by Elizabeth Claire

Created on: August 04, 2011   Last Updated: August 08, 2011

Salon pricing for underarm waxing ranges from $10 up to $45 and follow-up treatments are generally needed anywhere from 8 to 11 times during the first year. Add in the price of gas, parking, a possible snack/meal and the gratuity for your technician and you are looking at another $5 to $25 per visit. For those looking to live on a budget, the total yearly cost for fuzz-free underarms is anywhere from $150 to $800.

If shaving or depilatories are not an attractive option for you, at-home waxing kits and/or supplies cost between $5 and $15 per month which yields an estimated yearly price tag of about $150. The underarm is a relatively simple and small part of the body to wax so, with a little additional research on tools and techniques, learning to do this type of salon treatment at home is easy.

SOME TIPS BEFORE YOU GET STARTED

- As you go to remove cloth strips or hard wax (used without strips), remember to keep the pulling hand close to your body and pull quickly. Do not pull the cloth strip or wax up and away from the body as it will not remove hair effective and will cause unnecessary pain.

- If you have never waxed before, try a test strip or two on your arm or leg before proceeding to more sensitive areas of the body.

- While no waxing is completely pain-free, you can take steps to minimize discomfort. Many people take some aspirin or ibuprofen a few hours before waxing. You may also opt to use an over-the-counter numbing cream, such as Relax and Wax No Scream Cream, which you can apply prior to any waxing to make it less painful.

- The hair in the underarms is well-rooted and grows in many different directions so you may bleed a little bit the first few times you wax the area.*

- Try doing smaller areas at a time. Underarms generally take 2-3 wax strips per side in a salon. While you shouldn’t go over the same area more than three times, as it will irritate the skin and increase the chances of ingrown hairs, go slower at first and use 3-5 strips per side.

- During your waxing, remember to breathe deeply as you take firm hold of the strip or wax edge, and then pull the strip as you exhale forcefully. It is more difficult for your body to either tense up or jump while you are exhaling.

- To help with any sting you feel after pulling a strip, immediately place your hand over the area and press lightly.

MATERIALS NEEDED

Most at-home waxing kits will come with everything you need; however, the following is a full listing (outside of the wax and/or cloth

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