How to Wax Armpits at Home

Step 1: Trim the Hair

For beginners who don’t know much about how to wax armpits, there’s a common misconception that longer hair helps the wax adhere better. However, the opposite is true. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association the ideal hair length should be between one to two centimeters. Any longer than that can intensify pain during the removal process. 

Make sure to trim your underarm hair using a pair of scissors. Avoid cutting too close to the skin to prevent accidental nicks. If you’ve recently shaved, it’s best to wait for the hair to grow out to the appropriate length.

Trimming your underarm hair before waxing can reduce the likelihood of breakage and razor bumps.

Step 2: Wash and Dry Your Pits

Proper cleansing is crucial when learning how to wax underarms. Why? Because the wax can’t grab onto the hair if your armpits are covered in sweat, oil, and product residue. You can take a warm shower to help open up the hair follicles and reduce the “ouch” factor during waxing. Another plus is it relaxes your jitters.

Consider washing your underarms with a gentle soap to minimize the risk of irritation. Rub a few times to remove every gunk, including deodorant buildup. Pat your skin dry with a clean towel afterward. 

Ensure your underarms are completely dry before proceeding with the waxing process.

Step 3: Warm the Wax (Optional)

If you choose an at-home hot waxing kit, melt it in the microwave or a wax warmer. After a few minutes, test the temperature of the wax on a small area of your wrist. It’s an important step since the underarm skin can’t tolerate heat well and is prone to burns. Also, watch the consistency of the wax. It should look like thick honey – not too runny or too thick.

There are other types of waxes for hair removal, and not all of them need to be warmed up. Sugar wax, pre-made strips, and cold soft wax can be used at room temperature. So, read the instructions in the package before application.

If the wax is too watery, that means it’s overheated.

Step 4: Spread the Wax and Pull

Grab a clean ice cream stick or a small spatula to apply the wax onto the skin. Spread it thinly and evenly following the direction of hair growth. Now, place the strip and gently press it down to ensure the wax is sticking nicely.

Here comes the hardest part. Take a deep breath and hold your skin taut. Then, swiftly pull the strip against the grain, moving it toward your body. Immediately cover the area with your hand to lessen the stinging. Repeat the process until you achieve the desired result.

Waxing your own underarms can be tricky. Just remember to do what aestheticians do and apply wax thinly on clean, dry skin.

Step 5: Do Proper Post-Wax Care

Aftercare is another pivotal step in how to wax armpits at home. The first thing you should do is cleanse the waxed area with cold water and mild soap to remove any residue. If you experience skin redness or itching, you can apply a hydrocortisone cream.

For the first 24 hours, give your underarms a break from sun exposure, hot baths, deodorants, and strenuous activities. That means no exercises or saunas. Once your pits have calmed down, keep them moisturized to prevent ingrown hair.

Pamper your kili-kili with skin-loving ingredients by using Dove Radiant + Care Deodorant Dry Serum 3% Niacinamide 10x Vitamin C & E Dark Marks Reducer. The combination of niacinamide and vitamins C & E helps brighten your underarms while also protecting you from body odor. If you’re dealing with rough underarm skin, try Dove Radiant + Care Deodorant Dry Serum 3% Niacinamide 10x Omega 6 Pore Smoothener. Infused with fatty acids, this lightweight deodorant boasts pore-refining benefits and helps minimize the appearance of bumps.

Apply hydrocortisone cream after waxing and avoid exposing your underarms to direct sunlight.