What direction do you shave a patient's face and underarm hair?

What direction do you shave a patient's face and underarm hair?

• A. Direction of hair growth
• B. Against hair growth
• C. Perpendicular to hair growth
• D. Diagonal to hair growth

Answer: (A)

Shave in the direction the hair grows. Following the grain minimizes skin irritation, razor burn, and the risk of nicks because the blade slides over the hair with the skin rather than tearing it against the skin. This is especially important for the face and underarms, where skin is sensitive and hairs can be resistant. Shaving against the grain, perpendicular, or diagonal increases irritation and the chance of ingrown hairs, even though it removes more hair. So, the best approach is to shave with the direction of hair growth for patient comfort and skin safety.

Shave in the direction the hair grows. Following the grain minimizes skin irritation, razor burn, and the risk of nicks because the blade slides over the hair with the skin rather than tearing it against the skin. This is especially important for the face and underarms, where skin is sensitive and hairs can be resistant. Shaving against the grain, perpendicular, or diagonal increases irritation and the chance of ingrown hairs, even though it removes more hair. So, the best approach is to shave with the direction of hair growth for patient comfort and skin safety.