How to Get Rid of Armpit Hair

Contents:

• Methods for How to Get Rid of Armpit Hair
• Shaving: Fastest and Most Affordable
• Waxing: Longer-Lasting Results
• Depilatory Creams: Chemical Hair Removal
• Electrolysis: Permanent Hair Removal
• Laser Hair Removal: Semi-Permanent Solution
• Comparison: Shaving vs. Waxing vs. Depilatory vs. Permanent Methods
• Expert Advice on Armpit Hair Removal
• Aftercare for Each Method
• After Shaving
• After Waxing
• After Depilatory Use
• After Laser or Electrolysis
• Budget Breakdown: Annual Cost of Each Method
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Does shaving make armpit hair grow back thicker?
• Is waxing better than shaving for underarms?
• Can you remove armpit hair permanently?
• What’s the safest way to get rid of armpit hair?
• How long does it take to get rid of armpit hair using each method?

Hair removal aesthetics have changed dramatically across cultures and centuries. In ancient Rome, women removed body hair using pumice stone and early wax formulations. In modern times, armpit hair removal is common in Western cultures, though attitudes vary globally. How to get rid of armpit hair effectively depends on your preferences, budget, and skin sensitivity. Understanding each method’s timeline, cost, and effectiveness allows you to choose the best approach for your lifestyle.

Methods for How to Get Rid of Armpit Hair

Five primary methods exist for armpit hair removal: shaving, waxing, depilatory creams, electrolysis, and laser removal. Each has distinct advantages, limitations, and costs. The right choice depends on your pain tolerance, budget, hair type, and how long you want results to last.

Shaving: Fastest and Most Affordable

Shaving removes hair at skin level using a razor blade. It’s the fastest method (2–3 minutes per session) and cheapest long-term (razors cost £0.50–£2 each, lasting 5–10 shaves). However, results last only 12–48 hours depending on hair growth rate. Hair regrows within 1–2 days, requiring frequent repetition.

Procedure: wet the underarm, apply shaving cream or gel (cost: £2–£4 per tube), and draw the razor upward in the direction of hair growth. Repeat until hair is removed. Rinse and apply aftercare moisturiser.

Risks: razor burn (redness lasting 1–3 hours), nicks and cuts, ingrown hairs (hair grows back into the skin, causing bumps and irritation), and irritation in this sensitive area.

Waxing: Longer-Lasting Results

Waxing removes hair from the root using heated wax. Results last 3–6 weeks because hair must regrow from the follicle (approximately 2–3mm weekly growth). This makes waxing ideal for people wanting smooth skin without frequent maintenance.

Procedure: apply warm wax (temperature approximately 43–49°C) to the underarm, press a cloth strip over it, wait 20–30 seconds, then rapidly pull the strip off in the opposite direction of hair growth. The hair adheres to the wax and removes as the strip pulls away.

Cost: salon waxing costs £8–£15 per session. At-home waxing kits cost £10–£25 upfront and include multiple applications. DIY waxing is cost-effective if done every 4–6 weeks (approximately £30–£50 yearly) versus salon visits (£100–£180 yearly).

Risks: pain (significant the first time; decreases with repeated use), burns (if wax is too hot), ingrown hairs, and temporary redness (resolves within hours). The underarm is particularly sensitive because skin is thin and hair dense, making waxing more uncomfortable here than on legs.

Depilatory Creams: Chemical Hair Removal

Depilatories (like Veet or Nair) use chemicals (usually thioglycolic acid) to dissolve the hair shaft at skin level. Results last 3–7 days (longer than shaving but shorter than waxing). Application is painless, making them appealing to people with low pain tolerance.

Procedure: apply the cream according to package directions (typically 5–10 minutes), then wipe off with a damp cloth. Hair dissolves and wipes away easily.

Cost: £3–£6 per tube (lasts 4–8 applications). Monthly cost is similar to shaving (£3–£6 per month).

Risks: chemical sensitivity (some people experience burning, redness, or allergic reactions), unpleasant smell (thioglycolic acid has a distinct, unpleasant odour), and less effective on dense or coarse hair (the chemical might not dissolve all hair completely).

Electrolysis: Permanent Hair Removal

Electrolysis uses electrical current to destroy individual hair follicles permanently. Each hair is treated individually, making it slower than other methods. However, results are genuinely permanent—treated follicles don’t regrow.

Procedure: a licensed electrologist inserts a fine needle into the hair follicle and delivers electrical current that destroys the follicle. Treatment takes 15–30 minutes per session, with multiple sessions (10–30 typically) required for full underarm coverage because each hair is treated individually.

Cost: £35–£80 per session. Full underarm treatment typically requires 15–25 sessions (£525–£2,000 total). This is expensive upfront but, since results are permanent, it’s cost-effective long-term (no ongoing maintenance costs).

Effectiveness: genuinely permanent for treated follicles. However, some very fine or light hairs might be missed in initial treatments, requiring additional sessions.

Laser Hair Removal: Semi-Permanent Solution

Laser energy is absorbed by hair pigment (melanin), heating the follicle and disabling it. Results are semi-permanent—treated follicles stop producing hair for 6–12 months or longer, though regrowth is possible (unlike electrolysis).

Procedure: a technician applies the laser to the underarm skin. You feel warmth and slight stinging. Each underarm takes 5–10 minutes. Multiple sessions (6–8 typically) are needed 4–6 weeks apart because the laser only affects follicles in active growth phase (approximately 20–30% of follicles at any time).

Cost: £50–£150 per session at UK clinics. Six sessions total approximately £300–£900. Some clinics offer packages (6 sessions for £400–£600, discounted per-session pricing). This is expensive but results are long-lasting (6–12+ months between treatments).

Effectiveness: approximately 70–90% permanent hair reduction (some fine hairs might regrow). Dark hair responds better than light hair because the laser targets pigment. People with very light or white hair see minimal results.

Comparison: Shaving vs. Waxing vs. Depilatory vs. Permanent Methods

Choosing the right method depends on priorities:

• Speed and convenience: Shaving (2–3 minutes daily) is fastest. Depilatories (10 minutes, 1–2 times weekly) are moderate. Waxing (15 minutes, every 4–6 weeks) is less frequent but takes longer per session. Electrolysis and laser require appointments and are least convenient initially but become more convenient long-term.
• Cost: Shaving is cheapest monthly (£1–£2). Depilatories cost £3–£6 monthly. Waxing costs £30–£50 yearly DIY or £100–£180 yearly salon. Laser and electrolysis are expensive initially but cost less over 5 years if you calculate repeated shaving/waxing costs.
• Results duration: Shaving (12–48 hours) and depilatories (3–7 days) are shortest. Waxing (3–6 weeks) is moderate. Laser is semi-permanent (6–12+ months). Electrolysis is permanent.
• Pain: Shaving and depilatories are painless. Waxing is uncomfortable, especially initially. Laser causes stinging (moderate discomfort). Electrolysis causes sharp pain (high discomfort).

Expert Advice on Armpit Hair Removal

According to Dr. Rebecca Foreman, a dermatologist specialising in hair removal at King’s College Hospital, “The underarm is one of the most sensitive areas for hair removal because skin is thinner and follicles are denser than elsewhere on the body. Irritation is common with any method. I recommend patch testing any chemical method (depilatory or wax) on a small area first. For people with sensitive skin, shaving or laser are safest. Waxing works but causes more irritation here than on legs.”

Foreman adds: “Ingrown hairs are extremely common with shaving in the underarm because the area is warm, moist, and subject to friction from arm movement. To prevent ingrown hairs, exfoliate 1–2 times weekly and avoid super-tight clothing that traps moisture.”

Aftercare for Each Method

After Shaving

Apply moisturiser immediately (£2–£5 per container). Avoid antiperspirant for 2–3 hours (it can irritate freshly shaved skin). Exfoliate 2–3 times weekly to prevent ingrown hairs.

After Waxing

Avoid hot water, exercise, and tight clothing for 24–48 hours (heat and friction irritate waxed skin). Apply soothing lotion (aloe vera or fragrance-free moisturiser, cost: £3–£6). Exfoliate gently after 48 hours and twice weekly thereafter to prevent ingrown hairs.

After Depilatory Use

Rinse thoroughly with cool water. Apply soothing moisturiser. Avoid deodorant and antiperspirant for 24 hours if skin is irritated.

After Laser or Electrolysis

Avoid sun exposure for 48 hours (skin is photosensitive). Apply sunscreen (SPF 30+) if any sun exposure is unavoidable. Apply soothing lotion. Avoid hot water and exercise for 24 hours.

Budget Breakdown: Annual Cost of Each Method

Here’s what each method costs annually in 2026 UK pricing:

• Shaving: Razors (£10 yearly) + shaving cream (£10 yearly) + aftercare moisturiser (£10 yearly) = £30 yearly
• Waxing (DIY): Wax kit (£20 one-time) + supplies = £30–£50 yearly
• Waxing (salon): £8–£15 per session × 8 sessions yearly = £64–£120 yearly
• Depilatories: £3–£6 monthly = £36–£72 yearly
• Laser (6 sessions): £300–£900 upfront, then £100–£300 yearly for maintenance (light touch-ups every 6–12 months)
• Electrolysis (15 sessions): £525–£2,000 upfront, then £0 yearly (permanent)

Over 5 years: shaving costs £150; waxing DIY costs £150–£250; salon waxing costs £320–£600; laser costs £800–£2,400; electrolysis costs £525–£2,000 upfront then £0 (genuinely permanent).

Frequently Asked Questions

Does shaving make armpit hair grow back thicker?

No. This is a widespread myth. Hair that regrows appears darker or thicker because the blunt edge (from shaving) is more visible than the tapered natural hair tip. The hair is identical in thickness; only the appearance changes. Shaving does not affect hair growth rate or thickness.

Is waxing better than shaving for underarms?

Waxing lasts 3–6 weeks (longer than shaving’s 1–2 days) but causes more discomfort. If you prioritise convenience and don’t mind discomfort, waxing is better. If you prioritise painlessness and don’t mind frequent repetition, shaving is better. There’s no objectively “better” method—it depends on your preferences.

Can you remove armpit hair permanently?

Yes, through electrolysis (genuinely permanent) or laser (semi-permanent, 6–12+ months without regrowth). Both are more expensive than temporary methods but eliminate ongoing maintenance. Electrolysis is the only truly permanent option; laser results can partially regrow in some people.

What’s the safest way to get rid of armpit hair?

Shaving and laser are safest for most people because they don’t involve chemicals or intense discomfort. Waxing is safe but uncomfortable. Depilatories carry allergy risk. Electrolysis is safe but painful. For sensitive skin, shaving or professional laser (administered by trained technicians) are safest.

How long does it take to get rid of armpit hair using each method?

Shaving: 2–3 minutes per session. Depilatory: 10–15 minutes per session. Waxing DIY: 15–20 minutes. Waxing salon: 10–15 minutes (technician does the work). Laser: 5–10 minutes per session (but requires 6–8 sessions). Electrolysis: 15–30 minutes per session (requires 15–25 sessions). Total time to results: shaving/depilatory (immediate), waxing (immediate after first session), laser (6–8 weeks for first results), electrolysis (weeks to months depending on session frequency).