Armpits really are the pits; it seems like as soon as you shave your armpit hair, it’s already grown back. You can’t seem to get ahead.
If you’re wondering why your armpit hair grows so fast, keep reading!
In this article, we will cover armpit hair growth rates and all of your questions about armpit hair in general. We’ll also share some tips on how to get rid of that pesky hair permanently.
Table of Contents
Why Does My Armpit Hair Grow So Fast?
Armpit hair grows much faster than the hair on other areas of your body, like the legs and face. Here are a couple of reasons why:
- Apocrine glands - Armpits have an abundance of apocrine glands, which are rich in hair follicles. Hair that grows from apocrine glands comes in thicker and faster than hair that grows from other sweat glands.
- Armpit conditions - Armpits are exceptionally moist and warm. They are the perfect environment for healthy hair growth.
Does Shaving Thicken Armpit Hair?
The good news is that shaving your hair won’t make it thicker. The bad news is that it may initially make your hair appear denser or coarser. When your underarm hair is allowed to grow naturally, each strand of hair tapers off to a fine point. By shaving the strand, you create a blunt tip that looks thicker than what you’re used to seeing.
How Often to Shave Armpits
When it comes to how often you should shave, everyone’s different. For the most part, you can shave as frequently as you like.
As long as you use the proper technique, you can shave your armpits as often as every day! Although it’s easy to overlook, taking the time to shave correctly will:
- Prevent ingrown hairs
- Give you a closer shave
- Help you avoid skin issues
- Reduce discomfort
- Give you longer-lasting results
How to Shave Your Armpits the Right Way
As we mentioned before, the technique you use to shave makes a big difference in how your skin and hair will respond. That’s why we’ve given you step-by-step instructions on how to shave the right way.
Follow these steps for smooth, hair-free armpits.
- Get a high-quality, sharp razor that you replace after every 7 to 14 uses.
- If the hair under your arms is long or bushy, trim it with scissors before you attempt to shave it. Ideally, the hair should be ¼ inch or shorter.
- Saturate your armpits with warm water and wash them thoroughly.
- Exfoliate your underarms with a loofah, washcloth, or body scrub.
- Apply a liberal amount of shaving foam or gel to the area.
- Pull your skin taut, and gently pull the razor across your armpits. Shave with and against the grain to get the smoothest results.
- Rinse your razor in between each stroke. Getting a close shave will be nearly impossible if hair builds up between the blades.
- Once finished, rinse and pat your underarms dry.
- Replenish your skin’s moisture with an oil, lotion, or post-shave balm.
How to Wax off Your Armpit Hair
Shaving your armpit hair can be a time-consuming drag, and it isn’t a long-lasting solution by any means. That’s why many opt to wax their armpit hair. Though it can be painful, it’s quick, it exfoliates, and it results in weeks of hair-free pits.
Here’s how to do it at home:
- Choose your wax. We recommend wax strips so you won’t have to worry about burns from hot wax.
- Wash your armpits with soap and water. Allow them to air dry.
- Warm-up one of the strips by rubbing it between your palms.
- Spread one of the strips onto your armpit in the direction of the hair.
- Use one hand to hold the skin taut and quickly pull the strip in the opposite direction.
- Immediately afterward, apply a soothing oil or balm to your armpit to stave off irritation and lingering pain.
- Repeat on other areas of that armpit to get rid of the remaining hairs.
Note: It’s never a good idea to wax the same spot repeatedly. Doing so can lead to injury and irritation.
3 Procedures to Get Rid of Armpit Hair
Whether you’re searching for a temporary fix or a more permanent solution, you’ve got options. Below are three procedures that can help you get rid of unwanted armpit hair and keep it away long-term.
Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal gives you semi-permanent results and can cut down on unpleasant hair removal side effects like ingrown hairs and razor burn.
When you get laser hair removal, a technician will use lasers to penetrate your skin during your session and destroy the hair from within. After your pores close, your follicles will go into a dormant state and leave you with hairless underarms for 6 to 12 months.
You’ll have to get up to eight laser treatments at least six weeks apart.
The actual sessions are relatively short and only take 5 to 10 minutes. This method is expensive, and you’ll have to get regular treatments to keep your pits smooth and hair-free.
Laser removal might also be painful for some people, but your technician can apply a numbing cream to decrease sensitivity. Although your hair may return eventually, it will often grow back thinner, lighter, and less noticeable than before.
Electrolysis
Electrolysis is the only FDA-approved permanent hair removal treatment available. An electrolysis session starts with your dermatologist inserting fine needles directly into your hair follicles.
Then, they’ll transmit shortwave radio frequencies under your skin to destroy the follicles. Once the follicles are damaged, they won’t be able to create new hair growth.
The sessions take between 15 to 60 minutes and must be repeated weekly or biweekly until the follicles are thoroughly damaged. Although it's incredibly effective, electrolysis can be expensive and uncomfortable.
Some other potential side effects include scarring, keloids, and infections. Luckily, these are rare, and most people walk away with only slight pain or redness.
Depilatory Cream
Unlike laser hair removal and electrolysis, depilatory creams can be used in the comfort of your own home. They are a popular alternative to shaving and waxing due to their ability to melt away body hair gently.
Depilatory creams only eradicate hair on the surface of your skin, so you’ll start to see stubble after just two or three days.
To use them, you’ll spread a thick layer of cream onto your armpits and wait for the recommended length of time. After ten or so minutes, wipe away the cream and dissolved hair with a damp washcloth.
Depilatory creams are affordable, easy to use, and painless when used correctly. However, they also contain various chemicals that can lead to irritation or skin issues.
Can You Stop Armpit Hair from Growing?
Your armpit hair will continue growing after a few days or weeks with most hair removal techniques. But when it comes to long-term removal, electrolysis is the only permanent method to stop armpit hair from growing.
Although there’s only one process that can stop armpit hair from growing permanently, laser hair removal can slow armpit hair growth dramatically.
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Most women find armpit hairs annoying and unsightly. While getting rid of them can feel like a daunting, never-ending chore, you have several permanent and temporary solutions at your disposal!
We hope this article has explained why armpit hair grows so fast and armed you with the weapons you need to fight it.
