Why shave your armpits every day when you can have hair-free underarms for weeks at a time without any upkeep? This is the kind of outcome you can achieve by waxing at home.
But to get the best results, make sure to take care when waxing your armpits. Thankfully, there are some very simple do’s and don’ts which you can follow to make sure that you have a clean, comfortable, and effective at-home waxing experience.
Read on to learn more about waxing, what to do, and what not to do to achieve the perfect wax every time.
Let’s get started!
A Bit About Waxing
In order to give yourself the best wax every time, it’s helpful to know a bit more about waxing and how this ritual began. Let’s get into it.
It all started with the Ancient Egyptians, who were at the forefront of ancient hair removal methods, using shells, stones, and beeswax or sugar-based waxes to remove their body hair. (Even the hair on their heads!)
The trend of body hair removal continued into the Roman Empire, and the Middle Ages, where women would actually remove only the hair on their faces. Appearing to have a large forehead was actually considered fashionable!
In the 1700’s and 1800’s, razors began to gain popularity, first among men and then women. But it wasn’t until the 1960’s that we saw the first wax strips, which immediately took off in popularity.
Since then, waxing has become an extremely common method of hair removal for all areas of the body. It is largely regarded as a safe and effective way to remove hair for weeks at a time without damaging the skin. Waxing is both used as an at-home method of hair removal and is also offered as a service at salons and spas.
Now that we know a bit more about waxing, let’s dive into the do’s and don’ts of waxing so that you can get the best results from your next session at home.
Do Prepare Before Waxing Your Armpits
Remember to complete these important steps before diving into your armpit wax.
Exfoliate
Exfoliation is an important step before waxing in order to clear the skin of dead cells so that the wax can get a proper grip. Exfoliating after a wax is a good idea too- it will keep ingrown hairs at bay! Exfoliating about once per week should be just fine.
Wash and Dry
The buildup of deodorant or sweat under your arms can affect how well wax will work its magic. Be sure to wash them thoroughly with soap and water before you get going.
Trim If Necessary
To achieve the best results when waxing your armpits and to reduce the pain, make sure that the hair is no longer than a quarter of an inch (or 0.6 centimeters) long. If it is a bit longer, use a trimmer or some small scissors to cut the hair down to size.
Take Pain Relievers
If you’re nervous about the pain of waxing, popping an acetaminophen or ibuprofen an hour or half an hour before the wax can help reduce the pain. But be sure to stay away from alcohol if you’re looking to take the edge off! Alcohol (and caffeine) will make your skin more sensitive.
Powder Up
Applying a talcum powder or corn starch to your armpits before waxing will absorb any natural oils or moisture on your skin. Having a dry waxing area will allow the wax to better adhere to the hairs.
Don’t Forget to Test the Wax Temperature
The last thing you want when waxing your armpits is a burn from overheated wax!
Before you get going, make sure that you test the temperature of the wax on another part of your body. Take a little drop and apply it to the back of your hand to make sure it’s not too hot. And remember- it will feel a lot hotter on your sensitive armpits!
Do Make Sure to Lift Your Arm High
When waxing your armpits, make sure that you lift your arms all the way up! This will prevent loose skin from being damaged during the waxing process.
Lift the arm under which you’ll be waxing, and use the hand of that same arm to pull the skin of your armpit tight before removing the wax. The name of the game here is to keep the skin as taut as possible.
Do Take Precautions to Protect Your Clothing
When waxing your armpits at home, things can get messy. But don’t let this deter you from having silky smooth underarms for weeks!
Wrap yourself with an old towel to protect your clothes, wear an old tank top that you don’t mind getting dirty, or wax while naked. You can use our post-wax oil after waxing to remove any excess wax that has remained on the skin.
Don’t Wear Tight Clothes After Waxing
There’s no way around it- even the most gentle of waxes can cause a bit of irritation after all is said and done, depending on your skin type. And wearing clothing that is tight against the skin may cause rubbing and further irritation.
Make sure that you have some airy, loose-fitting clothes handy to pop on after you’re done waxing your armpits. Your skin will thank you!
Don’t Wax the Same Area Twice
If you find that your armpit hair grows in different directions, you’ll need to wax your armpits in sections. The key to success here is applying the wax in the same direction the hair grows, and pulling the strip off in the opposite direction.
If all of your hair grows the same way, you may be able to remove it all in one fell swoop. If not, simply apply the wax in sections. Putting hot wax on the same area of skin over and over will cause irritation.
It’s That Easy!
If you follow the proper preparations and care for your armpits before and after waxing, you’ll have beautiful, lasting results that save you both time and money. Just be sure to exfoliate, keep the waxing area clean and dry, avoid alcohol and caffeine, and be gentle with your skin.
If you have any questions about waxing or about our products, contact us anytime. We’re here to talk!