[teenagewoman]

Hello all. I was just wondering if there is any way you can possibly thin the hair which covers your arms. I'm Italian, so naturally the hair is long, dark, and thick. I hate wearing tanks and tees because I feel very ape-ish, so to speak.
I don't want to shave it because I find it weird, and no hair might look even worse on me.
None of the guys I've been with have ever mentioned it, but it makes me very insecure. As with lower back hair, which I just shave anyway.
I know many people actually embrace the fact they are hairy, but I'm the opposite. I shave everything I can, whether it be my pubic hair, legs, even the big toes..it's just very unsettling to me. And arm hair has always been a problem.
If anyone has advice, I'd be more than happy if you would kindly share it with me!

Thank you all,

Alex

[sammas]

Just shave it off. You will like the feel and it doesn't look bad. It will always grow back if you don't like it.

[teenagewoman]

If I shave it off, won't it grow back thicker if I don't like it? And won't I have to shave it every day for it to stay smooth?

[mdraven380]

I'm Italian also and I have been shaving the tops of my forarms for about 30 years now and it has NEVER grown in think. Believe me. My hair on my arms is still baby fine.

[sammas]

Have you ever noticed the other areas you shave growing back thicker? I have never seen it grow back thicker. I don't shave my arms everyday, maybe once or twice a week. I am not a hairy person to begin with, so mine doesn't grow back very fast.

[Kakie]

in my personal opinion i really wouldn't advocate shaving your arms, the hair will grow back with the appearance that it is thicker and darker and thus it will be even more noticeable than when you started.. try bleaching the hair to make it less obvious perhaps, or if not there are home lazer / electrolysis kits which can remove hair..

[teenagewoman]

I'm trying to understand all points here. I'm hearing both views about the hair growing back, some thicker, and others not. As for the bleach, how long does that last? And is it safe to use on the skin?
Unfortunately price is an issue, since I am only 17 and make just above minimum wage :P

I just hate how long and wild and dark the hair is. I think it's unappealing. Maybe since it's on my own body, then I notice it more than others.

I would be very appreciative if others will leave their comments!

[WildChild]

The idea that shaving will cause the hair to grow back thicker or darker is total bunk. Completely untrue. It is just more noticable by comparision. Try an epilator, some of it will grow back but over time the quanitity of hair regrowth will lessen.

[Kakie]

i read that hair will grow back with the appearance that it is thicker and darker.. because you will have blunted the end of the hair by shaving it.. i may be wrong however -- and hope i am! as it would make life much easier!

and yeah, you can get bleach designed specifically for use on body hair (obviously very different from normal head hair bleach and domestic bleach!) and the length of time it lasts depends on your hair before hand / rate of growth etc.. but i redo mine every 5 - 6 weeks.. it is a hassle, admittedly, but personally i find it far more manageable than shaving

[maggie0285]

I know this isnt what you want to hear but I am 37 and have shaved mine since I was probably 20. My arms were so hairy and sometimes people would notice. It is so easy. I tried bleach and that hurt. just shave it.