by Ingrid Walter

Created on: September 06, 2009   Last Updated: September 09, 2009

Shaving of underarm hair has become the norm of our society. It has been epitomized and culturerized especially by western cultures. A lot of people feel, to some degree, the pressure to of their underarms to be "normative". There is no medical indication for the removal of underarm hair; removal is mostly for aesthetic reasons and fashion especially when putting on vests, cap-sleeves, strapless tops, sleeves tops etc as the hair is visible. There are several techniques of hair removal. Most are temporary solutions, although permanent solutions are also available.

Shaving: Shaving underarm hair is the most commonly used technique to remove underarm hair. Shaving is typically done by the use of a razor. Use of a shaving cream, gel or foam will make it easier to shave. If you do have either you can improvise using regular hair shampoo or just soap. Make sure your skin around the underarm is tight when shaving to prevent cutting yourself or getting a rash. Lastly, check your underarm to make sure you have not left out any hairs. You may feel a little friction and discomfort in the beginning especially if you are not used to shaving. Not to worry, this feeling will go away after some time. The main disadvantage of using a razor is that hair will grow back within a few days, so you have to shave every couple of days. Remember not to use deodorant for a few hours after shaving. Why? It will sting.

Use of hair removal creams: Hair removal creams are fairly easy to use. The chemicals in the cream dissolve hair making it easy to remove after a few minutes. However, some hair removal creams may be too harsh for some skin types, so be sure to pre-test the cream before you use it. Hair will also grow back within a few days. It is also advisable not to use deodorant for a few hours after hair removal.

Waxing: Waxing of the underarm can be a very painful experience. But it is worth the pain since the underarm hair does not get to grow back for a really long time. But ouch! Who wants to go through all that pain? You can wax yourself with the use of wax strips or you can ask someone else to help if you are too scared.

Laser hair removal: This is a permanent underarm hair removal solution, for those who do not want to keep on shaving underarm hair or do not want it at all. However, it is very expensive. For those who have a little money on the side to spend, this is the way to go.

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