Want to wax your armpits at home? Okay, we’ll talk you through it! While we love armpit hair, for those who prefer going smooth, waxing is a great option if you want longer term results (up to 28 days!).
Ready to make the most out of our Vegan Bikini & Underarm Wax Kit? Read on for exactly how to wax your underarms in a gentle way that reduces discomfort and irritation and leaves your pits super smooth.
Step-by-step: How to wax your armpits at home
- Check your hair length
- Patch test
- Prep your skin
- Find a good position
- Peel strips apart
- Apply strip in the direction of hair growth
- Hold skin taut and pull
- Remove residue with post-wax wipes
- Soothe your skin
1. Check your hair length
First things first: Your hair needs to be between 2 and 6 millimetres to be able to effectively wax (about 2-6 weeks of growth). Not quite there yet? We recommend you wait so the wax can effectively grip your hair. If your hair is much longer, you should trim to 2-6 mm for a more precise wax.
2. Patch test
New to at-home waxing or to Estrid wax? It’s always a good idea to do a test on a small area to ensure the formula reacts well with your skin. Wait 24 hours and if all looks good, wax on!
3. Prep your skin
Once you’re ready to wax, it’s time to prep. Make sure your skin is clean and dry. So if you’ve just showered, wait about 45 minutes to ensure your skin has cooled down and is completely dry. Avoid applying body products like lotion or deodorant before waxing–we want the wax to grip the hair!
4. Find a good position
Waxing armpit hair can be a bit trickier than waxing your legs because it’s harder to see exactly what you’re doing and you’ll need to work with your non-dominant hand. You’ll need to find a comfortable position where you can hold the skin taut while you pull.
5. Peel strips apart
Slowly pull the strips apart to keep wax even on both sides. There’s no need to rub the strips to warm them up.
6. Apply strip in the direction of hair growth
Place a strip, wax side down, where you want to wax and rub firmly with the palm of your hand in the direction of hair growth. Armpit hair often grows in multiple directions and so you may need to adjust how you place the strip as you go.
7. Hold skin taut and pull
Hold skin taut at the base of the strip to avoid irritation. Then pull the strip quickly in the opposite direction of hair growth, staying close to the skin. Repeat as necessary, but we don’t recommend using a strip more than twice per area.
8. Remove residue with post-wax wipes
Use the calming post-wax wipes to remove any wax that’s left behind. If you run out of wipes, use your favourite face oil instead.
9. Soothe your skin
A little irritation up to 24 hours post-waxing is totally normal, especially if you’re a new waxer or if you have fair or sensitive skin. Feel free to apply a cool compress to soothe. After waxing, wait 24 hours to use alcohol-based products to avoid irritation. Avoid prolonged sun exposure 24 hours after waxing, as your skin will be more sensitive. Make sure to wear breathable clothes and avoid working out for a few hours since sweat can be irritating to freshly waxed skin.
Should I wax or shave my underarms? Pros and cons
Waxing or shaving (or doing nothing at all!)--is always up to you. Shaving requires less technique, is faster, and is totally painless, but maintaining hairless pits means you have to shave quite often. Waxing your underarms requires more effort and can be a little uncomfortable (especially if you’re new to waxing), but the results last much longer: up to 28 days. Waxing can be a great fit for people who want less everyday maintenance.
How painful is it to wax underarms?
Waxing your underarms can be uncomfortable, we won’t lie. It’s more delicate skin than your legs and the hair can be coarser, so waxing newbies may want to master waxing other parts of the body before moving to the pits. But by following these steps, you can maximise comfort and minimise irritation. So if you can tolerate just a few seconds of ouch, you’ll be rewarded with up to 28 days of smooth skin. Repeated waxing of your underarms tends to thin the hair too, so while your first time may hurt, over time, it’ll get more comfortable (especially as you refine your technique.)
How often should I wax my underarms?
You’ll need at least 2mm of hair to be able to wax, and that will take about two weeks, but everyone’s a little different.
That’s it! Smooth armpits for up to 28 days! Ready to move onto the whole body? We’ve got more wax tips and tricks here.
