Shaving is one of the most common causes of underarm darkness. According to the website The Beauty Brains, though shaving removes unwanted hair, it can also create unwanted shadowing. This occurs because a razor only removes the section of hair growing above the surface of the skin. This leaves behind the root and part of the shaft. When the resulting sub-surface hair is darker than the skin, the area can appear discolored---essentially, five o'clock shadow of the armpits. If this is the case, using an alternative hair removal technique, such as sugaring, may clear dark underarms.
Step 1
Make the sugaring paste by bringing the sugar, lemon and water to a boil over low heat. Stir frequently. When the mixture is slightly sticky and has turned the color of ginger ale, pour it into a glass container and let cool to room temperature.
Step 2
Wash your armpits with antibacterial soap. Dry thoroughly, then dust lightly with baby powder to soak up excess moisture. Avoid products with chemicals or fragrance to prevent your skin from becoming irritated.
Step 3
Use clean, dry hands to roll a small amount of sugar paste into a ball. Do not over-knead; doing so will cause the paste to heat up and become overly sticky, reducing its effectiveness.
Step 4
Press the ball of paste over the unwanted hair, flattening it in the opposite direction of growth. When it is about 1/4-inch thick, pinch one edge and pull quickly, removing the paste in the same direction as hair growth. Unlike shaving, sugaring removes hair at the root, thus preventing shadowing caused by sub-surface hair.
Step 5
Repeat the process until your armpits are clear of unwanted hair. Wipe away any sugaring residue with a damp washcloth.
Tips and Warnings
- Sugaring works best on hair that is about 1/4 of an inch long. Reuse sugar paste until it becomes too clogged with hair to be effective
- Do not use sugar paste on areas of broken or irritated skin. Dark underarms may be an indication of acanthosis nigricans, a condition related to diabetes and glandular disorders. It commonly affects people who are overweight, according to The Beauty Brains. If you think your underarm darkness is health related, contact your physician.
Things You'll Need
- 2 cups sugar
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup water
- Saucepan
- Spoon
- Glass container
- Antibacterial soap
- Baby powder
- Washcloth
References
- The Beauty Brains: Dark Underarms
- "Milady's Hair Removal Techniques"; Helen Bickmore; 2004
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