Hairy Situations: Too Much, Too Little & Shaving / Question
Published: August 15, 2001
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I am a girl and I have arm hair that I would like to get rid of. Some girls at school tell me that they shave their arms but their hair always comes back and it looks weird when it starts to grow back because it is so short and dark! Well, I would like to know ways to get rid of my arm hair and keep it gone for a good period of time. Thanks
Signed: Bye, Bye Arm Hair
Dear Bye, Bye Arm Hair,
TeenHealthFX assumes that you are describing hair on your arms (not armpit hair). What the girls are describing to you about their hair being short and dark is true - until it grows in more, it will look darker and feel stubby because the end of the hair is blunt. After some time it will look like the rest of your hair and feel softer. If you are feeling uncomfortable by the hair growth on your arms there are a few methods to consider.
You can wax your arm hair, but be careful. Waxing can cause irritation and burns if not done properly. If you are going to consider waxing, talk to your mother and go to a salon to get it done the first time. There are also some depilatory creams that disintegrate the hair at the roots. The hair will grow back with either method. There is also electrolysis which is performed by a professional and can be very expensive and time-consuming. Electrolysis is a more permanent method of hair removal.
Which ever method you choose, try it first in a small area like your upper arm. This way you can see if your skin is too sensitive and if you are happy with the results. So, once you begin removing your hair you will have to continue it on a regular basis, just like shaving you legs! If you have any more questions please do not hesitate to ask.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
The highest Chlamydia rates occurred among women ages 15 to 19 and 20 to 24.
