Underarm hair grows almost 50% faster than the hair on your legs, according to the experts who make Gillette Venus razors, so shaving on a daily or every-other-day basis makes sense for those who don’t want hair there. That said, some people do tend to be more sensitive than others and can get irritated from shaving, so make sure you’re always using a sharp razor and rinsing it between strokes to avoid it getting clogged.
“If you’re prone to shaving bumps, use a shaving gel or lotion, shave in the direction of the hair, and change the blade often. “After shaving, apply over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream to any red or inflamed areas, or areas that frequently develop bumps.”
Getting a quick wax every month or so can keep your underarm hair at bay without reaching for the razor every morning. Worried about little bumps? “If you wax regularly, you will have a very slim chance of getting ingrown hairs or bumps,” Grupenmager says. Consult a dermatologist if you’re still concerned about whether or not your underarm area can handle waxing.
Laser hair removal is a much longer-term method, but if you’re sure you’ll never again want hair in a specific spot, such as your underarms, it could be worthwhile to consider it.
“By getting rid of 70 to 90% of the hair, if not more, you reduce or remove the necessity of hair removal. “The less you have to do, the less irritation or side effects you’ll get in the long term.” Even though it’s on the pricier side (approximately $50 to $300 per session, depending on the body part), you could wind up cost-cutting on razors, shaving cream, and waxing. Check out our guide to laser hair removal for everything you need to know on the subject.
How to Remove Hair From Your Forearms
While it’s less common than removing hair on the aforementioned body parts, there are lots of people out there who prefer to get rid of the fuzz on their arms, especially via wax strips, like the kind found in the Beauty Lab’s top-tested kit below. Unlike hot wax, these pre-coated strips are applied at room temperature, require minimal effort, and can be used at home.
Over time, waxing can result in your hair growing back finer, extending intervals between hair-removal sessions. Just be sure to trim your hair beforehand (leaving between 1/4″ and 1/2″ is perfect) and dust on a bit of baby powder to prevent the wax from sticking to your skin. Follow the directions properly, and remove any residual wax with a dab of baby oil on a cotton ball.
Another good option for your arms: depilatory creams. As previously mentioned, depilatory creams work by incorporating chemicals that break down the bonds in your hair. If you want a longer-lasting result than shaving and something less painful than waxing, try an easy-to-use depilatory cream, like the Beauty Lab’s top-tested pick below.
