Armpit waxing. How to do waxing correctly?

Description of the procedure

Laser hair removal of the armpits is a technique through which hair follicles are destroyed under the targeted influence of a laser. As a result, the ray-emitting energy penetrates the hair and reaches the hair follicle, causing the release of heat and cell breakdown.

However, it is worth considering that the laser does not have a negative effect on the tissue surrounding the hair. After a certain period of time after the session, hair loss that has been exposed to laser treatment is observed. At the same time, the skin in the places where they grow tightens and becomes smooth.

Before choosing the laser method for removing hair from the armpits, it is necessary to take into account the fact that the procedure is effective only for hairs with the maximum melanin content. For this reason, you should not expect a positive result if you have fluff, red, gray or blond hair.

Types of lasers

The choice of device is made depending on certain characteristics of the person. Here it is important to take into account indicators such as the client’s skin color and the condition in which the hair is.

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To remove excess vegetation in the armpit area, one of the following types of lasers can be used:

Ruby. Its use has been noted since 1960. The device has proven itself only on the positive side. To operate the equipment, a special rod is used, consisting of an admixture of aluminum oxide and a small proportion of chromium. The wavelength reaches 694.3 nm, which ensures effective removal of dark hair from light skin. If dark skin is exposed to this equipment, the formation of light pigment spots is possible.
Alexandrite. Its peculiarity lies in its relatively high power, which ensures the implementation of various procedures. It is the most popular. Can be used not only on dark, but also light hair.
Diode. It is characterized by deep penetration into the layers of the skin, which allows you to achieve good and quick results after the session. However, the speed of its impact is significantly lower compared to other types of devices.
Neodymium. Suitable for any skin and hair type.

Which device will be most effective is determined directly by the specialist in each case individually.

How to do hair removal correctly

Cold wax hair removal is recommended for girls without experience. It is sold in almost any cosmetic store in the body care section. Cold wax is applied to special paper strips that are glued to the skin. The main advantage of the technique is that such strips can be used multiple times, and after the session there are no traces left, with the exception of red spots.

Depilation with film wax is a good solution for thin hair; it has its advantages and disadvantages:

It will not be able to remove dense vegetation;
Not as effective as other methods; a lot of excess remains after the tapes;
But the strips are easy to buy; the Veet brand is very popular.

The purchased strips are rubbed with your palms to give them elasticity, so you heat the wax to body temperature. Afterwards, a tape is glued to the pre-degreased skin. You need to glue it against the hair growth, but pull it in its direction. You need to act quickly, otherwise the wax will simply come off smoothly and there will be no effect.

Photo - Before and after arm hair removal

Home hair removal with warm wax at home is much more attractive in terms of results, although some experience is required to perform it. The wax is heated by steam and applied to unwanted vegetation using a special spatula according to its growth. Wait from 20 seconds to minutes until it hardens, after which the edges of the wax “spot” are raised, with a sharp movement against the growth of the hair, the product is pulled away along with the hair. This is repeated as necessary. Advantages and disadvantages :

Not economical. Can't be reused like film wax;
Hurt;
Very sensitive skin may experience bruising, redness from the heat of the product, even burns;
But it copes well with almost any vegetation and is quite affordable.

Photo - Armpit hair removal
Professional hot wax hair removal is the most effective technique of all listed for eliminating absolutely any hair. Here, a hot mixture is applied to the skin along the hair growth (naturally, not boiling water, but the temperature of the mass is much higher than that of warm wax), you will need to wait a minute until it hardens, then pry up the edges and tear off the film. This hair removal is suitable for cleansing arms, legs, bikini, deep bikini, and armpits. The main advantage is that it is not as painful as using strips, because the skin heats up and does not feel pinpoint hair tears much.

Cons and pros:

After the session, bruises often appear;
Possible burns, redness, inflammation;
Cannot be used during pregnancy or menstruation.

You can buy wax for hair removal inexpensively on online shopping sites or in professional salons and retail outlets. Most often, the price list is posted in open sources; the cost of wax ranges from 500-3500, depending on its properties. At first, women's forums advise using a product with the addition of natural resins and oils. Video: waxing hair above the upper lip https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ru-BY1P1Cm8

Advantages and disadvantages

Like any other cosmetic procedure, laser hair removal has its positive and negative sides.

Benefits include:

long-term absence of unwanted hair (up to six years); in some cases the problem is solved forever;
no pain , sometimes a person may feel a tingling or tingling sensation;
safety for the human body;
no visible damage to the skin;
absence of the development of an allergic reaction, due to which the hair removal procedure can be applied even to allergy sufferers;
speed of implementation - from 5 to 30 minutes;
possibility of removing ingrown hairs;
application of the technique regardless of skin type.

Among the disadvantages, according to many reviews, we can only highlight the possible development of complications and the appearance of pigmentation at the treatment site.

In what cases is the use of laser hair removal underarms indicated?

You can undergo a course of laser hair removal of the armpits after completing the hair growth process, which usually occurs around the age of 18.

It is recommended to pay attention to this method when hair is in the armpit area:

very hard, as they grow back after depilation they cause discomfort;
dark, after shaving the skin acquires a grayish-blue tint;
grow very quickly;
the tips grow into the skin, and it becomes inflamed at the site of ingrowth.

Laser hair removal of the armpit area also solves problems such as:

formation of pustules (development of folliculitis) after shaving hair;
the need to grow hair for waxing or chemical depilation;
risk of scar formation after using an electric depilator.

Thus, anyone who wants their armpit skin to remain in perfect condition can undergo laser hair removal.

Contraindications

The use of increasingly advanced equipment models increases not only the efficiency, but also the safety of the procedure. However, the technique still has contraindications. They are divided into relative and absolute. Absolute diseases are those in which the procedure can cause a deterioration of the condition:

oncopathology;
mental disorders, epilepsy;
psoriatic skin lesions;
severe form of diabetes mellitus;
tendency to form keloid scars;
blood coagulation disorder.

Relative contraindications are those in which the procedure should be postponed for some time until the situation normalizes. This category includes:

violation of the integrity of the skin at the site of the intended procedure;
the presence of an inflammatory process, pustular lesion;
deterioration of condition as a result of acute infectious processes or exacerbation of chronic diseases;
increased body temperature;
fresh tan;
high blood pressure of any origin;
pregnancy and breastfeeding.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of this method?

Laser hair removal for armpits differs from other methods of removing unwanted hair:

Painless. We were among the first clinics in Moscow to use the “cold” Midepi laser, equipped with two cooling systems: one for the laser diode, the second (“sapphire window”) for the skin. The skin is continuously cooled throughout the session, eliminating the risk of burns and the patient does not feel pain.
Efficiency. The laser not only removes already grown hairs - it acts on the hair follicles, stopping hair growth. To completely get rid of them, only four to six sessions with an interval of a month are enough. In this case, the skin phototype does not matter. Different forms of laser pulse (single, double, combined, etc.) allow you to remove hair follicles at different levels, and changing its duration makes it possible to eliminate even thin vellus hair.
Speed of execution. The duration of the procedure is reduced due to the high speed and frequency of the pulses, as well as the working surface area of the laser, which is 10x10 mm.
Security. The rectangular laser profile, reliable cooling systems and adjustable pulse delivery eliminate the likelihood of skin damage, swelling, irritation, pigmentation and other side effects.

During hair removal, our doctors take into account the general characteristics of the epilated area and the individual characteristics of the patient, determining the optimal parameters of the effect.

The disadvantages of laser hair removal for armpits include:

the need to refrain from sunbathing and visiting the pool for several weeks after the session;
relatively high price.

In patients with dark, dark or tanned skin, immediate redness and slight swelling of the skin are sometimes observed immediately after exposure to laser beams.

Is advance preparation necessary?

Laser hair removal of the armpits, like any other area, requires preliminary preparation, which boils down to:

abstaining from tanning for a month before the first hair removal session;
excluding medications that increase skin sensitivity to UV rays (their list can be checked with your doctor);
removal of hair in the armpits on the eve of the procedure.

Since there are a large number of sweat glands in the armpits, special attention is paid to their activity. If the patient suffers from hyperhidrosis, the doctor may recommend taking a course of botulinum therapy before hair removal. Laser hair removal of the armpit area is carried out at any time of the year, but on warm sunny days it is recommended to use UV protection.

Types of laser used

The laser machines used during hair removal differ in the wavelength used. The higher it is, the greater the penetrating ability of laser radiation, ensuring the destruction of follicles. Of the options that are most often used in modern centers, the most popular models are:

alexandrite laser;
diode;
neodymium.

Preparation

Before laser hair removal of the armpits, you need to carry out certain preparatory steps, which begin a couple of months before the start of the session. Their essence is to implement the following scheme:

beauty first to get the necessary consultation. At this stage, a suitable type of device is selected and possible contraindications are identified. If necessary, additional examination may be prescribed.
Switch to depilation, which does not involve removing hair from the root, but shaving it.
30 days before the laser procedure, stop sunbathing and visiting the solarium. On the street, the axillary area should be covered with clothing or treated in advance with special sunscreens.
If you have been taking antibiotics, you must stop taking them two weeks before.
For about a week, also eliminate various deodorants or other alcohol-containing skin care products.

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On the day of laser hair removal, it is necessary that the skin is cleansed and the hair length is no more than 2 millimeters.

Among the ideal indications for the procedure are medium-density, dark-colored hair growing on fair skin.

How to prepare for laser hair removal?

Preparation for laser hair removal of the armpits begins 2 weeks before the session. During this time, it is necessary to protect the skin from sunlight.

For two to three weeks, you should stop waxing, sugaring, and removing hair with an electric epilator and tweezers. To get rid of excess vegetation, you can only use a razor.

14 days before your visit to the salon, you should stop using bronzing lotions. During the week before the session, you should not use creams, lotions, or scrubs that can cause skin irritation. These are products with salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide and alpha hydroxy acids. They are also prohibited for 7 days after the session.

The day before using the laser, it is recommended to remove hair using a razor. This period will be enough for the skin to calm down before the session.

Decide in advance what clothes you will wear after the procedure. Choose wardrobe items made from soft fabrics that have a loose fit. Comfortable clothing will not cause skin irritation.

Progress of the procedure

Before treating the entire surface of the armpit, the cosmetologist performs a test version of eliminating unwanted hairs on a small area of the skin. This is necessary to choose the safest and most effective method. The test sample also allows you to determine the patient's pain threshold and possible pain relief.

The procedure must be performed only with the use of painkillers. Local anesthesia is usually used.

The client receives special glasses. Laser hair removal of the armpits is only possible if the skin in this area is clean and dry.

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At the moment when the laser beam is directed to the skin with hair requiring removal, a laser pulse appears, which has an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect.

The person should not stand or sit at the time of the session. Only a lying or semi-sitting position is allowed. In this case, the arm is extended upward, and the body is completely relaxed.

In most cases, the procedure is painless. Sometimes there may be a slight tingling or burning sensation. Already at the time of the session, a lot of hair loss is noted. However, do not forget that some of them persist even after hair removal for another week.

To completely get rid of unwanted hair, it will take three to five visits to the salon.

Applying wax to the armpit area

If you are going to use cold wax (wax strips) to remove hair, then the algorithm of actions is as follows:

Rub the two strips glued together well between your palms;
separate the strips by grasping the clean edges and pulling them in opposite directions;
stick a strip (first one, then the other) pointing it against hair growth;
sharply remove the strip in the direction of hair growth.

If your choice fell on armpit hair removal at home using warm or hot wax, then it is recommended to perform the procedure in a certain order.

Procedure for underarm depilation with wax:

Warm up the wax. It will be ready for use when it melts. Some manufacturers place special indicators on the blades for applying it, which can be used to determine whether the mixture is ready for use.

Using a spatula, apply the mixture to the skin in the direction of hair growth in such a layer that it covers the hairs.

Then there are three options:

You can cover the wax with a special strip or a piece of cotton fabric.
leave it to harden like this (without streaks).
do not tear the spatula away from the wax film (it will help you remove it later).

Wait until the applied layer hardens a little (from 25 to 60 seconds).

Lifting the edge of the wax “plate” and grasping it (or the edge of a special strip, cotton fabric) or holding a spatula, quickly remove the composition in the direction of hair growth.

Completing the procedure

At the end of hair removal, you can remove the remaining mixture from the skin using special napkins (they are sold in a set with wax strips), olive or sunflower oil.

Do not use deodorant, creams or lotions for 4-6 hours after the procedure.

Skin care after

Hair loss after laser hair removal occurs gradually. That is why this phenomenon can be observed for some time during the rehabilitation period, which is completely normal.

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It is important that in the first 24 hours you follow all the recommendations given by the specialist. The following rules must be adhered to:

avoid washing the axillary areas;
deodorant and other cosmetics for a day
use ointments that have a calming effect only as prescribed by a doctor.

In addition, during the rehabilitation period it is recommended to avoid:

visiting a sauna or bath;
tanning a solarium or in direct sunlight;
use of self-tanning products.

In the future, you will also need to reduce physical activity and carefully monitor the amount of sweat produced. This will reduce the risk of developing inflammation of the hair follicles.

Required number and frequency of sessions

The duration of maintaining an effective result after the procedure depends on the individual characteristics of each person’s body, skin type and hair structure directly in the armpit area.

In most cases, several sessions are recommended to completely eliminate unwanted vegetation in a given area. Usually their number is from four to eight procedures. In this case, certain time intervals must be observed between them.

At least one to one and a half months must pass from the moment of the first procedure. After the second – about 60 days. Subsequently, the interval for each subsequent session increases by approximately 14 days.

Methods for armpit hair removal

Nowadays, a razor, laser, photoepilation, sugaring or wax are used to remove unwanted hair under the arms. A girl who is going to remove her hair for the first time will have to weigh all the advantages and disadvantages of each method.

Laser hair removal for armpits

This procedure is carried out in the salon.
For this purpose, different lasers are used, which differ in their power and wavelength. The alexandrite ray is considered the most popular, as it can be used to remove dark-colored “vegetation” from tanned skin. It is powerful enough that it burns even thick hairs. Do not expect that in just one procedure you will completely get rid of vegetation. Usually only a small area is treated in one session. You will have to visit the salon several times, in about 3-5 procedures your skin will become smooth. Each session is carried out at intervals of 4-10 weeks. After the first removal, you will need to wait about a month. During this time, hairs that were in an inactive phase, that is, they were not visible, will grow back.

Please note that all people have different pain thresholds, so some women feel severe pain during the procedure. The doctor will give you anesthesia. A gel or spray with anesthetic medication is applied to the skin. After removal, burns are possible, but this is most likely the fault of the cosmetologist. With the correct choice of beam power and exposure time, no redness or spots will form.

Indications for the use of laser hair removal: dark hair, ingrown hairs, frequent irritation when using sugaring and razors.

There are the following contraindications to the procedure:

Diabetes;
Vascular network and varicose veins;
Viral diseases;
Fungal skin infections;
Pregnancy;
Taking tetracycline antibiotics;
Flu;
Period;
Warts or papillomas in the armpit area.

Please note that two weeks before the procedure you should not take tetracycline antibiotics.
If the hairs are long, they need to be shortened to 1-2 mm, since if the hair burns, you can get burned. In addition, laser hair removal is not performed on tanned skin, as this can lead to the appearance of light spots similar to pigment spots. Before visiting the salon, consult a therapist. Choose only clinics with trusted cosmetologists who can adequately determine your skin type and select the optimal power.

Armpit waxing

With the help of wax you will say goodbye to “fur” for 2 weeks.
However, this method is very traumatic if performed incorrectly. After the procedure, irritation usually occurs, and sometimes blood oozes from the bulbs. To avoid such unpleasant phenomena, perform the manipulation correctly. Usually, after waxing, the armpits become red and there may be a burning sensation. To minimize pain, apply baby powder to your hair before the procedure. Small particles of talc stick to the skin, so the wax does not stick to it, but sticks only to the hairs. Accordingly, you will not tear off dead skin particles, but only unwanted vegetation.

Initially, you need to decide on the material. The most accessible are wax strips that are heated in the palms. But this method is not entirely suitable for the area under the arms. For many women, after regular shaving, the hair under their arms becomes thick, so removing it is painful, so cold wax is not very suitable for this.

It is best to purchase hot wax and a special wax melter for it. Of course, these products are not cheap, but this way you will significantly reduce the level of pain and save money in the future. Instead of a wax melter, you can use a regular water bath, however, in this case, monitor the temperature of the paste with a thermometer.

To remove hair with hot wax, it must be heated to the required temperature. When using for the first time, be careful not to overheat the wax; burns may occur, especially if you do not have a wax melter and cannot accurately record the temperature.

Instructions for hot wax waxing:

The day before the procedure, apply a scrub to the skin.
Before performing the manipulation, wipe the skin with an antiseptic.
Apply powder, it will improve the adhesion of hair and wax.
Heat the wax to the required temperature.
Apply the product in a thick layer along the hair growth.
Wait until the wax hardens.
Tear off the layer against hair growth.
Apply oil or hair growth reducing agent.

As you can see, everything is very simple. Initially, mistakes are possible, so you will have to practice a little with choosing the right temperature and wax application technique. You can simultaneously get rid of unwanted hair from different parts of the body.

Epilation of armpits with an epilator

To remove hair in the armpit area using this method, you will have to purchase an epilator.
This is a device that runs on batteries or electricity. Try not to save on purchasing an epilator. Devices with cooling capabilities significantly reduce pain. The principle of operation is similar to plucking hairs with many small tweezers. Many girls consider this procedure to be torture, but usually it only hurts the first 2 or 3 times. Then the hair becomes very thin, and it is easier and faster to remove.

Armpit hair grows in different directions. Before the manipulation, you need to conditionally divide the armpit into two parts. Remember, the procedure is carried out with a hair length of 5 mm.

Instructions for epilation with an epilator:

Scrub your skin 1-2 days before hair removal.
Wash your armpits and dry them.
Select the lowest speed, especially if this is your first time using the appliance.
If refrigerated, place the chill roller in the freezer for a few minutes.
Hold the epilator perpendicular to your body.
Remove hair against its growth.
Apply a soothing cream or oil.

Sugar hair removal for armpits

Sweet underarm hair removal is the most affordable.
This is one of the best ways to epilate the armpit area. Sugar paste is sold ready-made, but it is not cheap. Therefore, you can prepare the mixture yourself. The principle of its use is close to the use of hot wax. The viscous mass is simply applied to the hair and abruptly torn off. Instructions for preparing sugar paste:

Pour 250 g of sugar into a thick-bottomed pan.
Pour 80 g of water and 50 g of lemon juice into sugar.
Stir the mixture all the time.
When the sugar is completely dissolved, continue stirring.
The mixture should be a caramel color and smell nice.
To check the readiness of the mass, take a little paste on a spoon and watch the stream flow down. It should stretch and not break (like honey).
When the mixture is warm, tear off a piece and knead it with your fingers. This piece should change color and turn from amber to white.
Cool the mixture until warm and you can perform sugaring.

Using pressure, glue a layer of sugar paste to the skin with hair and tear it off sharply.
Don't try to remove as much hair as possible at one time. One piece can be used until it becomes soft and begins to tear. You can pour the remaining sugar paste into a jar and store it in the refrigerator. Before repeating the procedure, heat the paste in a water bath.

Epilation of armpits with a razor

The cheapest and fastest way to say goodbye to “fur”.
To do this you need a razor, foam and 3 minutes of free time. Just wet your armpits with water and apply some foam. Run the machine along the hairline, rinse off any remaining foam. You can calm down for 1 day. The effect after the procedure lasts 1-2 days. Tomorrow or the day after tomorrow “thorns” will appear, which will cause discomfort and spoil your mood. Accordingly, this is not the best way to epilate the armpits.

Now on sale there are machines with 2 or 3 blades, which cut the hair as deeply as possible, and the vegetation grows back more slowly. Pay attention to razors with strips of moisturizing oils, they soothe irritated skin.

Disadvantages of shaving:

Hair grows back quickly.
Irritation may occur.
The skin is not completely smooth.
If the hair is dark, then dark spots appear.

This method is not suitable if you are a public person or are going on vacation to warmer climes.

Using depilatory cream at home

An alternative to shaving is depilatory cream.
This is a product that contains substances that destroy the hair structure. There are creams designed for sensitive skin. They can be used to remove unwanted hair under the arms and in intimate places. Unlike shaving machines, chemical products do not lead to an increase in hair thickness and quantity, so they can be used when necessary to get rid of facial hair.

If you are using a depilatory cream for the first time, do a sensitivity test. To do this, apply a little product to the elbow and wait 5 minutes. If irritation does not appear, you can safely use the substance.

Rules for using depilatory cream:

Apply the substance to cleansed skin.
It is advisable to apply a scrub before the procedure. This prevents ingrown hairs.
Do not use on irritated or damaged skin.
Apply the cream along the hairline and remove any remaining residue in the opposite direction.
Avoid contact of the substance with mucous membranes.
Do not use shower gel or soap to wash off any remaining product. Rinse your skin several times with warm water.

It is worth noting that the effect after using the product is short-lived.
If your hair is black and thick, then after 2-3 days you will see the first signs of regrowth. You need to keep the cream for 5-15 minutes, it depends on the composition of the product and its purpose. Typically, creams for sensitive skin need to be left on longer than regular products. This is due to the low concentration of aggressive substances included in the cream.

Contraindications

Laser removal of unwanted vegetation in the armpit area is carried out only if there are no certain restrictions on the procedure. It is recommended to abandon this technique if the following restrictions exist:

oncological pathologies ;
period of pregnancy and breastfeeding;
decompensated stage of diabetes mellitus;
individual intolerance to laser or light exposure;
predisposition to the development of allergic reactions;
viral diseases that occur in severe form;
the presence of mechanical damage to the skin of the armpits (wounds or cuts);
multiple moles or warts;
skin irritation
increased sensitivity of the skin at the site of hair removal;
hormonal imbalances .

It is not recommended to perform laser removal under the age of 18, also while taking antibiotic medications and during the menstrual cycle. The presence of the latter factor contributes to a significant increase in sensitivity, as a result of which the patient experiences even greater inconvenience and discomfort during the session.

Possible complications

After completion of laser hair removal, for some time a person may experience redness and inflammation of the skin in the area where excess hair was removed. This condition is completely normal, and the symptoms disappear on their own after a few hours. In some cases, such phenomena can persist for up to a day.

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In situations where all the rules of the technique were not followed or the specialist did not have sufficient experience in providing such services, it is possible that the procedure may result in the development of some complications. Among the main and most common are:

burn . It may occur if there was a violation of the order in which all stages were performed or if the cooling of the skin was performed poorly.
Manifestation of an allergic reaction in the form of urticaria, itching or dermatitis. In most cases, an allergy is possible to the numbing cream used or the gas used for cooling.
Herpes, the development of which has become acute. It may occur if the patient has a weakened immune system and has previously had a similar disease.
Folliculitis, which is characterized by the development of an inflammatory process of the follicles. People with excessive sweating, as well as those who visited a bathhouse or sauna in the first days after the laser procedure, are prone to this pathological condition.
Conjunctivitis, decreased vision or complete loss of vision. Complications of this nature are possible if poor quality safety glasses were used during the procedure, which resulted in exposure of the eyes to a laser beam.
of pigment on the surface of the skin . Their formation is usually observed two to three days after the cosmetic procedure to remove hair from the armpit area. Most often occurs in patients with dark skin tones. In addition, the appearance of such spots can be facilitated by neglect of general recommendations for skin care during the rehabilitation period, which exclude the initial exposure of the epidermis to sun rays.

Care after laser hair removal of armpits for men

What to do after laser hair removal of armpits in men? Follow a simple regime, which includes abstaining from solariums, the beach, and chlorinated pools for at least a week. Also, for the first couple of days, try to avoid strong deodorants with alcohol or ingredients that irritate the skin.

It is recommended to apply moisturizing, healing creams, as well as a high SPF product if you go out in a T-shirt during active sun periods. After laser hair removal of the armpits, men may have minor side effects such as swelling and slight redness; panthenol will help, or everything will go away within a couple of days on its own. But if you ignore the instructions, you can get burns, hyperpigmentation, itching and much more serious complications.