There are online services that will send you blade cartridge refills for much cheaper than normal drugstore prices. These services are great options for those who want to use a sharp, fresh blade each week.
You can also try using a little bit of hair conditioner instead of shaving cream or soap. This works just as well. The less hair you have on your underarms already, the more cream, soap, or conditioner you’ll want to apply to protect your skin. Generally, though, an even, thin layer will do well enough.
Be careful not to press too hard when shaving. Keep your touch gentle to avoid nicks and cuts.
You may have to try a few different after-shave routines until you find the one that best suits you. For example, if deodorant or antiperspirants alone aren’t soothing enough, try applying moisturizer. Or, if moisturizer becomes too irritating, try sticking with your antiperspirant or deodorant.
If you want to shave at the sink instead of in the shower, try wetting the hair under your arms with warm water a few moments prior to applying the shaving cream or soap, rather than wetting it right before.
If the hair under your arms is very long, it could make waxing more painful than necessary. Trimming especially long underarm hair prior to waxing can help alleviate this.
Try making your own gentle exfoliating scrub with a tablespoon of baking soda and enough mineral water to make a thin paste. Use your fingertips or a washcloth to gently rub the paste against your underarms, then rinse with warm water.
A bit of baby or talcum powder can also help alleviate a bit of the pain associated with waxing, so even if your armpits are dry, consider dusting on a light layer for your own comfort.
Make sure you stretch your arm up over your head and keep the skin of your underarms as tight as you can. This will help you make sure you apply the waxing strip evenly over your entire underarm, and insure you are able to wax away all hair. [7] X Research source
Directly after waxing and prior to applying any cream or gel, you can also try putting an ice cube against your freshly waxed skin. The ice can numb the skin and soothe it instantly after waxing to prevent extra pain.
Red skin, a rash, or intense itchiness are all signs of an allergic reaction. [8] X Research source Always check the warning labels and ingredient lists on any skin product you use before using them.
Even if you choose a product for sensitive skin, it’s still a good idea to do the allergy test prior to using it.
You will also want to make sure you don’t have any cuts in the area you’ll be applying the cream. This can be very uncomfortable and cause a stinging sensation.
You can spread the cream with your bare hand, but you will want to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water promptly after finishing.
If you have any kind of negative reaction during the time the cream is on your skin, remove it. Burning, excessive or painful itching, or a rash are all signs of an allergic reaction. Even if you did a test patch somewhere else on your skin and had no reaction, it’s still a good idea to remove the cream if it causes a reaction when you use it.
Be careful not to rub your skin too harshly with washcloths or loofahs when rinsing the cream away. Your skin may be a little sensitive from using the cream, and doing so may cause irritation.
Many laser hair removal specialists offer financing options to pay for your treatments over time. Keep in mind, though, that these financing options can often come with interest rates and extra fees, and not making your payments can negatively affect your credit score.
If you have dark skin, it’s best to choose a dermatologist who has experience treating dark skin. [18] X Expert Source Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, MDBoard Certified Dermatologist & Dermatopathologist Expert Interview. 8 October 2020.
Most people require 2-6 treatments, depending on the thickness and coarseness of their hair. Between treatments you will be able to shave, but you shouldn’t wax or pluck the hair, which could interfere with the hair removal process. [20] X Expert Source Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, MDBoard Certified Dermatologist & Dermatopathologist Expert Interview. 8 October 2020.
Most other side effects are rare. Your doctor will go over all possibilities with you prior to beginning treatments.
