Some people remove their underarm hair for hygienic reasons, while others do it for aesthetic reasons. Whether you choose to remove your underarm hair by waxing, shaving or depilatory cream, take care to protect the delicate skin. Underarm hair removal can result in irritation, itching and ingrown hairs. Perspiration and the friction of your arm against your side can exacerbate these unpleasant effects.
Choose Your Method
Shaving is the least expensive and least painful method of hair removal, but underarm stubble will be apparent a day or two after shaving. Waxing is painful and might take some practice to do well, but the effects last four to six weeks. Depilatory creams remove hair to the surface of the skin, so it takes a little longer to grow back than shaving, but some might find the creams are too irritating for the underarm's sensitive skin.
Try out different methods to see which one you like the best. Keep in mind that waxing or shaving might leave your skin irritated and bumpy the first time, but subsequent attempts often have less irritation as your skin gets used to it.
Before You Start
If your underarm hair has never been removed or if it's quite long, trim the hairs to about ½ to ¼ inch. No matter which method you use to remove underarm hair, wash the area well before you begin. Use a washcloth or loofah and warm, soapy water to clean off perspiration, deodorant and dead skin. If you are going to wax the area or use depilatory cream, dry your underarms thoroughly. Leave the area wet if you will shave.
After You're Done
Avoid using deodorant or scented products on your underarms for a day or two after removing the hair. Waxing, shaving and depilatory creams affect the top layer of skin, which could cause fragrances to be more irritating. If your skin gets itchy or bumpy, use unscented lotion or oil to moisturize it. Applying unscented talcum powder can help reduce irritation from perspiration.
Shaving
The best place to shave is in the shower or bath, when your skin and hair is softened by the warm water. It's also much less messy. Always use a clean, new razor for shaving underarm hair. Razors designed for women are usually more comfortable on the underarms because they often have two blades, lubricated strips and wide heads. Apply shaving oil, cream or gel and let it sit for a moment to soften the hairs. Raise your arm to behind your head to pull the skin taut, and shave in an upwards direction. Don't press down hard, and rinse the razor often to keep the blades clear. To get very smooth skin, you might have to shave downwards and to the sides, since underarm hair usually grows in many directions.
Waxing
Underarm hair must be at least ¼ inch long for waxing to be effective. Before waxing, apply a layer of talcum powder to your underarms, which will reduce pain by keeping the wax from sticking to your skin. Raise your arm as high and far back as you can to make the skin taut, or have someone help you pull the skin. Apply the warm wax to the hair with the stick or spatula that came with the wax. Press the cloth into the wax, then yank it quickly in an upwards direction. If any hairs are left, pluck them out with tweezers.
Depilatory Cream
Do a small patch test of depilatory cream on the inside of your arm a day before you plan to use it. Even creams designed for sensitive skin can cause a reaction in some people. Apply the cream as directed, and don't leave it on any longer than specified in the instructions. Wipe the cream off with a cloth, or scrape it off with the provided tool. Remove any leftover hairs with tweezers.
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