Which armpit hair removal system do you recommend?

Question: Which armpit hair removal system do you recommend? Can shaving or waxing cause ingrown hairs in my armpits? How long has this armpit hair removal practice been around? What is the purpose for armpit hair?

Answer: Armpit hair removal has been culturally practiced in the United States and Canada since the early 1900’s. It is said to have first become a crave when an armpit hair removal product was first launched in new papers and magazines sporting a photo of a women with her arm raised showing no hair under her arms.

Armpit hair growth

Armpit hair also known as under arm hair or axillary hair usually starts to grow during puberty and competes its growth by the end of the teen years for most people. The

process of armpit hair removal begins as early as the growth process begins for most girls.

Purpose

The purposes for armpit hair is not really clear hence the practice of armpit hair removal all over the world. It is believed to act as a barrier between the arm and thorax to help avoid friction. It is also greatly associated with sexual development because of the interaction of pheromones and the growth of armpit hair.

Armpit hair removal and ingrown hairs

Just like any other part of the body, armpit hair grows in a predetermined pattern. When practicing armpit hair removal, whether shaving or waxing, the hair pattern should be followed: going with the grain as the pros call it.

Going against the grain or the opposite direction to how the hair grows can lead to ingrown hairs.

Tips:

• If you are just starting to consider a method of armpit hair removal I suggest you start shaving in the direction the hair grows first so that you don’t disturb any hair follicles.

• Once your hair follicles get used to shaving, try going the opposite direction after the initial shave, this will get you to a smoother closer feel.

• Use an astringent after the armpit hair removal process. This has been known to help avoid ingrown hairs.

• If you plan on waxing, go to a professional first to see how your armpits react.

Note: Some people experience pain and bleeding when waxing.