If you've ever had your underarms waxed professionally, you know the joys of having silky-smooth skin for weeks without ever having to pick up a razor; unfortunately, you also know how expensive the procedure can be at a salon. But with wax kits now lining the shelves at every drugstore and beauty supply store, you can get the same results at home without the hefty price tag. Be warned: waxing your underarms hurts, as the skin is very sensitive. But since you're waxing such a small area, it will only take a few quick tugs before you're hair-free.
Step 1
Wash your underarms with soap and water, scrubbing with a washcloth to remove any dead skin or deodorant residue. Let the skin dry completely and avoid using any deodorant or other product on the area.
Step 2
Heat the wax according to the package directions, stirring to make sure it's evenly melted. Allow it to cool enough so that it's warm to the touch, not burning hot, and has a thick, honey-like consistency.
Step 3
Raise the arm to be waxed straight up so that the upper part of the arm is close to your ear and the forearm rests comfortably on your head. Dip the wooden waxing spatula into the wax, running the underside against the edge of the container so that only one side of the spatula is covered in wax.
Run the spatula over the hair, moving from top to bottom to form a uniform layer of wax. Press a cloth strip firmly and evenly into the wax. Holding the skin taut, quickly pull the cloth up and away from the skin, moving from bottom to top. As you pull, your hand should move parallel to the skin rather than perpendicular.
Step 4
Repeat the process, this time applying the wax in the opposite direction and pulling the cloth strip from top to bottom in order to remove any hair growing in that direction.
Step 5
Tweeze any stray hairs that are left behind.
Step 6
Remove wax residue with a commercial wax removal oil or a dab of olive oil or baby oil applied to a cotton pad.
Tips and Warnings
- Underarm hair usually grows in various directions; thus, you may have to wax the same area multiple times, spreading the wax from side or side or even diagonally, in order to remove all the hair. Don't be alarmed if tiny dots of blood appear on your underarms immediately after waxing; this is normal because the skin here is very sensitive.
Things You'll Need
- Soap
- Washcloth
- Wax
- Wooden waxing spatula
- Cloth waxing strips
- Tweezers
- Cotton ball
- Oil
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