Should I shave my arms or not?

Hi guys and gals, I'm in a bigggg emotional conflict in deciding if I should shave my arms or not. I already chose to shave my legs this week. I'm 16 years old girl. It's just that I read some replies off different sites and some people are really against shaving arms (like it's a wrong thing to do).

I feel frustrated to wear jackets over my short-sleeve shirt all year around (especially during summer). My mother think I'm being so ridiculous and stupid that I wear a jacket during the summer, without knowing the real reason behind it. In p.e., I would do the same and stand out while everyone is wearing a T-shirt only... I feel really embrass. My arm is not super hairy like men's, but it's enough (bc my arm is small) to be consider hairy. I'm sensitive to comments about it but mostly I imagine people thinking about telling me it in their mind.

One reason I don't want to is that I fear the hair will be visible the day after I shave them (my hair is black). It limits the kinds of clothes I can buy too (long sleeve). Also, I do not have time in the morning to shave (bus).

But I wanted to wear a short-sleeve shirt because everyone else wears them now and then at school. Wearing a jacket can be really hot while running in p.e :( I know I'll have much more self esteem and confident if I do shave it..

-Thanks.

No. It won't give good results & the stubble would be noticeable to the touch. Bleach it or wax it. I think you'll like the outcome more.

I'm so glad that 16 is far behind me! Good luck with the next couple of years, you're nearly there. Hang on in there & it'll be fine!

Personally (this being the perspective of a 19 year old guy) I see no problem with a girl having armhair. I know a lot of young women on my campus who don't shave their arms (in fact, the ones who DO shave them are the minority [this goes for both black and blonde hair]).

I'd say don't shave it, and go ahead and wear t-shirts... Who gives a damn what people will say. If they're making fun of you for something like that, than their opinion really shouldn't matter ;)

Best Regards,
Jeremy

I agree with what Ben and Jeremy have said. Now, I'm an ancient codger, but I have daughters, the youngest being 15. Sixteen is not an easy age -- it wasn't even in my day, when everyone spoke Latin and the woods were full of dinosaurs. :) But let your arms be. You'll gain more confidence in the end by accepting them as they are and learning to expect others to accept you as well.

~Rich

I'm going to disagree with the other responses. This is the second question I've seen in which you have asked about excessive body hair. Clearly this is a concern for you. If it is making yourself uncomfortable and self conscious, then I don't see any harm in trying to eliminate it. Shaving might not be the best option but there is no harm in trying it once. Just see how it goes and how it makes you feel. As suggested, bleaching or waxing are other options. Try each of them in turn and see which one, if any, works better for you.

If you are really worried (since you used bold letters) that it would be visible the next day, then try shaving just a very small area and see how that looks the next day.

With each option, just take your time and experiment.

Good luck and relax!

I wouldn't suggest shaving your arm hair. Bleaching products is probably the way you would want to go if you have darker hair. Waxing can leave your skin irritated and red and more prone to ingrown hairs.

Shaving arm hair is not something I would recommend. I believe it would come back thicker and perhaps darker eventually. That may be a myth but it was the general consensus from back when i was a youth 40 years ago. Also on the legs. I've gone with more than one gal who only shaved the calves and not the thighs for that very reason. Ask your Mom what she thinks about it and/or aunts and even grandparents. They have the benefit of some long experience.

Don't feed the trolls.........................

I agree with Utopian here. First off- shaving does NOT make hair grow back thicker, coarser or darker. That is a myth: Does Shaving Make Hair Grow Back Thicker? - Newsweek

Besides that, we do live in a very image driven society and young men and women have to face these kinds of decisions. In the END you may learn that being just the way you are is the way you like yourself best, and that is definitely the important thing. However, if shaving your arms (or waxing, bleaching, threading, etc.) will make you feel better and more confident, go for it. If you end up not liking the result than you will figure it out from there. Do what makes you feel best and know that it won't be the end of the world no matter what happens.

PS- waxing might be best- it can reduce hair growth over time due to the trauma caused to the roots. Maybe Nair would work for you too.

I would advise against shaving if you are concerned with apperances and don't have the time to upkeep as needed. Although shaving does not make hair grow back thicker or denser it does cut the hair so that when in grows back it is not a tapered point instead it is a flat surface. This causes the hair to feel "spikier" for lack of a better word and appear thicker to the eye. I agree with previous comments that arm hair isn't nearly as big a deal as you think but having never been a 16 year old girl I can only tell you the facts and let you decide what to do. Others seem to have recomended bleaching and waxing, having no experiance with either I will not offer advice though I do know plenty of girls who are satisfied with waxing. Hope this helps

One great thing about SRP is that there is a Ladies' Forum loaded with women who have "been there and done that" who can advise you way better than any of us guys could.

I suggest re-posting your question in the ladies' area for more direct replies

I'm also of the opinion that if is that much of a concern for you, go ahead and give it a try. I don't think it will grow back thicker, and I'd imagine the arm being really easy to shave.