While some people don’t mind the hair on their arms, there are also those who dislike it – especially women. If you belong to the latter, it is likely that you consider shaving your arms and wonder what’ll happen if you do so. The process is almost the same as shaving your legs, but it requires much more commitment.

Shaving Arm Hair What Can You Expect

Shaving tends to be the most popular hair removal technique, mainly because it is quick and easy. If you decide to go with shaving in removing your arm hair, it is only important to know the things that can happen if you do so. 

The hair grows back quickly

This is one of the downsides of shaving. As this method only removes hair on the skin’s surface level, its results last for only one to three days. And as the hair grows back, it will tend to be prickly, thick, or rough until it gets a little bit longer. This is why once you start shaving your arms, you’ll have to shave them often. 

Arm stubble 

With shaving, you may notice some stubbles after a few days. Although it isn’t true that it will make your hair grow back faster and thicker, shaving can leave you with blunt ends of hair. This can then make it appear thicker and darker than what it was before. The uneven edges of short hairs also make them feel sharp to the touch. 

Razor burns

Dry shaving and shaving without lubrication may result in irritation and razor burns. The same is also true for using a dull or old razor blade that can pull at body hair. You can prevent rashes and skin irritation by using a sharp razor blade. If you, however, already have razor burns, applying aloe vera gel on the affected area can help. 

Elbow nicks

The uneven or rough patches on the skin on your elbows make it more prone to cuts and nicks from shaving. Elbows also have a weird angle and are hard to see, making the hair removal process a little tricky. This only makes it important to take your time when shaving, especially in the creases, curves, and folds.

Ingrown hairs

These occur when the shaved hair grows back into the skin instead of rising upward. Ingrown hairs can also be itchy and painful and cause bumps, redness, and swelling. If you’re prone to getting them, it is advisable not to touch the area and avoid shaving if you still have ingrown hairs. Considering other hair removal methods can help.

Your alternative to shaving

If you don’t like the hair on your arms and want to get rid of it, laser hair removal is worth considering. It lasts longer than shaving and has no associated side effects like cuts, nicks, razor burn, and ingrown hair. Laser also uses laser light to heat and destroy the follicles, which disables future hair growth.

The device we use: Here at Cutis Medical Laser Clinics in Singapore, we use the Cutera CoolGlide laser. This US FDA-cleared laser technology works by delivering pulses of light energy to heat hundreds of hair follicles in a short period. The pigment or the melanin in the hair absorbs the light, which then damages the follicles and inhibits hair growth. 

Safe and long-term results: The Cutera CoolGlide laser features a longer wavelength and innovative cooling design. This helps deliver safe, effective, and lasting hair reduction results. This procedure is also suitable for all skin types, including those with tanned and darker skin complexions.

Do take note: With laser hair removal, you’ll need multiple sessions to achieve desired results. This method, furthermore, cannot eliminate 100% of your hair. It can get rid of about 80% to 90% and any hair left behind should be fine and light. It is also good to know that laser hair removal is FDA-cleared for permanent hair reduction. 

Read our previous post to learn what people tend to get wrong about laser hair removal


It is always up to you whether or not to choose to remove the hairs in your arms or other areas of the body. If you’re looking for a safe and a more permanent solution, consider laser hair removal. Contact Cutis Medical Laser Clinics in Singapore today and schedule a consultation with our aesthetic doctor to find out if it is right for you.