How to Wax Armpits (Underarms) at Home

Tired of daily shaving and stubble? Underarm waxing offers longer-lasting smoothness — often up to 2–3 weeks more than shaving. Whether you're prepping for sleeveless season or just prefer that clean, hair-free feel, waxing is a simple upgrade.

Though often overlooked, the underarm area is one of the most satisfying places to wax. With the right technique and products, waxing your armpits at home is totally doable — and yes, even empowering.

This guide covers everything you need to know: how to prep, what wax to use, and expert tips for smooth, confident results.

Why Wax Your Armpits?

Still debating whether to ditch the razor? Here’s why more people are switching to underarm waxing — and loving the results:

• Lasting Smoothness: Waxing removes hair from the root, leaving underarms smooth for 2 to 4 weeks — a major upgrade from daily shaving.

• Softer, Finer Regrowth: With regular waxing, hair grows back thinner and sparser, making future sessions easier and less painful.

• Less Irritation, Fewer Bumps:
  Waxing helps avoid razor burn, nicks, and ingrown hairs, especially when paired with proper prep and aftercare.

• Cleaner, Fresher Feel:
  Smooth underarms can feel drier and more comfortable, helping reduce sweat buildup and boost everyday confidence.

Pro Tip: Pair waxing with Parissa’s Ultra Soothe Oilor Parissa Azulene Oil for a refreshing, calming finish that supports skin recovery and long-term smoothness.

What Kind of Wax Should I Use for Underarms?

Choosing the right wax is key for effective underarm hair removal. The area is small, sensitive, and often has coarse hair and curved contours, so the right formula ensures smooth results with less irritation.

Here’s a quick guide to the best wax types for armpits, and how to choose what works for your skin and experience.

• Hot Wax (Hard Wax) — Best for Coarse Hair & Sensitive Skin

  Best Overall Choice
  Hot Wax is a favorite for underarms — and for good reason. It’s designed to grip short, coarse, and stubborn hairs without sticking to the skin, making it ideal for sensitive areas.

  • No strips required

  • Great for short regrowth

  • Works even when hair grows in multiple directions

  • Minimizes irritation and redness

  Try: Parissa Brazilian Hot Wax or Parissa Hot Wax Pods for expert quality and salon results at home.

• Wax Strips — Best for Beginners & On-the-Go Touch-Ups

  Wax Strips are pre-coated and ready to use — making them the easiest option for first-time waxers or quick underarm maintenance.

  • Quick and portable

  • Great for most hair types

  • Less effective on coarse or very short hair

  • Ideal for touch-ups or travel

  Try: Parissa Wax Strips Bikini & Underarm for strips sized specifically for this area.

• Sugar Wax — Best for Fine Hair or Sensitive Skin

  While not ideal for thick or coarse underarm hair, Sugar Wax is a gentle, water-washable alternative — perfect for first-time hair removal, or anyone with very fine hair or reactive skin.

  • Made with natural and organic ingredients

  • Washes off with water

  • Most effective on soft or light hair

  • Less suited for dense underarm growth

  Try: Parissa Organic Sugar Wax if you prefer a clean, skin-kind formula or the Parissa Organic Roll-On Sugar Wax for easier application.

Best Overall for Underarms:
Hot Wax wins for performance, and comfort — especially when you want long-lasting, smooth results with less irritation. Its ability to wrap around each hair, no matter the direction of growth, makes it especially effective in curved, uneven areas like the underarms.

How to Wax Your Armpits at Home

Whether it’s your first time waxing underarms or you’re refining your technique, getting the steps right ensures better results and a smoother experience. Here’s how to confidently wax your armpits at home — from prep to post-care.

First Time Waxing?

Start slow and build confidence.
Perform a patch test 24 hours in advance to check for sensitivity.
Practice on a less sensitive area, like your leg or forearm, to get a feel for application and removal before tackling your underarms.

Step 1: Let Hair Grow (and Inspect the Area)

Your underarm hair should be approximately ¼ inch long (0.5 - 1cm) — about the length of a grain of rice. Hair that’s too short won’t grip well, and hair that’s too long may cause more discomfort.

Pro Tip: Before waxing, inspect your underarm area in good light.

• Look for any irritation, breakouts, or broken skin — avoid waxing over these spots.

• Identify the direction of hair growth. Underarm hair often grows in multiple directions, so take note — this will guide how you apply and remove the wax for best results.

• Avoid waxing immediately after shaving — you’ll likely miss hairs and increase discomfort.

Step 2: Prep According to Your Wax Type

Proper prep depends on the type of wax you're using. The goal is the same — clean, dry skin — but how you achieve that varies:

If you’re using Warm Wax, Wax Strips, or Hot Wax:

• Do not bathe, shower, or wash the area right before waxing. Clean skin can sometimes lead to excess adhesion, increasing the risk of irritation or skin lifting — especially with these resin waxes

• Instead, inspect the area, gently blot away any moisture, and use a talc-free powder if needed to absorb sweat.

• Avoid deodorant, lotions, or oils the day of your wax.

If you’re using Sugar Wax:

• Wash and dry your underarms before waxing. Sugar wax is water-based and works best on freshly cleaned, oil-free skin.

• Avoid lotions, deodorant, or oils.

• Pat completely dry before application.

Pro Tip: Check Hair Direction:
While prepping, take a close look at the hair growth pattern. Underarm hair typically grows in multiple directions, so understanding the layout will help you apply and remove wax correctly for better results and less irritation.

Step 3: Apply the Wax (Based on Your Wax Type)

Now that your skin is prepped and dry, it's time to apply the wax. Proper application is critical — especially for curved areas like the underarms, where hair grows in different directions. Here's how to apply each type of wax for smooth, effective results:

Hot Wax (Hard Wax) — Best for Coarse Hair & Sensitive Skin

• Apply a thick, even layer of wax in the direction of hair growth.

• Round the edges — this creates a "tab" to grip for removal.

• Allow the wax to cool and harden (but not brittle).

• Hold the skin taut and remove the wax quickly in the opposite direction of hair growth.

• Underarm hair grows in multiple directions, apply the wax in two or more small sections corresponding to the hair growth direction.

Parissa Brazilian Hot Wax is an ideal choice here — it grabs the hair and lifts it from the root with minimal irritation.

Wax Strips — Best for Beginners & Touch-Ups

• Take a double strip and rub it between your hands to warm the wax.

• Separate the strip into 2 and apply one half to the underarm in the direction of hair growth. Set the other aside for your next application.

• Press down firmly, smoothing it a few times for good adhesion.

• Hold skin taut and zip off quickly against the direction of hair growth.

• Pull the strip ALONG the skin, not away, to minimize discomfort and maximize results.

Parissa Wax Strips Bikini & Underarm are sized specifically for this area — no mess, no guesswork.

Sugar Wax — Best for Fine Hair & Sensitive Skin

• Spread a very thin layer of sugar wax in the direction of hair growth.

• Immediately apply the epilation strip over the wax and press down firmly.

• Hold skin taut and remove the strip in one swift motion against hair growth.

• Pull the strip ALONG the skin, not away, to minimize discomfort and maximize results.

• Sugar Wax is water-soluble, so if things get sticky, just rinse and reapply.

Parissa Organic Sugar Wax is gentle, easy to clean, and perfect for those with fine hair or sensitive skin.

Pro Tip: Underarm hair often grows in more than one direction, so don’t be afraid to divide the area and wax it in two parts. Applying in the wrong direction will lead to missed hairs and more discomfort.

Step 4: Keep Skin Taut (Always!)

One of the most important steps for a smooth wax and minimal irritation is keeping your skin tight during application and removal.

• Raise your arm fully to expose the underarm.

• Stretching the skin during application tightens the skin and creates a flat surface, helping the wax grip the hair more effectively. The tension also helps reduce tugging on the skin.

Pro Tip:Holding the skin taut minimizes discomfort, prevents bruising, and ensures cleaner hair removal — especially in curved or sensitive areas like the underarms

Step 5: Remove the Wax with Confidence

The right removal technique makes all the difference between a smooth, irritation-free finish — and skin that feels sore or bruised afterward.

• Keep your skin stretched and taut during the removal process to reduce pressure on the skin and minimize pain.

• With a steady grip, remove the wax or strip quickly, pulling it in the opposite direction of hair growth.

• The removal process should go parallel and ALONG the skin — not upward and away from the skin — for the cleanest removal.

• A slow or upward peel can lead to discomfort, redness, broken hairs or wax remaining on the skin.

Pro Tip: Take a deep breath in, then exhale as you pull — it naturally relaxes your body and helps ease tension.

 

Aftercare: Treat Your Skin Right

Underarm waxing doesn’t stop once the hair is gone — how you care for your skin afterward can make all the difference. Waxing is a form of exfoliation, temporarily removing not only hair but also surface skin cells. That’s why a little post-wax TLC is essential for keeping skin smooth, and healthy.

Here’s how to care for your underarms after waxing:

Soothe Immediately
Apply a calming oil to hydrate and protect the skin barrier.

• Try Parissa Ultra Soothe Oil, formulated with jojoba, chamomile, and peppermint to reduce redness and irritation.

• For more reactive skin, Parissa Azulene Oil offers added anti-inflammatory benefits with soothing azulene (from chamomile).

These oils also help remove any leftover wax residue without clogging pores.

Skip Deodorant for 24 Hours
Deodorants and antiperspirants can irritate freshly waxed skin. Allow your skin to breathe, and avoid applying anything with fragrance, alcohol, or aluminum-based ingredients until at least the next day.

Wear Loose, Breathable Clothing
Tight sleeves and synthetic fabrics can cause friction, sweat buildup, and clogged follicles — all of which may lead to ingrown hairs or breakouts. Stick to soft cotton fabrics and loose fits for 24 hours.

Exfoliate Gently — After 2–3 Days
Once the skin has had time to recover, begin light exfoliation to prevent ingrown hairs and keep pores clear.

• Use a soft washcloth, dry brush, or gentle scrub.

• Avoid anything abrasive, and skip exfoliating acids or harsh treatments in this area.

For added prevention, incorporate Parissa Ingrown Rescue KitorParissa Ingrown Rescue Soap — a plant-based, tea tree-infused bar that purifies pores and soothes inflammation.

Stay Moisturized
Continue moisturizing daily to maintain soft, balanced skin. Hydrated skin helps new hair grow in more gently, minimizing irritation between waxing sessions.

With proper aftercare, your underarms stay smooth, calm, and confidently cared for — ready for whatever comes next.

How Bad Do Armpit Waxes Hurt?

It’s totally normal to feel a quick sting or snap during underarm waxing — especially the first time. The underarm area is sensitive, and the hair tends to be coarse, so some discomfort is expected. But here’s the good news: the pain is brief, and it gets easier with every session.

Pro Tip: Use a high-quality wax, keep skin taut, and breathe deeply — it really helps.

 

Can I Really Wax My Armpits at Home?

Absolutely! Thousands of Parissa users do it regularly — it's a quick, empowering ritual that saves you time and money in the long run.

Is Armpit Waxing Safe for Sensitive Skin?

Yes — especially when you choose natural waxes like Parissa's. They're designed to be gentle, even on delicate skin. Just make sure to avoid waxing over broken or irritated areas, and always do a quick patch test beforehand to be safe.

Why Do I Have Red Spots on My Underarms After Waxing?

Redness or small bumps under your arms after waxing are totally normal — it’s just your skin’s natural response to hair being pulled from the root. This usually fades within 30 minutes and tends to lessen with regular waxing.

To soothe the area, apply azulene oil (included in your Parissa kit). For best results, remove the wax quickly and close to the skin to minimize irritation. And since Parissa waxes are 100% natural, skin reactions are rare. Still have questions? We’re always here to help!

How Long Does Armpit Waxing Last?

You can expect smooth results for about 3 to 6 weeks. With regular waxing, hair tends to grow back finer and slower, making each session easier over time.

 

Can I Shave Between Waxes?

It's better not to. Shaving can disrupt your hair's growth cycle and make your next wax more uncomfortable. Let the hair grow to at least ¼ inch (about the length of a grain of rice) before your next session for the smoothest results.

 

Does Waxing Cause Underarm Hair to Grow Back Thicker?

No, waxing doesn’t make underarm hair grow back thicker. In fact, regular waxing can lead to finer, softer hair over time. By removing hair from the root, waxing weakens the hair follicle, which often results in thinner regrowth.

 

Ready to Wax Naturally?

Whether you go for Hot Wax, Sugar Wax, or Wax Strips, Parissa makes it easy to get smooth, clean results at home — no salon appointment needed.

✨ Clean beauty. Cruelty-free. Thoughtfully made in Canada.

Shop: Parissa Hot Wax Kits
Explore More Waxing Tips

Wax Naturally. Feel Confident. Be Smooth.