Who doesn't love wearing easy-breezy sleeveless dresses and casual tank-tops? In fact, if given a chance, I'd live in those for the rest of my life sigh . After bikini waxing, underarm hair removal is the second least favourite thing for any girl in terms of grooming. Since your underarm skin is more sensitive than the skin on your legs and hands, it needs extra TLC. And do you know what's worse? The after-effect of underarm hair removal—darkened skin and bumps! Doesn't matter whether you prefer to wax or shave your underarms, certain habits will ensure that you have a smoother hair removal experience. Here's everything you need to know about shaving/waxing your underarms at home:
01Wash your underarms
Before you go in with the wax or razor, make sure you clean your underarms with a mild soap or body wash and warm water. Your underarms tend to produce a lot more sweat than the rest of your body, plus, there could be residue from your deodorant or roll-on. And all of this could come in the way of your hair removal process. Therefore, it is ideal to take a bath beforehand.
02Dry your underarms
Once you wash your underarms, don't immediately apply wax. Remember that wax does not stick to sweaty or wet underarms. After washing, pat dry with a towel and apply some talcum powder to help absorb sweat. On the other hand, if you're using a razor, then don't go in on dry armpits as that can cause friction and irritation. It's best to shave your underarms before getting out of the shower as that's when they are hydrated with steam and water.
03Don’t lift your arm just halfway up
When you lift your arm only halfway up, you're bound to miss removing hair in the skinfolds. Therefore, stretch your hand up fully above your head while removing underarm hair. This will also provide a smoother surface for you to be able to comfortably wax or shave.
04Exfoliate to reduce pain
Exfoliating your underarms will not only reduce the pain of waxing but also make it easier for the hair to come out. Exfoliating will help you get rid of dirt, impurities and other bacteria as well as loosen hair follicles. If you're looking for a DIY option, then simply mix together sugar, honey and lemon juice to exfoliate, hydrate as well as lighten your underarms.
05Don’t shave or wax in the wrong direction
Shaving or waxing your underarm hair at home is no big deal if done right. While it's ideal to shave in the opposite direction of hair growth for a closer shave, it is not the best practice for all those with sensitive skin as it might cause irritation. So, you can go ahead with shaving in the same direction of hair growth. While waxing, first, apply a thin layer of wax and then pull the strip in the opposite direction of hair growth. Doing so will help you get rid of all the hair in one go.
