Underarm hair removal: How to achieve bare underarms

Underarm hair removal can sometimes be a real challenge – their awkward shape makes trying to decide how to remove underarm hair a tricky question. But underarm hair removal doesn’t have to be tortuous. Banish ingrown hairs and uneven hair removal with these short and long-term fixes for how to remove armpit hair. Discover the most hygienic methods best suited to you and your skin.

Underarm hair removal the traditional way

Underarm hair removal the traditional way

1.       Underarm waxing


Waxing is still the firm favorite of many when it comes to underarm hair removal. By removing hair from the root, underarm waxing is considered an efficient solution to underarm hair removal.

The good: It can give you up to 3 hair-free weeks.

The bad: Has the big disadvantage of being a painful technique, especially for very delicate areas such as the armpits. Also, whether you do it at home or go to a salon, it can be quite time-consuming.
So how to go about underarm waxing? Even though it’s a fairly straightforward method, there are some strategies you can apply to achieve pro results:

 

  • Remember to spread the wax in the direction of hair growth, firmly pulling the wax strip in the other direction. Don’t forget to keep the skin in the area pulled taut – this will minimize discomfort and lead to better results.

  • Before starting, use talcum powder to absorb perspiration and moisture, so that the wax sticks to the hair better and removal is more effective.

1.       Underarm shaving


An etrmely accessible form of underarm hair removal, a quick shave can get you out of trouble when you don't have time for waxing!

The good: Soft and relatively smooth armpits in 5 minutes without pain? No one would say no.

The bad: Whilst quick to remove the hair, this technique fails to provide long-lasting results. Unlike underarm waxing, shaving only removes the hair at the surface of the skin, meaning it’s likely to grow back in just a couple of days. Also, whilst it’s painless to begin with, shaving is notorious for causing skin irritation and ingrown hairs.

If you decide on this method of underarm hair removal, to minimize irritation and avoid ingrown hairs:

 

  • Always use razors with sharp blades.

  • Use shaving cream or gel instead of soap and water (which can dry out the area and irritate the skin).

  • Shave in the direction of the hair as much as possible and, as with any other hair removal method, exfoliate the area regularly.

Underarm shaving

3.       Underarm epilation


For longer lasting underarm hair removal, the epilation is a good solution for these commonly more awkward areas of the body.
 

The good: Its prolonged use causes hair to grow back finer and more infrequently, which in turn means progressively more pain-free sessions. Its ease of use is another fundamental advantage: you only need to charge your epilator to remove hair whenever and wherever you want. With the Satinelle Prestige Wet & Dry epilator, you can remove underarm hair in the shower – since it works wirelessly on wet or dry skin. Use the Opti-light to remove even the trickiest of hairs.

The bad: It can cause some pain, but to reduce discomfort as much as possible, choose an epilator that focuses on skincare. The Satinelle includes a massage head and special attachments for sensitive areas, making it the ideal solution for how to remove underarm hair whilst still protecting the skin.

 

4.       Underarm laser


Underarm laser hair removal is an increasingly popular option, and it’s a reliable, albeit costly way of reducing hair growth.
 

The good: As far as underarm hair removal goes, it’s relatively comfortable. As hair growth is being slowed down, laser treatment is often advertised as a long-lasting method of hair removal.

The bad: Costly option that may cause irritation. Smooth, hair-free skin will only be achieved after several sittings. Make sure your salon informs you about the risks – it’s common for skin to react with redness and swelling.

 

Lumea Prestige

IPL hair removal device

BRI956/60

Lumea Prestige IPL hair removal device

BRI956/60

Enjoy 6 months of hair-free smooth skin*

Philips Lumea Prestige with SenseIQ technology is our most effective IPL. Designed for convenient treatment at home, Lumea's intelligent attachments perfectly fit every curve of your body and adapt programs tailored for each body area. See all benefits

Unfortunately this product is no longer available

Enjoy 6 months of hair-free smooth skin*

Philips Lumea Prestige with SenseIQ technology is our most effective IPL. Designed for convenient treatment at home, Lumea's intelligent attachments perfectly fit every curve of your body and adapt programs tailored for each body area. See all benefits

5.    Underarm IPL


Armpits, legs, the bikini area, and face can be soft for months with methods such as Intense Pulsed Light hair removal (IPL), which inhibits hair growth through gentle pulses of light that attack the follicle at

Underarm IPL

 

The good: Skin irritation and ingrown hairs will be a thing of the past since the IPL only generates a slight tingling or itching from the heat of gentle light pulses.

The bad: If your goal is permanent underarm hair removal, remember that this type of method offers lasting, but not permanent, results.
 

IPL is especially useful if you want professional and long-term results without having to leave the comfort of your own home. The Lumea Prestige, for example, means you no longer have to book those follow-up hair removal appointments at the salon – it reduces 92% of hair after just 3 sessions*.

Use the Lumea in the privacy of your own bedroom or bathroom, whenever you have some free time (you only need 15 minutes to treat your lower legs). It’s also ideal for underarms, as it includes a curved attachment especially designed to effectively reach this notoriously tricky area.

From underarm laser hair removal to underarm waxing, there are many methods to try before deciding how to remove underarm hair in the way that suits you best. Let this guide be your go-to for clean and easy hair removal!

From underarm laser hair removal to underarm waxing, there are many methods to try before deciding how to remove underarm hair in the way that suits you best. Let this guide be your go-to for clean and easy hair removal!

 

* Up to 92% hair reduction after 3 treatments when following the treatment schedule, measured on legs, individual results may vary.

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