Overview
Underarm hair traps sweat and bacteria, amplifying annoying body odor in many people. Men are especially susceptible to this dilemma, as they are the least likely to perform any hair removal under their arms. Excessive underarm hair can pose as an ideal breeding ground for bacteria that causes skin rashes and other irritations. Removing excess underarm hair will help eliminate unpleasant body odor as well as the risk of bacterial complications.
Step 1
Shave your underarms one to two times a week with a new razor. Used razors harbor more bacteria than the arms do. Shave hairs in the same direction as they grow using shaving gel or cream. Soap dries out the skin, while gels and creams help protect the skin from irritation and loss of essential moisture.
Step 2
Apply a depilatory cream to your underarms once a week. Depilatory creams are chemical treatments that literally melt the surface hairs from the body. These creams are applied directly to the hair growth and left on the skin for up to five minutes. After the allotted time has passed, the cream is gently cleansed from the skin, leaving a smooth, hair-free area. Due to the risk of chemical burns, a patch test should be performed before using depilatory creams for hair removal.
Step 3
Apply an at-home wax or sugaring solution to your underarms and allow to set until cooled. Using a cotton strip that is gently pressed onto the wax during application, pull the wax off the skin with a swift motion in the direction of hair growth. Waxing lasts three to six weeks and should be repeated when hair has reached a length of at least ¼ inch.
Step 4
Opt for electrolysis or laser-hair removal. Electrolysis consists of small injections made into the individual hair follicles to kill the follicle and retard hair growth while removing present hair. Laser-hair removal uses low-intensity lasers to perform the same action by killing the hair follicle and slowing hair growth while ridding you of existing hair at the treatment site.
