How to shave armpits without irritation - step by step

Most of us want smooth armpits without itching, red bumps or burning. At the same time, it's an area that is easily irritated because the skin is thin, moist and prone to friction. The good news is that irritation can be avoided with the right preparation, technique and aftercare.

Whether you shave daily or a few times a week, you can create a routine that feels comfortable and gives an even result every time. Here's a comprehensive guide from A to Z.

Why do armpits get irritated easily?

Armpits are full of bacteria, sweat and heat. When a razor blade slides across the skin, it can cause microscopic cuts. These cuts are little open doors for irritation and infection in the hair follicles, and it can show up as:

• Razor burn: redness and burning sensation right after shaving
• Folliculitis: inflamed hair follicles that look like pimples and can be sore
• Ingrown hairs: small bumps or inflamed bumps that occur when a hair curls back into the skin

A blunt or dirty razor, dry shaving, too much pressure, or shaving against the grain are typical causes. Tight-fitting clothes and perfumed products can make it worse afterwards.

In short, it comes down to three things: friction, bacteria and blocked follicles. Everything in your routine should support your skin in avoiding just that.

Preparation: the foundation for a smooth shave

Good preparation does half the work. It softens the hairs and puts a protective cushion between skin and blade.

• Warm water first. Shave right after a shower or hold a warm, damp towel against your armpit for 1 to 2 minutes. This makes the hairs easier to cut.
• Cleanse the skin. Wash gently to remove sweat, deodorant residue and oil. Avoid strong and fragrance-free soaps.
• Gently exfoliate. A washcloth, soft scrub or gentle chemical exfoliation a few times a week will keep dead skin cells away, leaving the blade with a smooth surface.
• Trim longer hair. If the hairs are long, trim lightly first. This prevents the blade from pulling, which can irritate.

If your skin reacts to most things, go for mild, fragrance-free products. A soft, antibacterial shaving foam for sensitive skin is often a good choice. Try our sensitive shaving foam here: sensitive shaving foam.

Step by step: shaving without bumps

1. Makes skin wet and warm
2. Apply a generous amount of gel or foam, massage in and give it 60 to 90 seconds to soften the hair
3. Lift your arm and lightly tighten the skin to smooth the surface
4. Use a sharp, clean razor and start shaving in the direction of the hair
5. Short, light strokes and zero pressure, let the blade do the work
6. Rinse the blade after every one or two strokes to prevent hair and foam from blocking the blades
7. If you find it difficult to get it completely smooth, you can make another gentle pass on freshly lubricated skin, possibly at an angle to the grain
8. Rinse the area with cool water
9. Dab dry, no rubbing

Finish with a soothing, fragrance-free aftercare. Our Aloe and menthol-based balm cools, reduces redness and keeps bacteria at bay. See it here: Aftershave Repair Balm.

Avoid deodorant for a few hours after shaving or use an extra mild version. Tight, synthetic clothing can also irritate, so choose something loose for the first few hours.

Choose the right tools

A good scraper makes a bigger difference than you think. A sharp blade requires fewer strokes and every extra pass is an opportunity for irritation.

• A modern 5-bladed scraper gives a dense result in just a few strokes. Our ergonomic handle and lubrication strip with aloe and cocoa butter provide extra comfort. Check it out here: ShaveSafe Razor.
• Very sensitive skin may benefit from fewer blades in contact with the skin. Some are best with a single-bladed safety scraper.
• Electric body trimmers are a great alternative if your skin breaks out or gets easily cut. The result won't be completely smooth, but the risk of cuts will be low.

Quick overview of tools

Replacing and cleaning blades

• Change blades when they don't feel silky smooth. For many it's after 5 to 7 shaves, for others sooner.
• Rinse thoroughly in warm water during and after use. Shake off the water and air dry.
• Store dry and clean, not in a wet shower.
• Never share scrapers with others. It increases the risk of infection.

A clean, sharp blade means fewer repetitive strokes and less friction on the skin. You'll notice the difference immediately.

Aftercare that makes a difference

Once the blade is rinsed off the skin, the most important protection starts.

• Cool water calms heat and redness
• Dab dry, avoid rubbing
• Apply a mild, fragrance-free gel or balm, preferably with aloe vera, allantoin or panthenol
• Wait with deodorant for at least a few hours

Our cooling balm is designed for that moment after shaving. It's fragrance-free, antibacterial and feels light on the skin: Aftershave Repair Balm. If you prefer foam over gel, a sensitive, fragrance-free shaving foam is a safe choice under your arm: Sensitive Shaving Foam.

Tips for different skin types

There is no one-size-fits-all routine. Here are small adjustments that help:

Sensitive skin

• Choose mild, fragrance-free products
• Always start by shaving in the direction of the branch and only shave in one pass
• Go for products with fewer active ingredients

Dry skin

• Use lukewarm, not very hot, shower to avoid stripping the skin
• A little extra gel or foam for better glide
• Apply a light moisturizer after your aftershave balm

Oily or clogged skin

• Clean thoroughly before shaving to remove oil and deodorant residue
• Exfoliate 2 to 3 times a week to keep hair follicles free
• Rinse the blade extra often to avoid build-up between the blades

Skin prone to eczema

• Shave after a short shower and keep the technique gentle
• Consider fewer blades or electric trimmer in active outbreaks
• Avoid alcohol and fragrances, also in deodorant

If the damage has already happened

Redness, burning or small bumps after shaving are annoying, but can often subside quickly.

• Apply a cold, damp cloth for 5 to 10 minutes
• Use a fragrance-free balm or pure aloe vera gel
• Wait with deodorant until the next day
• Keep the area dry and avoid tight-fitting clothes for a few hours

If the bumps look like small pimples, it could be inflamed hair follicles. Take a break from shaving, cleanse gently daily and use a calm, antibacterial aftercare. If the area becomes very red, hot or painful, or pus and crusts form, consult a doctor to rule out an actual infection that may require treatment.

Ingrown hairs are reduced by regular, gentle exfoliation and by shaving in the direction of growth with shorter strokes. Avoid picking at the buds.

How often should you shave?

It's individual. Many people find that every 2 to 4 days provides a good balance between smoothness and calmness for the skin. If you're prone to bumps, you can start with a rhythm where you shave every third day and use a mild antibacterial foam in the shower in between days.

Listen to your skin. If you notice redness or burning, increase the break between shaves slightly.

Smart micro habits that reduce irritation

Small adjustments, big impact:

• Rinse the blade often, also in the middle of the pass, not just at the end
• Use more product than you think. Too little lubrication causes unnecessary drag
• Don't shave on dry skin, even "just a quick one"
• Lightly tighten the skin, especially at the inner part of the armpit
• Drop pressure. If you feel like you need to press, the blade is too dull

Product selection for the armpit

Choose products that are fragrance-free, dye-free and without drying alcohol. Underarm skin is thin and extra exposed, so simple formulations often win. Here are three safe choices in an underarm routine:

• Sensitive shaving foam: Mild, antibacterial foam with fewer active ingredients, suitable for very sensitive skin
• ShaveSafe Razor: 5 Swedish steel blades, precision trimmer and lubrication strip with aloe and cocoa butter
• Aftershave Repair Balm: Cooling, fragrance-free balm with aloe vera, cornflower and allantoin

The three cover preparation, shaving and aftercare and are designed to prevent bumps, itching and ingrown hairs, even in an area like the armpit.

Deodorant and timing

Many people get stinging and burning because deodorant is applied too soon after shaving. Give your skin some breathing space.

• Wait a few hours, preferably until the next day if you shaved in the evening
• Choose a mild, fragrance-free formula
• If you need to put something on right away, choose a gentle, alcohol-free roll-on

Tip: on days with important training or meetings, shave the night before. It gives your skin time to calm down and you avoid burning when you sweat.

Checklist for a quick, irritation-free shave

• Hot water and clean skin
• Plenty of foam or gel
• Sharp, clean scraper
• Shave in the direction of the branch, short strokes
• Rinse the blade often
• Cool water after, pat dry
• Fragrance-free aftercare
• Wait with deodorant

Questions we often get

Does it help to shave against the grain for a closer result?

Yes, but it increases the risk of irritation. Always start in the branch direction. If necessary, make one extra gentle pass on fresh foam, at an angle to the direction of travel.

Should I exfoliate every day?

No. 2 to 3 times a week is plenty for most people. Over-exfoliation can weaken the skin barrier.

Are more leaves always better?

More blades can give a denser result with fewer strokes. However, very sensitive skin may be more comfortable with fewer blades or electric trimmers. Try it out and keep an eye on your skin's reaction.

Does shaving after showering make a difference?

What it does. Heat and water soften hair and skin, resulting in less pulling and less friction.

Can I shave daily?

Some can, but many people get calmer skin by taking at least a day break between shaves. Do what suits your needs and your skin.

A few extra refinements for the perfectionists

• Use a mirror the first few times you fine-tune the direction in the armpit. Hair often grows in multiple directions, and small adjustments can reduce the number of "cheating hairs" you might otherwise chase with extra strokes.
• Let the foam or gel sit for a minute before the first stroke. The extra softening can be the difference between zero redness and light razor burn.
• Wash quickly with lukewarm water and a mild cleanser, even on days you don't shave. This keeps bacteria levels down in the area.

A calm routine for calm skin

When you put it all together, the recipe is simple: prepare gently, shave gently, groom carefully. Cut down on friction, keep bacteria at bay and give your skin time. With the right products and habits, even very sensitive armpits can become smooth without drama.

If you want to make it easy on yourself: choose a gentle foam for sensitive skin, a sharp razor and a cooling, fragrance-free aftercare. It's not only comfortable in the moment, it also makes your skin stronger over time, so your next shave will feel even better.