How does underarm waxing work

Removing them could increase your risk for ingrown hairs, and it could knock you off your waxing schedule, too. Ingrown hairs and bumps can be a major pain no pun intended , but there are a few things you can do to make sure you minimize your risk. For starters, you can lightly exfoliate a few days before your appointment. This will help remove dead skin cells, dirt, and grime from the surface of your skin. Then, 3 to 4 days after your appointment, you can resume light exfoliation to make sure the area stays clean and clear of anything that could get trapped in your pores.

There are plenty of oils and gels that can help soothe the area. If you keep up with a regular waxing schedule, you might find that the pain decreases and hair grows back slower and thinner. Hair removal is a very personal journey. Do your research, and experiment with different methods to find what suits you best. Not sure where to start? Ask a technician for their recommendations. Jen is a wellness contributor at Healthline.

She writes and edits for various lifestyle and beauty publications, with bylines at Refinery29, Byrdie, MyDomaine, and bareMinerals. When not typing away, you can find Jen practicing yoga, diffusing essential oils, watching Food Network or guzzling a cup of coffee.

In the world of hair removal, waxing and shaving are entirely different. Wax swiftly pulls hair from the root through repetitive tugs. Shaving is more…. Want to try DIY waxing?

Use these tips to avoid burns, bumps, ingrown hairs, and get results that last. Despite their similarities…. Sick of ingrown hairs?

Stop picking at your skin and try these products instead. When hair is forcefully removed, like with waxing, it causes stress to the surrounding skin. Many people develop mild bumps and inflammation afterward. 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. For an added bonus, wash with hot water. The heat will soften the hairs, making them easier to remove.

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. If it is a bit longer, use a trimmer or some small scissors to cut the hair down to size.

Alcohol and caffeine will make your skin more sensitive. 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. Before you get going, make sure that you test the temperature of the wax on another part of your body. And remember- it will feel a lot hotter on your sensitive armpits! 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. The name of the game here is to keep the skin as taut as possible. When waxing your armpits at home, things can get messy. This is not an exhaustive list, and if you are undergoing or have recently undergone any treatment for a health condition, and have any doubt whatsoever, seek medical advice prior to waxing.

Hard wax is always heated to melt it to the correct consistency, whereas some soft waxes are heated and some can be used cold, straight from the pot. The advantage of cold wax is obviously the speed and convenience, however it can be more difficult to spread and to achieve the thin, even layer required.

Soft wax is also available in very easy to use pre-waxed strips which you simply warm between the palms of your hands to soften, prior to application. Although these are convenient and ensure that you achieve the correct amount of wax, in my experience, they tend not to be as efficient at removing all the hair. Hard wax is warmed to the correct temperature and then spread more thickly than soft wax. It does not require a strip, but is allowed to cool until it is set but still pliable and can be pulled off from the end.

Hard wax is best for smaller and more sensitive areas such as underarms and bikini line as they have less effect on the skin, only adhering to the hair, tending to be a bit less painful. If you are going to wax your underarms at home, I would recommend that you pick a time, such as early evening, on a night when you are not going out afterwards. Bear in mind that the underarms are a particularly sensitive area of the body, added to which certain times of the month increase your skin sensitivity, so it is a good idea to avoid them.

Test a small area 24 hours prior to waxing following the instructions provided, to ensure that you do not have any allergies to the wax ingredients. Your hair should not be too long so that the wax is not efficient and risks the hair breaking and pulling on the skin. Nor should it be too short, so that the wax is unable to stick to it sufficiently to remove it.

It is best to exfoliate the skin the day before, to remove the build up of any dead skin cells which increases the effectiveness of the wax as well as reducing the risk of ingrown hairs. Cleanse the skin thoroughly with mild soap and water to remove any traces of deodorant or the like, and pat dry. It is very important that the skin is completely dry to help the wax adhere to the hair properly, so use some baby powder to remove any remaining traces of moisture. This will also prevent the wax from sticking too much to the skin.

You can also apply something light such as aloe vera gel or witch hazel to calm the skin. Avoid using deodorant for as long as you can which is why I recommend waxing in the evening before bed and only wear loose-fitting cotton clothing to avoid further irritation from chafing. The results can vary, depending on the hair growth rate of an individual, but results are likely to last between 2 - 4 weeks, as it takes a while for the hair to grow back.

You may find that it grows back lighter and finer, especially over time as the hair follicles are weakened.