When it comes to hair removal, underarm waxing may be the most talked about one. But if you've never had it done before, there are a few things you should know before taking the plunge. Underarm waxing is an excellent alternative to shaving or using depilatory creams. As long as you take proper care of your skin afterward. Here are 14 things that will help make your experience with professional underarms waxing go smoothly:
Underarm waxing is the best alternative to shaving
If you're considering waxing as an alternative to shaving, here's a list of the top reasons why it's better:
- Waxing is less painful than shaving. No matter how skilled the technician or how well-prepared you are for it, there will always be some pain involved in either procedure. However, waxing with an expert is generally less painful than shaving. It is because the hair strand is removed at its root with wax instead of being cut off by a blade (like razors). The result? Less irritation and redness!
- Waxing lasts longer than shaving. Shaving results in stubble after just one day or two days tops. While done by expert underarm wax can last up to six weeks! Not only does this mean fewer trips back to your technician; but since your hair grows slower with each successive growth cycle, it also means less maintenance overall.
- Waxing is more hygienic than shaving. This is because it removes all of your hair follicles from their roots. Rather than just trimming them down without getting rid of any dead skin cells. Along with them like when using electric razors. Which can lead to bacteria breeding grounds if left untreated over time (think about all those dead skin cells accumulating inside those little grooves!).
Underarm waxing is the least painful way to remove underarm hair
In most cases, the pain level is similar to that of waxing your legs. While it's important to remember that everyone's pain tolerance is different. This makes sense when you consider that the underarm area is one of the least painful areas of your body. It's certainly not as sensitive as your genitals or other highly sensitive parts of your body like feet and ankles! If you're afraid of the pain, I would advise doing a test run on an area where it won't show. Like behind one of your knees—before trying out underarm waxing for real.
If you are still dreading it (or if you just don't want any more surprises), ask for extra numbing cream at every appointment before going in for an underarm wax so you can be prepared if needed.
You should let your hair grow out for three weeks
If you're a first-time waxer, your hair should be at least 1/4 inch long. This is because the wax will have more to grab onto and will therefore stick more effectively to the skin.
If your hair is longer than 3/4 inches, it can be difficult for the wax to stick properly. If this does happen and the strip comes off with some of the hair on it, don't worry! That's just part of learning how much hair needs to be removed before applying fresh strips.
Your hair should also be dry when you apply waxing strips. If it's not dry then there's less chance that they'll adhere as well or pull up all of your hairs instead of just some of them (which could lead to ingrown).
Make sure that when you're choosing which kind of waxing product you want at home (waxes come in different strengths). Make sure whatever product gives instructions like “pre-wax exfoliation recommended” or something similar so they know what kind of surface area their product needs before use
Exfoliation is important before and after waxing
Exfoliation is an important part of your underarm hair removal regimen. It removes dead skin cells, which allows the wax to adhere to the hair. Making it easier for both you and your esthetician to remove them. After waxing, exfoliation helps prevent ingrown hair. The most common side effect of removing unwanted body hair at home or in a salon.
If you have sensitive skin and find that your body has been reacting negatively to waxing over time. You might want to consider switching from hot waxes (which are typically softer than strip waxes) or going with a gentler method like sugaring instead.
It's best not to shave in between waxes
You should let your hair grow out for a few weeks before waxing again.
If you're waxing between bikini lines or on your underarms, it's best not to shave in between appointments. Shaving can irritate the skin and cause ingrown hairs that make future waxes more painful. Plus, if you shave too soon after a wax appointment (or anytime during the hair growth cycle), you'll be able to see the individual hairs growing out of your follicles. This makes them easier to pull out later on. But also causes redness and irritation when they're plucked by the technician during removal sessions.
If you need something done immediately after your last appointment, opt for clipping instead of shaving—but only if you have time beforehand: Clipping takes longer than shaving because there's less precision involved in using scissors versus tweezers; therefore, it may take up to 30 minutes or so depending on how much armpit hair needs cutting off before it can be removed by suction cups again; this method also tends not to work well around ingrown hairs because there's little space between body parts (eek!).
You can still wear deodorant, but avoid it for 24 hours post-wax.
You may be wondering if you can wear deodorant after waxing, but the answer is no—at least not for 24 hours.
Deodorant can cause irritation and clog pores, which can result in bumps and ingrown hairs. This is especially true with an underarm wax because it's so close to your armpit, which is already sensitive. Deodorant can also lead to redness and irritation after your hair has been removed by a waxer or at home.
For best results, avoid deodorants for 24 hours after your underarm hair removal treatment!
Don't touch or scratch the skin around your armpits after a wax
- Don't touch or scratch the skin around your armpits after a wax.
- The skin in this area is very sensitive and you need to be careful not to rub it too hard, as this will cause redness, swelling, and even small blisters that can become infected.
- Similarly, don't use harsh soaps, lotions, or exfoliators on the area until it has completely healed (at least 24 hours). Likewise, avoid using alcohol-based products on your skin until it's healed—this includes aftershaves!
Don't expose your underarms to sunlight or UV rays for 24 hours after waxing.
After waxing, your skin will be more sensitive to the sun. To prevent burning and peeling, avoid exposing your underarms to sunlight or UV rays for 24 hours after waxing.
If you can't avoid being in the sun, wear a strong sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB light.
Don't engage in strenuous activity immediately after you get your underarms waxed
While the effects of waxing are temporary, it's still important to proceed with caution. When the skin is newly exposed, it will be more sensitive and delicate than usual—this includes areas that may have been shaved or trimmed just prior to waxing. If you leave the salon feeling like a pro athlete and return home to lift heavy weights, play contact sports, or engage in any other physically demanding activities (even light yoga!), you risk causing irritation or even ingrown hairs where there were none before.
Avoid wearing tight clothing after you get your underarms waxed.
Underarm waxing can be uncomfortable, but it also has the potential to leave you with an awkward feeling of tightness. It's important that you avoid wearing tight clothing for 24 hours after your wax so as not to irritate the skin and cause ingrown hairs. Tight clothes can also cause breakouts, making your skin more prone to irritation.
Avoid hot baths, steam rooms, saunas, and tanning beds for at least 24 hours after getting your underarms waxed
This is because you might burn the skin and irritate it if you are exposed to any heat on top of a freshly waxed area too soon. Also, this could cause your skin to peel off or fall out prematurely.
The purpose of getting an underarm wax is to pull out hairs that grow out from below the surface of your skin or grow at different angles than normal hair does; therefore, taking care not to subject any part of your body to intense heat will help ensure that these results are achieved fully and completely. A good rule of thumb would be to avoid hot baths or showers for at least 24 hours after getting this treatment done; however once again if in doubt consult with a professional aesthetician who will be able to give expert advice based on their years of experience doing this type of procedure regularly
Always avoid exfoliating products that contain retinoids and scrubs with beads or shells post-waxing.
The skin is very sensitive after a wax, and exfoliating can cause irritation. It's best to avoid products that contain retinoids (such as Retin-A or Renova) and scrubs with beads or shells post-waxing. You should also avoid exfoliation for 24 hours following your appointment in order to give the skin enough time to heal. If you're going to use an exfoliator after this point, make sure it's gentle and free of any particles that may be abrasive on freshly waxed skin. Additionally, consider waiting until your next appointment before using an exfoliator again—this will allow your hair follicles more time to grow out so they're easier for the aesthetician to remove during future sessions!
You should know how to care for your underarms during and after a wax for optimal skin health
Even though the waxing process can be uncomfortable, you should know that it's completely normal for your underarms to become red and irritated after the treatment. To help keep your skin in good condition, avoid hot baths, steam rooms, saunas, and tanning beds for at least 24 hours after getting your underarms waxed. You should also avoid strenuous activity immediately after getting waxed—this includes things like running or skipping rope.
Don't scratch at any irritation; this will only make matters worse!
Conclusion
If you're looking for a painless way to remove your underarm hair, waxing is the best option. Waxing can be done at home or at a salon, but it does require some prep work and care afterward. If you follow these tips, though—and don't forget to exfoliate before and after each wax!—you should have smooth underarms for weeks after each treatment.
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