5 effective ways to remove underarm hair at home

If you’re embracing your inner Julia Roberts circa ‘99 and rocking au naturale underarm hair, we salute you.
RELATED: How to get rid of facial hair
RELATED: Hair removal shortcuts to try this summer
For everyone else, if thick, persistent armpit hairs are your top beauty bane come summer, it’s time to say sayonara to long-sleeve tops on a hot day and hello hairless underarms – without even leaving your house.
Image credit: Getty
Here are our top solutions for keeping your underarms silky smooth and hair-free:
IPL laser machines
What was once a luxury salon-only treatment, has now become available in the comfort of your own home thanks to the release of IPL portable devices.
Laser hair removal is a quick process that targets each individual hair follicle, making it the most effective and permanent solution for hair removal. And if you can bear to stay out of the sun for a few weeks following, then it’s our most highly-recommended method.
IPL works most effectively on brown and black hairs, but is significantly less effective on very blonde, red and grey shades. When it comes to skin types, darker tones hold a high risk of burning with an IPL tool, so we suggest avoiding this option altogether if you fall into this category.
bh recommends: LUX Skin IPL Laser Hair Removal $79.99, available at luxskin.co
Epilator
If you’re not a strong laser candidate, although it’s only a temporary result, an epilator machine might be your next best option for at-home underarm hair removal.
And while the machine itself sounds daunting (a contraption constructed of miniature rotating tweezers) the result is a smooth and silky underarm with hairs that have been pulled from the root.
Most effective on underarm hairs that are at least 2mm long, the device needs to be able to “grab” onto something. So be prepared for a little growing time between uses.
Shaving
Ah the old and faithful. Shaving is without a doubt the cheapest and most common method to get rid of underarm hair. And, unless you cut yourself, it’s also the most painless.
Plus, if you’re committed to frequent upkeep and ensuring your razor is of good quality (AKA replacing it often), then shaving is a fairly fail-safe option for most.
To prevent potential irritation and ingrown hairs, we recommend shaving mid-shower to ensure skin has properly softened from the steam and warm water. The result is silky smooth, but bear in mind that stubble will begin to reappear within 2-3 days.
Hair removal cream
If pain-free is your priority then it’s time to try these revolutionary creams that will make all visible underarm hair disappear as you wipe it off.
An affordable option to hair removal, make sure to seek out a formula infused with hydrating ingredients so you can simultaneously nourish and soothe the delicate underarm area.
bh recommends: Nair Sensitive Shower Power Hair Removal Cream
Waxing
Laser aside, waxing will require the least frequent maintenance as the hair is pulled right from the root. You can typically expect 6-8 weeks of little to no hair regrowth between sessions.
And on top of that, the more you do it, the thinner your hair will grow back each time, meaning a slightly less painful experience the more you progress.
bh recommends: Nad's Bikini & Underarm Wax Strips, Nair Bikini and Underarm Roll-On Wax
Main image credit: Getty
What do you do with your underarm hair? Which is your favourite method?
Have you tried any of the products mentioned above?
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I just shave mine. I do own an epilator, but OUCH not for underarms. I epilate the hair ON my arms but not under my arms. If I could afford it I’d probably consider laser hair removal.
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What planet have I been living on.
Never ever have I thought of hair removal cream. Don't know why but may try that next.
I tend to just let it grow -I know I'm lazy - until I have to then I shave.
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Shaving is the simplest for me.
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Laser was my best investment, ever. I had them done (it was not easy to keep all appointments) but now I save so much time and money to do so at home
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I prefer to use a creamy product you apply and wash off in the shower.
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Laser hair removal Is rather expensive. I found a cheaper option that cost less than 20 dollars.
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I just shave when I need to.
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Will need to save up for ipl
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I can handle hair almost anywhere else but armpits no! I do not use deodorant so I need to keep it clean and clear there.
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I cannot laser... I'm a redhead. I was having electrolysis but it is exhausting! Both painwise and financially so I'm just back to waxing. Again. Grr.
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I shave it at times. But I feel I should do laser removal instead.
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I shave. But if I have time, I prefer to use hair removal cream
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I got them lasered off at the salon, best thing I've ever done
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I shaved and then waxed for year but now it's IPL for me. So much better and it works.
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Epilating armpits for 15 years, do it every 2-3 weeks. It’s quick and only slightly uncomfortable. I had 10 sessions of IPL years ago too. I think my IPL only slightly reduced the overall amount of hair. Wish I had the guts to go au naturale, like Julia Roberts in that old photo. Maybe one day!
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Waxing my go to way as it also removes dry dead skin.
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Epilation on the underarms - yow. It's hard to beat shaving - it's quick, easy, cheap and painless.
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I bought a ipl machine a few years ago and it has ridden 95% of my underarm hair. I still wax a bit but not as much anymore. Would defo recommend as for cost reasons and it's long lasting.
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I stick to the old and faithful method of shaving. So quick & easy.
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I've got an epilator but I'm yet to "pluck" up the courage to use it on my arm pits
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