Everyone naturally has underarm hair, and there’s no need to be ashamed of it. However, recent trends have leaned towards the ideal of smooth underarms, and women with underarm hair often face curious glances.
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Do you also prefer underarms as smooth as velvet for aesthetic or hygienic reasons? This article will help you decide which method is best for achieving this. We’ll also discuss the purpose of underarm hair and its origins. Finally, we’ll explore laser hair removal as the best way to address underarm hair.
If you want a permanent solution for unwanted hair, opt for laser hair removal. You can start at our salon, where we offer a discount on your first session after completing a short questionnaire!
What is the purpose of armpit hair in both men and women?
Why do we have armpit hair
Underarm hair helps reduce friction between the upper arm and the torso, which is particularly useful during running, walking, and physical activities. Additionally, the hair traps sweat, aiding in temperature regulation.
Similar to hair in other parts of the body, underarm hair provides a degree of protection against external elements—dust, dirt, and other particles—by capturing them before they reach the skin.
Moreover, sweat and underarm hair contain pheromones, which play a role in natural human attraction. On the other hand, many people also find smooth underarms attractive, so in this regard, it’s a tie!
Why consider hair removal?
Aesthetics
We choose to remove hair for many reasons.
But the main ones are aesthetics and personal preference, which probably play the most important role in the decision to remove hair in this area.
In every society there are certain norms and expectations regarding appearance. And whether we like it or not, most people conform to these norms and tailor their choices to them.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that a person who chooses to keep their hair is doing it wrong. Removing underarm hair should be primarily a personal choice, without outside pressure.
Hygiene
A more significant reason than fashion for removing underarm hair is hygiene.
Underarm hair absorbs sweat and bacteria, which are a natural part of the skin’s microbiome. When sweat interacts with these bacteria, it can lead to their breakdown and produce unpleasant body odor. Removing the hair helps to reduce sweat accumulation, so it doesn’t get trapped in the hair.
This leads to less odor and a drier, cleaner skin with a lower risk of skin infections, rashes, ingrown hairs, and inflammation caused by moisture and bacterial buildup.
Moreover, removing underarm hair allows for more effective application of antiperspirants or deodorants. Products are better absorbed into the skin, thus more effectively blocking sweat glands or masking odor.
Different methods to remove hair from underarms and their advantages and disadvantages
Traditional shaving with razor and electric shaver
Advantages:
- Immediate results. Shaving is undoubtedly a quick way to get rid of armpit hair.
- Availability. Razors and shavers are easy and cheap to find.
- Easy to use. Shaving is easy and can be done at home without any problems.
Disadvantages:
- Short-term results. Hair grows back quickly after shaving and you have to repeat the shave after a few days.
- It may not be good for your skin. Frequent shaving can lead to irritation, rashes and ingrown hairs.
- Risk of injury. Cutting or scratching of the skin can occur if careless shaving is used.
Waxing or how to shave your armpits without a razor
Advantages:
- Long-lasting results. Waxing removes hair along with the roots, so regrowth is slower.
- Smoother skin. After waxing, the skin remains much smoother than after a normal shave.
- Patience brings roses. Repeated waxing can also lead to softening and overall hair loss, although it won't guarantee permanently smooth skin.
Disadvantages:
- Pain. Waxing is not the least bit pleasant, especially for those who have sensitive skin.
- It's not very gentle on the skin. Waxing is a relatively rough method of hair removal, which can cause skin irritation or rashes.
- Cost and time. Professional waxing tends to be quite expensive and home application takes time and practice.
Depilation with sugar paste
Advantages:
- Less painful than waxing. Sugar waxing is gentler than waxing, but it is still not a completely painless procedure.
- Natural composition. Sugar paste is made from natural ingredients and is thus a more suitable alternative for sensitive skin.
Disadvantages:
- Application technique. Sugar paste waxing requires a special technique and can take you a while to master.
- Availability. Quality sugar paste is not as commonly available as wax or shaving supplies. You can try making it from homemade ingredients, but expect less of an effect.
Depilatory creams offer another method for underarm hair
Advantages:
- Painless. The use of depilatory creams on the skin practically does not feel.
- Quick and easy. Just spread the cream on the area.
- Smooth results. No risk of scratching or cutting your skin like shaving.
Disadvantages:
- Pain. Waxing is not the least bit pleasant, especially for those who have sensitive skin.
- Temporary results. Although hairs grow back weaker and slower after cream hair removal, it is not a method that will get rid of them permanently.
Tips and tricks to shave your underarms smooth or wax as best as possible
Shaving
- Prepare the skin by washing the armpits with warm water. This helps to open the pores and soften the hairs.
- Apply a generous layer of shaving gel or foam to reduce friction and minimize the risk of irritation or cuts.
- Shave carefully, ideally in the direction of hair growth to avoid overgrowth and irritation.
- After shaving, rinse your underarms with cool water to help close your pores.
- Dry the skin by gently patting it with a towel and apply a soothing or moisturizing cream or balm to help it regenerate faster.
Wax depilation
- Make sure that the hairs are of a suitable length, usually between 5 and 10 mm, so that the wax can trap the hairs effectively.
- Clean and dry the skin thoroughly before applying the wax.
- Heat the wax according to the instructions on the packaging, but make sure it is not too hot.
- Using a spatula, spread the wax on the armpit in a thin layer in the direction of hair growth.
- Press a strip of fabric onto the wax, press gently and leave for a while.
- Remove the strip by pulling sharply against the direction of hair growth.
- After waxing, treat the skin with a soothing balm to minimize irritation.
Sugar paste
- Make sure the hairs are the right length for epilation.
- Apply the sugar paste against the direction of hair growth, using your hands or a spatula.
- The paste should be applied warm, but not hot, so as not to burn the skin.
- Wait a few seconds with the sugar paste on the skin, and then pull it off with a quick motion in the direction of hair growth.
- After treatment, use a soothing gel to calm and hydrate the skin.
Depilatory creams
- Apply the depilatory cream evenly to the skin under the armpits and leave on according to the instructions on the packaging.
- Avoid using the cream on irritated or injured skin.
- After the recommended time, wipe off the cream with a damp cloth or special spatula.
- Finally, use a moisturizer or soothing cream to restore the skin.
How to have beautiful armpits that are always hairless? Laser hair removal is the answer
All the methods discussed here, including various home remedies for hair removal, share one fundamental drawback—they only remove hair for a limited time.
This is not the case with laser hair removal, the only method that can permanently eliminate hair. While the price of laser treatment may seem high initially, it more than compensates for the time it saves in the long run.
In professional salons, laser treatments are carried out with a high level of expertise. The laser device allows for very precise targeting of the hair without damaging the surrounding skin.
This minimizes the risk of side effects, such as irritation, burns, or pigmentation changes.
Properly performed laser hair removal, for both men and women, is one of the least painful methods of hair removal. Modern lasers are equipped with cooling systems that enhance comfort during the procedure and reduce discomfort.
Additionally, medical lasers can be precisely adjusted to your specific hair and skin type, a level of customization that no home “epilation” device can match.