How Common Is It for Women to Shave Their Body Hair?

The task of body hair removal is cumbersome and painful, which is why more and more women are resorting to shaving instead of waxing or epilating to remove body hair. Moreover, shaving takes less time than waxing. Today, women try to smash taboos related to body hair and femininity; some even prefer to go ‘raw’ by not shaving their body hair. 

While some desire to celebrate and embrace their body hair, others feel the urgency to get rid of any hair they see. So, how common is it for women to shave their hair? Here is what you need to know about shaving body hair for women. 

Do Women Often Shave Their Body Hair?

The division and frequency of shaving body hair vary from women to women. It depends on several criteria such as the hair growth rate, texture, stubble, and texture. Most women who prefer shaving get rid of their body hair once or twice a week. Waxing is another preferred method as it removes hair from its roots and slows down the hair growth rate. The time-consuming and painful chore of waxing body hair is being overtaken by shaving. One of the main reasons for this is the introduction of new shaving razors in the market. 

While shaving arms and legs is common among women, not many prefer to shave their armpits or bikini. Since shaving can result in sharper hair and feels pointier (as it is removed only from the surface), removing hair from the armpits or bikini area can feel extremely uncomfortable. 

Shaving vs. Waxing 

Contrary to popular belief, shaving does not necessarily result in the growth of pointed or aggressive hair. In reality, your hormones and genetics play a significant role in determining the thickness, color, and texture of the hair that grows back post-shaving. Since shaving only removes the hair from your skin’s surface, it may look black and feel pointy. However, it does not necessarily mean that it is denser than the hair that grows after waxing. 

While shaving your hair takes less time than waxing it, it also grows back at a faster rate. In most cases, you will notice hair growing back within 3 to 4 days. Furthermore, hair growth also depends on the body area. For instance, armpit hair grows much faster than arm or leg hair. Even though waxing is more painful, some women prefer this method as hair grows back slower. 

How to Find the Right Razor? 

Firstly, understand your skin type. If you have sensitive skin, go for a dermatologist-tested razor blade that prevents redness and irritation. For better control, choose a razor blade with a contoured design. You can also opt for a razor blade with moisture bars to keep your skin smooth and prevent irritation. It is crucial to find the right razor for you as it heavily impacts your skin. You can also get a body razor subscription that sends razors, blades, and creams based on your skin type. 

Tips to Shave Body Hair 

Consider these tips when shaving body hair to achieve exceptional results.

1. Use a Shaving Cream

Never make the mistake of shaving your arms and legs without applying shaving cream. Most subscription boxes provide competent shaving creams that nourish your skin and keep it healthy. Shaving creams should also be preferred as they keep your skin glowing once you are done shaving. Lastly, shaving creams make it easier to glide the razor on your skin. If you do not wish to spend extra money on shaving cream, any alcohol-free moisturizer can also help. Furthermore, before you shave, take a warm shower to keep your skin hydrated. Dead skin cells and ingrown hairs can also be removed by exfoliating your skin.

2. Do Not Shave on Burnt or Irritated Skin

If you notice any rashes, bruises, burns, or bumps on your skin, postpone shaving your hair as it can irritate. In extreme cases, it can also cause irreversible damage or lead to infection. On that note, if your skin turns red upon shaving, consult a doctor or switch to other forms of hair removal. Avoid shaving in case you notice ingrown hair or emerging follicles.

3. Change Your Razor Blade Frequently 

Using blunt or overused razor blades can cause skin irritation, redness, or itchiness. Apart from this, you may also notice ingrown hairs and feel scratches. The easiest way to learn that your razor needs to be replaced is by touching it on your skin. If it feels rough, replace it immediately. 

If you shave daily, replace the razor blade once every 1 to 2 weeks. On the other hand, if you shave once or twice a week, replace the razor blade once in 4 to 6 weeks.  

Shaving body hair is becoming increasingly common. If you prefer to take the same route to save time, pick a razor that suits your skin. By following the tips mentioned above, you can turn shaving into a habit and switch to waxing only on special occasions.