Coarse hair, or terminal hair, is generally darker, thicker and more noticeable than vellus hair, which is soft, fine and short. Terminal hair is the hair type that you will find on your head, armpits and pubic region. After boys reach puberty, coarse hair comes begins to grow on their face, chest, legs and back, according to Teens Health from Nemours. These terminal hairs help to provide cushion and protection in the respective areas, but can become a nuisance at times. Various epilation options are available, but the one tried and true method of removing coarse hair is shaving. Shaving uses a sharp blade to remove the hair shaft at the skin's surface and can last one to three days, depending on how fast your hair grows.
Step 1
Prep your skin to shave by taking a warm shower, bath or applying a warm compress by saturating a washcloth with warm water. This will soften the skin and help the coarse hair follicles stand up.
Step 2
Prepare your razor. If you are using a brand new razor blade, you will be fine, but if you are using a used blade, change it. Using a dull razor blade increases the risk of skin irritation, or razor burn, and ingrown hairs.
Step 3
Apply a liberal amount of shaving cream, gel or soap on coarse hair. If your skin is sensitive, Dr. Evelyn Placek, an internal medicine doctor and dermatologist in New York, recommends using a shaving cream or gel that contains aloe. Aloe helps to soothe skin irritation and reduces pain and inflammation.
Step 4
Shave the hair in a downward motion, following the way the hair naturally grows. Avoid shaving against the direction the hair grows because it increases the chance of cuts, razor burn, bumps and skin irritation.
Step 5
Rinse the razor blade between each pass to remove the shaving soap and hair.
Step 6
Rinse your skin with water and dry with a towel.
Step 7
Apply a moisturizer to the shaved area to reduce dryness and itching, suggests Dr. D'Anne Kleinsmith, a dermatologist at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan.
Tips and Warnings
- Electric razors, waxing, laser therapy and electrolysis are alternative methods for removing coarse hair.
- Sometimes after shaving, you may notice redness, inflammation or a cut. If these conditions worsen, seek medical treatment.
Things You'll Need
- Razor
- Shaving cream, gel or soap
- Towel
- Moisturizer
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