Underarm hair is one of the most annoying places to have hair, and you can rightly say ‘it’s the pits’. There are a couple different ways to take care of it right in your own home, and one that is more than just temporary. We help give you some advice for getting the best results and safety tips for each method.
1. Laser or IPL Hair Removal
Photo © Chris Roy
Pulsed light is used to impair the hair follicle. While you can also get laser or IPL (intense pulsed light) done professionally, Tria and Silk’n are both FDA cleared for home use.
For Best Results: Each company will give you specific instructions on how many sessions to use on yourself, and how many weeks to wait between each session. (Example: Use once every four weeks for six months).
Safety Tips: You must fall within a light skin tone range to safely use either of these models at home. Darker skin can burn or blister. These are high-tech devices, so read over all instructions and safety tips very carefully.
For Best Results: Each company will give you specific instructions on how many sessions to use on yourself, and how many weeks to wait between each session. (Example: Use once every four weeks for six months).
Safety Tips: You must fall within a light skin tone range to safely use either of these models at home. Darker skin can burn or blister. These are high-tech devices, so read over all instructions and safety tips very carefully.
2. Depilatories (hair removal creams)
The depilatory basically breaks down the hair above the skin’s surface, so that you can wipe it off.For Best Results: Wipe off a small area to see if it’s removing hair before taking off the cream from the entire area (without going over suggested maximum time).
Safety Tips: Do a patch test first before using, hair removal creams are a strong product. Don’t leave on longer than suggested in directions, and take off immediately if you feel burning.
3. Shaving
No doubt it’s the easiest and most common way to rid the hair, shaving cuts hair off at skin level.For Best Results: Shave after at least five minutes into a shower or bath so the warm water and steam has time to soften skin and hair. Lightly exfoliate area right before shaving to rid dead skin cells and allow a closer shave. Use a good quality razor and shaving cream. For women, my picks are Art of Shaving, Shaving Cream for Women (compare prices) and Schick Quattro for Women (compare prices).
Safety Tips: Hair can grow in various directions, but make sure to shave in the opposite direction of hair growth to get a closer shave.
