Underarms Waxing

Underarm waxing removes the hair at the root, which means smooth skin for two to four weeks and no stubble in between — the main reason people switch to it from shaving.

Underarm hair is coarse and grows in several directions, so your therapist works in small sections and in different directions to get it all. It's one of the quicker waxes, and most people find it far less unpleasant than they expect.

A useful side effect: without hair, deodorant works more effectively and many people find they sweat less noticeably.

Please tell us about any medication before your appointment — retinoids, prescription acne treatments such as isotretinoin, and some antibiotics make skin fragile and waxing unsafe. The same applies to recent laser treatments, peels or sunburn on the area, and to varicose veins or broken skin.

• Consultation and check for contraindications
• Skin cleansed and prepared
• Wax applied and removed across the underarms, working in several directions
• Stray hairs tweezed for a clean finish
• Soothing product applied
• Aftercare advice

Allow about 15 minutes. You lie back with your arm raised while your therapist cleanses the area and applies wax in small sections.

Because the hair grows in multiple directions, several passes are needed. Strays are tweezed and soothing product applied. Redness and small bumps are normal for a few hours.

Anyone tired of shaving their underarms every day or two. Not suitable on broken or irritated skin, or if you use prescription acne medication.

For the first 24 hours avoid heat and friction: no hot baths or showers, no sauna or steam room, no gym or swimming, and no direct sun or sunbeds. Wear loose clothing and keep the area clean and untouched — freshly waxed skin has open follicles and is easy to irritate.

From 48 hours, exfoliate gently two or three times a week. This is the single most effective way to prevent ingrown hairs. Moisturise daily too.

Skip deodorant for 24 hours — it stings on open follicles and can cause bumps. Wear loose cotton rather than tight synthetic tops.

• Let hair grow to about a quarter of an inch — roughly two weeks
• Don't shave between appointments; it disrupts the growth cycle
• Exfoliate gently from 48 hours afterwards to prevent ingrown hairs
• Avoid heat, sweat and sun for 24 hours
• Skip deodorant for 24 hours afterwards
• Wear a loose cotton top to your appointment