Underarm Hair Removal
Smooth underarms are desired by many men and women of the modern age, both for stylistic reasons and because a hairless underarm makes odor control easier even when the underarm is regularly washed. From shaving to the most advanced laser removal techniques, there is a wide gamut of possible armpit hair solutions for those who wish to rid themselves of this bodily feature, whether for aesthetic or hygienic reasons.
That ancient standby of hair removal, the razor, is one of the most common and widely-used methods of underarm hair removal. Because of the shape of the underarm and the sensitivity of the skin in this area, underarm hair should be prepared for shaving before a razor is used. The hair should be cut as short as possible with scissors (without nicking the skin) so that the razor does not become clogged with long, curly underarm hairs. Shaving cream or lightly foamed shampoo should be applied to make the blade move more smoothly and protect the skin, and the underarm can then be shaved, using short strokes from several different directions.
In the case of electric shavers, only those which can be used with lotions should be used, because using an electric razor with the underarm dry will almost always result in surface burns, since the underarm is more sensitive than the face to this type of abrasion.
Waxing and depilatory creams are two more options for underarm hair removal, although they are only slightly less temporary than shaving. Waxing is exceptionally painful in the underarm, given its sensitivity, but is as generally effective as on other parts of the body. The underarm should be washed several times a day for several days after waxing, using only the mildest soap, since perspiration does not dry readily in the underarm and wet conditions can lead to infection if proper hygiene is not observed. Depilatory cream can also be used, although it is somewhat more likely to cause an allergic reaction in the underarm. Deodorants should be shunned for several days prior to the use of this cream, since the chemicals in deodorants can potentially react with those in depilatories.
Laser and electrolysis treatment can be applied to the underarm as well, to achieve a more permanent smoothness. These methods are also somewhat painful, but are also far more long-lasting. Home electrolysis is possible on the underarms only with a helper, since it is difficult to penetrate the follicle without causing injury while using a mirror. Home laser treatment is somewhat easier. However, the total cost of a professional laser treatment to the underarm is often only around $250 – little more than the cost of a home laser epilator in any case – although sometimes two treatments several months apart are required. However, all methods remain within the budget of the typical hair removal customer, providing many options for ridding oneself of this hair should it be deemed undesirable.
