When you ask the everyday individual their go-to hair removal method, chances are that waxing is at the top of that list. To be fair, waxing does deliver a smooth finish with long-lasting results, making it a top choice to remove hair in the underarm area. However, underarm waxing comes with its fair share of cons that most times override the advantages of this hair removal method.
Many concerns exist about the potential drawbacks of waxing your arms, from mild pain and discomfort to skin irritation and hyperpigmentation. There is a long list of disadvantages of waxing underarms. In this helpful guide, we look into the potential issues you can face with underarm waxing, possible solutions, and an alternative hair removal method you should try!
1. Pain and Discomfort
The most common disadvantage with underarm waxing is pain, causing discomfort in the underarm area for some time. While waxing can be fast and seemingly effective, it can also be a painful experience making your armpits hurt after waxing. The process involves applying hot wax directly to the skin, waiting till it solidifies, and pulling it off very fast, removing the hair now attached to the wax. The underarm area has delicate and sensitive skin and several nerve endings making it more susceptible to pain from underarm waxing. The pain and discomfort can linger from a few hours to a few days depending on the skin type and sensitivity levels.
How To Treat
Pain and discomfort cannot be eliminated from underarm waxing but can be greatly reduced. In the hands of a skilled professional, the pain and discomfort can be managed by following the right steps. Always prepare the skin by exfoliating before waxing. You can try a numbing cream to reduce the discomfort. Keep the skin moisturized and hydrated to avoid irritations that can increase pain and discomfort.
2. Irritation, Rashes, and Sensitivity
After waxing, you will notice small bumps, redness, or mild inflammations around the waxed area. The effects are worse around sensitive areas like the underarm causing irritation that can be mild or chronic depending on the waxing method and product used. When you wax the underarm area, you strip the skin of its natural oils right from the roots, causing dryness, sensitivity, and armpit rash after waxing. In some cases, depending on the waxing products used, these side effects can be an allergic reaction to one or more substances present in the products.
How To Treat
For irritations and reactions caused by allergic reactions, opt for hypoallergenic waxing products instead. Ensure to clean the skin and dry it before waxing to reduce the risk of infections and inflammation. After waxing, throw in a soothing lotion with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to replenish some moisture lost during waxing. Do a skin test before applying any product directly and check the ingredient list for any substance that does not go well with your skin.
3. Ingrown hairs
Ingrown hairs occur when your hair strand grows back into the skin instead of growing out from the surface of it, making your armpits sore after waxing. It is a common situation with waxing as the hair is removed sharply and roughly from the roots which affects the growth pattern of new hairs from the same place. Ingrown hairs can be very painful and a leading cause of many skin infections as it opens up a pathway for bacteria to enter the skin, causing irritation and inflammation.
How To Treat
Exfoliation is the best way to tackle ingrown hairs. With regular and timely exfoliation routines, you can prevent ingrown hairs by removing the dead skin cells and other obstacles stopping the hair from growing out freely. Adding a moisturizer would also help to keep your skin soft and ready, making it easy for your hair to break free from its roots during waxing. In more severe cases of ingrown hairs, topical treatments with salicylic acid or glycolic acid as the main ingredient can help.
4. Hyperpigmentation and Dark Armpits
One unsightly risk that comes with underarm waxing is the dark armpits after waxing. After a series of waxing consistently, you notice the skin in the underarm area looking darker than other body parts. The darkened skin is caused by the trauma from waxing and sometimes the after-effects of an allergic reaction to waxing products. Dark armpits can be aesthetically unpleasing and not a great idea for summer outfits.
How To Treat
Using a gentle exfoliating base or brightening creams can help even out the skin tone if hyperpigmentation is caused by allergic reactions to a substance in the product. Avoid using waxing products that irritate your skin and opt for products that work well for your specific skin type. Waxing your underarm area removes a layer of protection from your skin making it prone to sunburn from even the slightest exposure. You can also prevent your underarm area from sun exposure by using sunscreen before going out.
5. Burns, Bumps, and Bleeding
If the wax is too hot before use, armpit wax burn can occur, scalding your skin and causing painful and sometimes permanent damage to the skin area. Sometimes, when not properly done armpit bleeding after waxing can happen, causing a lot of pain, and discomfort and exposing your underarm area to infections
How To Treat
A mild test before applying the wax directly to the skin will help check if the wax is at the right temperature and safe to apply. In case of burns, get a cold compress and apply it to the affected area to soothe the skin and reduce inflammation. Apply a soothing lotion and antiseptic cream to help manage the pain and prevent infections.
6. Long-Term Skin Health
Frequent waxing can cause long-term damage to the skin making it prone to premature aging and increased sensitivity. Over time, the frequent trauma to a sensitive area like the underarm will cause thinning and affect the elasticity of your skin.
How To Treat
It is vital to follow a proper skincare routine to improve your skin’s health and increase its durability. Proper moisturizing and exfoliating will help take care of most issues caused by waxing if done timely and in the right way. Limit how often you go for waxing sessions or opt for a less painful and less damaging alternative like laser hair removal.
7. Hygiene and Safety
Underarm waxing exposes the skin to infections and complications that can affect your skin’s health. If the right procedure and hygiene are not maintained, your skin can suffer attacks from bacteria and fungi, causing a lot more damage to your skin than you can handle at a go.
How To Treat
Avoid sharing waxing tools and all tools are cleaned and sterilized before use. Only use a fresh batch of wax and follow the right aftercare tools. Reduce friction and ensure to keep the area clean at all times. Opt for a better, safer hair removal option like Ulike Air 10 hair to get a 96% hair removal guarantee and long-lasting results within two weeks.
8. Cost, Time, and Convenience
Waxing armpits can give a fast, lasting solution, but is expensive and time-consuming. At-home waxing rarely gives the same results and can be time-consuming doing it yourself, trying to get it right. The time commitment for maintenance can also add up, taking up time which can be a real inconvenience.
How To Treat
Your best option is to opt for a less painful, cost-effective, and convenient alternative to waxing. IPL hair removal is a top option that delivers a longer-lasting effect, without the need for frequent treatment
Alternative Hair Removal Methods
A perfect alternative to waxing your underarm area is IPL hair removal. It is a faster, less painful option that targets the hair follicles using light energy. With IPL hair removal, you can reduce maintenance time and cost of waxing as it reduces hair growth with over two weeks of consistent use. With a single purchase and initial investment, professional hair removal is achievable for sensitive areas like your underarms.
Waxing vs. Using Ulike IPL Hair Removal
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Compare metrics |
Waxing |
Using Ulike IPL hair removal |
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Pain |
Waxing can be painful
|
IPL is nearly painless. |
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Cost |
Waxing requires ongoing expenses |
IPL is a one-time investment. |
|
Convenience |
Waxing can be time-consuming |
IPL is quick and easy |
|
Long term effects |
Waxing can cause skin damage |
96% hair reduction in two weeks |
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Hygiene |
Waxing can be messy |
IPL is neat with reduced infection risk |
Conclusion
Underarm waxing undeniably delivers smooth, lasting results but the disadvantages, which include pain, irritation, hyperpigmentation, and long-term skin health concerns make it a daunting choice. It is best to weigh your options, putting the pros and cons side by side to decide if underarm waxing is your top hair removal choice. A better solution with even longer-lasting effects and reduced pain is the Ulike IPL.
