Although underarm hair isn't one of the first things people see when talking to or hanging out with people, it’s probably one of the most frequently treated areas when it comes to hair removal.
As professionals, it’s important to understand and anticipate the needs of our clients so that we can service them effectively and efficiently, that’s why we’ll be taking a look at one of the most popular waxing services: underarm waxing.
Why should you wax your underarms?
The decision to wax or not depends on personal preference. Some people may find waxing uncomfortable, while others appreciate the benefits it offers. Additionally, factors such as skin sensitivity and pain tolerance can influence one's choice of hair removal methods. If you're considering waxing, always go to a licensed professional to avoid any unwanted side effects!
The benefits of waxing your underarms
Besides the obvious benefit of longer-lasting, hair-free skin, waxing your underarms has other notable benefits!
- Reduced Hair Thickness: Over time, regular waxing can lead to a reduction in hair thickness. This is because frequent waxing weakens the hair follicles, making the regrowth finer and softer.
- Smooth Skin: Waxing exfoliates the skin by removing dead skin cells along with the hair. This can leave the skin feeling smoother and may help reduce the risk of ingrown hairs.
- Convenience: Once the underarm hair is waxed, you can enjoy a period of hair-free skin without the need for daily maintenance. This can be convenient for those with busy lifestyles who prefer not to worry about frequent shaving.
- Appearance: Some people prefer the aesthetic of smooth, hair-free underarms, which can contribute to a clean and polished look.
- Less Skin Irritation: Waxing doesn't cause the same kind of irritation that shaving can, such as razor burns or bumps. However, individual reactions can vary, and some people may experience redness or sensitivity after waxing.
Comparing waxing vs shaving your underarms
Shaving has been a household staple for many of us, but after a waxing appointment you’ll ditch that razor! You have to keep up on shaving every couple of days to prevent annoying stubble. Waxing provides hair-free underarms for about 4 weeks each session! You’ll likely save time, too. One waxing session may be a bit longer than shaving, but it’s definitely shorter than 8 shaves over the course of 4 weeks.
The chance of razor burn is completely gone, and ingrown hairs (with proper aftercare), are also a thing of the past with waxing.
What to expect from an underarm waxing appointment
A great esthetician makes you feel comfortable and relaxed from the moment you walk into their doors, to the waxing table. Knowing how your appointment should go will help you be confident and anxiety-free the day of!
Best preparation tips for waxing
There are a bunch of things you can do to prepare for an underarm waxing appointment. The more of these you remember to do, the more confident you’ll be!
- Grow your hair out: Ensure that the hair in your underarm region is long enough for the wax to grip. Ideally, it should be about 1/4 to 1/2 inch long. If the hair is too short, the wax may not adhere well. This isn’t much of a tip, but a requirement prior to waxing any part of your body.
- Exfoliate: Gently exfoliate the underarm area a day or two before waxing, but no later than 24 hours before. This helps remove dead skin cells, allowing the wax to adhere more effectively and reducing the risk of ingrown hairs.
- Avoid Moisturizers: Do not apply moisturizers, oils, or creams to the underarm area on the day of the waxing. These can create a barrier, preventing the wax from adhering properly.
- Pain Relief: If you're concerned about pain during waxing, you can take ibuprofen or a similar non-acetaminophen pain reliever 30-60 minutes before the appointment..
- Choose the Right Waxing Salon: When going to a salon, make sure it's reputable and that the esthetician is experienced in underarm waxing. Chains and cheap waxing places are inexpensive for a reason. Check online reviews and experiences from past clients before booking!
- Comfortable Clothing: Wear loose-fitting clothing on the day of your waxing appointment to avoid friction and irritation on the treated area. You want freshly waxed skin to breathe!
- Relax: Try to stay calm and relaxed during the waxing procedure. Tension can make the experience more uncomfortable. Communicate with your esthetician about any concerns before or during the wax.
During your wax
The process of waxing is fairly swift and convenient. To begin, your esthetician cleanses your underarms. They may use a pre-wax oil to prepare the area. They’ll apply either soft, hard wax or sugaring paste to the hair that will be removed. After a short time of the wax or paste cooling and hardening, they’ll then quickly remove hair from the root!
This process is repeated until all desired hair has been removed. For underarms, this takes no longer than about 5 to 10 minutes! A final post-wax lotion is applied to the freshly waxed area after any residual wax is removed.
Aftercare for underarm waxing
The final step of any waxing process is what you do after the appointment ends. Your esthetician educates you on what not to do, what products to use following your appointment, and more! Here’s a general overview of they’ll discuss with you:
- Avoid Hot Water and Chlorine: Hot water and chlorine is irritating to freshly waxed skin. Opt for lukewarm water when showering, and avoid hot baths, saunas, and steam rooms, pools and hot tubs for at least 24 hours after waxing.
- Skip Deodorant for a While: Avoid using deodorant or antiperspirant immediately after waxing. Wait at least 24 hours before applying any products to the underarm area.
- Moisturize: Apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer once a day to the waxed area to keep the skin hydrated. Avoid products with harsh chemicals or fragrances that may cause irritation.
- Exfoliation: Refrain from exfoliating the waxed area for a few days. However, after two to three days, beginning a regular exfoliation routine is key to prevent ingrown hairs. Exfoliate at least twice a week for best results!
- Loose Clothing: Continue to wear loose-fitting, breathable clothing to avoid friction on your freshly waxed skin.
- Skip Intense Physical Activity: Avoid vigorous exercise or activities that may cause excessive sweating for at least 24 hours after waxing. At worst, the bacteria that remains in your open pores can cause infection.
If you experience any unusual or persistent reactions, such as excessive redness, swelling, or ingrown hairs, it's advisable to consult with a skincare professional or your dermatologist for guidance. Everyone's skin reacts differently to waxing, so pay attention to your body!
Frequently asked questions about underarm waxing
Underarm waxing is a service that receives a couple unique questions. Many people believe in the myth that waxing and other forms of hair removal can lead to hyperpigmentation, along with other old wives’ tales. Let’s set the record straight!
How does underarm waxing affect hyperpigmentation?
With the proper waxing technique, there should be little to no effect on the skin for those with hyperpigmentation and sensitive skin. Historically, there have been rumors that waxing causes hyperpigmentation, but that simply isn't true.
Rather, proper and regular waxing sessions can lessen the appearance of hyperpigmentation. Exfoliation is proven to aid hyperpigmentation, which is absolutely required to get the best results from waxing.
Does waxing your underarms affect odor?
When it comes to odor, some individuals have found improvement in their body smell with the removal of their underarm hair. Hair traps bacteria, and the sweat from your underarms only smells once it comes into contact with bacteria. Less hair means less smell!
Enso delivers the future of wax to estheticians
Provide an elevated experience with quality products provided by Enso. Trusted for all of your waxing needs, we strive to set each of our waxing specialists up for success. For a list of products, visit our website. Discover your new favorite, revolutionary tools for estheticians and waxers everywhere. Designed by estheticians, for estheticians!
