13 Things to Know Before Getting an Underarm Wax

If you’re fed up with visible armpit hair or shaving every few days, getting your underarms waxed could be a good alternative.

That said — like any hair removal method — underarm waxing comes with its advantages and drawbacks to weigh.

Want to learn what to expect? Keep reading.

Is underarm waxing different from waxing other areas?

Mostly no. You’ll typically pick between two types of wax.

The first option is soft wax, which sets and is pulled off with cloth or paper strips.

The other option is hard wax, which solidifies and is taken off in one piece without strips.

Because the armpit is a smaller zone than the legs, arms, or torso, you may prefer one variety over the other.

This also means the session is usually quicker and uses fewer strips or less product.

With both styles, the wax is applied in the direction the hair grows and torn away against the hair’s growth direction.

What are the perks?

There are a few. Both hard and soft wax help exfoliate the skin slightly, revealing a smoother surface.

Many people also notice hair regrows more slowly and appears finer when they stick to regular waxing appointments.

What side effects or risks should you know about?

As with waxing other parts of the body, there are several potential issues to be aware of.

To start, you may experience temporary redness, small bumps, or itching.

These reactions are usually short-lived and fade within hours; in some cases they can linger for a day or two.

More serious risks include burns, bleeding, or infections.

Minor bleeding is relatively common for first-timers. If you notice any blood, keep the area clean to lower the chance of infection.

If the technician lacks experience, or if you wax yourself, there’s a risk of burning the skin by accidentally removing its upper layer.

To treat a burn, apply a cool compress for a few minutes and avoid deodorant on the area.

Infections are less frequent but require prompt medical attention; signs include pus-filled blisters and tender, painful skin.

Can you get waxed if…?

Like other removal methods, waxing may not be ideal if:

You have cuts or nicks from shaving

Cuts and ingrown hairs from shaving are common under the arms. Though they may seem minor, they can make the skin more sensitive and raise the infection risk if you wax too soon.

You’re on your period

During menstruation, your skin — including all areas — might be more sensitive. If that’s true for you, it might be best to push your appointment to the following week.

You’re pregnant

Hormonal changes in pregnancy can increase skin sensitivity and pain perception.

Who should avoid waxing?

Check with your doctor before waxing if you’re taking:

• antibiotics
• hormone replacement therapy
• hormonal contraceptives
• systemic acne drugs like Accutane
• topical retinoids such as Differin or Retin-A

These medications can cause side effects that waxing may worsen.

People undergoing radiation or chemotherapy may experience heightened sensitivity and dry skin, making waxing more uncomfortable.

How much does it hurt?

It’s certainly not as painless as shaving. How painful it feels depends on your personal pain threshold and whether you’ve been waxed before.

Because hairs are removed from the root, the sensation is like tweezing but on a larger, faster scale.

You might find underarm waxing less painful than some other areas because it’s a smaller surface and needs less wax.

However, armpit hair can be coarser, and thicker hair may make the experience more uncomfortable than waxing finer leg hair.

How do you pick a trustworthy salon?

Finding a reliable waxing salon is like finding a trusted hairdresser: rely on online reviews and recommendations from friends.

Look for clean, sanitary shops — they should avoid reusing applicators, use gloves, and ask you to complete a client form before your visit.

Also pick a salon with trained, seasoned technicians. Ask about certifications and request a technician with a few years of experience.

What should you do before your session?

Before your appointment, follow these tips to ensure a smoother waxing experience:

• Make sure hair is about 1/4 inch long, roughly the size of a grain of rice. That length usually takes 2–3 weeks after a prior wax, or about 2 weeks after shaving. Technicians may trim hair longer than 1/2 inch before waxing.
• Gently exfoliatethe area with a soft mitt or mild scrub. It’s optional but can help prevent stray hairs and ingrowns.
• Avoid tanning or swimming for at least 24 hours before your appointment.
• Limit caffeine and alcohol on the day of your session; both can tighten pores and make waxing more painful.
• Skip deodorant or use less than usual to avoid clogging pores on the day of your treatment.
• You may take an OTC pain reliever about 30 minutes before your appointment to reduce discomfort.

Arrive a bit early so you can check in, get comfortable, and complete any required forms.

What happens during the appointment?

Your waxing technician will walk you through each step and try to keep you as comfortable as possible.

Here’s a typical sequence:

1. You’ll likely be asked to remove your top and lie down. If your top has thin straps, you may not need to fully undress.
2. The technician will cleanse the area to remove oil, sweat, and impurities.
3. They’ll apply a pre-wax product, often an oil or powder, to help hairs stand up and be more visible.
4. Next, they’ll spread the wax. With soft wax they’ll use strips to pull it away; with hard wax they’ll wait for it to set and then lift it off. Because the area is small, they might wax two to three sections per side, moving from left to center to right.
5. If stray hairs remain, they may tweeze them out — but since this is a sensitive zone, they’ll likely ask for your permission first.
6. Finally, they’ll apply a soothing serum or lotion to calm irritation and help prevent ingrown hairs.

What should you do right after your session?

Take care of the waxed area to reduce irritation and infection risk.

Keep these tips in mind:

• If the area is especially tender, use a hydrocortisone cream or a cool compress.
• Avoid deodorant for the first 24 hours if possible, as the skin will be more reactive.
• The treated area is more prone to sun damage right after waxing, so avoid tanning or prolonged sun exposure.
• Try not to do strenuous activities (like heavy workouts) or soak in baths for the first 24 hours to prevent irritation and ingrown hairs.

Avoid shaving or tweezing any remaining stubble. Doing so can increase the chance of ingrown hairs and disrupt your waxing schedule.

How can you reduce ingrown hairs and bumps?

Ingrown hairs and bumps can be annoying, but you can take steps to lower your risk.

Start by lightly exfoliating a few days before your appointment to remove dead skin, dirt, and oils from the surface.

Then, about 3–4 days after waxing, resume gentle exfoliation to keep the area clear of debris that could clog pores.

Either physical or chemical exfoliants can work, but opt for something very gentle, like a soft mitt or washcloth.

If you develop an ingrown, there are soothing oils and gels that can help calm the skin.

How long do results last?

Results typically hold for roughly three weeks, depending on how quickly your hair grows.

With regular appointments, many people notice reduced pain over time and slower, finer regrowth.

If you miss sessions, your hair cycle can reset, meaning future waxes could be more uncomfortable.

Sticking to a schedule helps maintain smoother results and easier sessions.

The takeaway

Hair removal is highly individual. Research options and try different approaches to find what works best for you.

If underarm waxing isn’t your preference, consider alternatives like shaving, sugaring, epilation, laser, or waxing at different salons to compare experiences.

Need guidance? Ask a trained technician — they’ve heard every question before and can point you in the right direction.