trimming
Now that we know what causes armpit itching, let’s discuss how to prevent it before trimming:
Wash and dry your armpits thoroughly: This will help remove bacteria and dead skin cells which will greatly lower the chances of itching.
Apply a gentle exfoliator or scrub to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores: This should help to prevent ingrown hairs and itching.
Choose a sharp and clean pair of scissors or a razor that suits your skin type and hair thickness: Dull razers or scissors must be avoided at all costs.
Apply a shaving cream or gel to lubricate and protect the skin. This will lower the friction when shaving and also helps keep the skin protected more effectively from the blade.
How to Trim Armpit Hair Without Itching
Now that you’re ready to trim your armpit hair, let’s go over some tips to do it safely and effectively:
1. Lift Your Arm and Stretch Your Skin Taut
Lifting your arm and stretching your skin taut makes the surface area larger and flatter, making it easier to trim or shave the hair.
This reduces the chances of nicks or cuts, which can later cause irritation and lead to itching. To do this, simply raise your arm above your head to stretch the armpit skin.
2. Cut or Shave in the Direction of Hair Growth
It’s important to cut or shave in the direction of hair growth, not against it. This technique, known as shaving with the grain, can significantly reduce the risk of irritation and ingrown hairs.
Ingrown hairs occur when the hair curls back or grows sideways into the skin, leading to inflammation and itching. By shaving or trimming with the direction of hair growth, you’re less likely to have a sharp tip of hair re-enter the skin.
3. Trim Gradually and Evenly
When trimming, it’s best not to remove too much hair at once. Instead, trim gradually and evenly, leaving some length to avoid irritation. Trimming the hair too short can lead to sharp ends that can poke at your skin causing discomfort and itching.
Furthermore, if the hair is cut too short, it increases the risk of ingrown hairs. A good rule of thumb is to leave about a quarter of an inch of hair.
4. Rinse and Pat Dry Your Armpits After Trimming
After you’ve finished trimming, it’s important to rinse and pat dry your armpits. This will help remove any loose hairs that could stick to your skin and cause irritation.
Additionally, any residue from shaving creams or gels should be rinsed off thoroughly, as they can dry out the skin and cause itching. After rinsing, pat the skin dry gently rather than rubbing to prevent any further irritation.
5. Apply a Post-trimming Product
Although not mentioned in the original points, it’s beneficial to apply a soothing, alcohol-free post-shave balm or lotion after trimming.
This helps hydrate and soothe the skin, reducing the likelihood of itching as well. A product with aloe vera, chamomile or other soothing ingredients can be particularly helpful.
We Recommend: Green Life Naturals Aloe Vera
How to Treat Armpit Itching After Trimming
If you do experience itching after trimming, don’t worry! Here are some remedies and solutions to soothe and heal your armpits:
Apply a cold compress or aloe vera gel to reduce inflammation and pain. This helps to soothe and calm any skin irritation.
Apply an antiseptic or antibacterial cream or lotion to prevent infection and speed up healing: This will help prevent infections or general irritation.
Apply a moisturizer or oil to hydrate and nourish the skin. Keeping the skin hydrated and moist makes a big difference in helping to keep the skin and any hairs soft which will greatly lower the chances of that itchiness feeling.
Avoid scratching, rubbing, or picking at your armpits: This will only make the itching worse.
Wear loose and breathable clothing that does not irritate the skin.
Conclusion
Trimming armpit hair doesn’t have to be a painful or itchy experience. By following these tips and tricks, you can prevent and treat armpit itching before, during, and after trimming.
Remember to take care of your skin and use the right tools and products for your skin type.
Important Frequently Asked Questions
Are You Supposed to Trim Armpit Hair?
Yes, it’s a personal preference, but trimming can help reduce odor and sweat build-up.
How Can I Stop My Armpit Hair from Growing?
You can’t stop it from growing, but you can slow it down with laser hair removal or other methods. Though there really isn’t any guarantee that is will completely stop growing.
Does Shaving Armpits Reduce Smell?
Yes, shaving can help reduce odor by removing hair that traps sweat and bacteria. Of course, it isn’t for sure 100% to work for everyone but usually it does help.
Why Shouldn’t You Shave Your Armpits?
There’s no medical reason you shouldn’t shave your armpits, but it can increase the risk of ingrown hairs, irritation, and infection.
