Can armpit hair be too long to wax?

Author: Lindsay Spinka  |  Last update: Tuesday, October 21, 2025

If your hair is less than 1/4 inch, the wax may not adhere well, leading to incomplete hair removal and potential irritation. On the other hand, if your hair is longer than 1/2 inch, it might be too long, causing discomfort during waxing.

Is it okay to wax long underarm hair?

Yes, there's nothing wrong with waxing your underarms. If you have very long hairs, be sure to trim them down using scissors first. I recommend using a hard wax which will grab the hairs and solidify around them, making them much easier to remove.

Can you wax if your hair is too long?

Up to 1/2 inch should be fine. If your hair is any longer you may feel some discomfort when the wax is applied. It will also make it trickier for your therapist to get the job done. Trim excess hair down beforehand or shave and wait a couple of weeks for it to grow back before returning to the salon.

What length should armpit hair be for waxing?

For the best results, allow your underarm hair to grow to a length of about 1/4 inch or roughly the length of a grain of rice. This ensures that the wax can grip the hair properly and remove it from the root.

How long is too long for armpit hair?

“My suggestion is to keep the hair under your arms neatly trimmed.” Start with scissors or clippers to determine which hair length you want before breaking out the big guns. Most experts suggest cutting down to an inch or a little less—but keep at least three-fourths of an inch left to prevent prickly, scratchy hair.

Brazilian wax or Bikini Wax review. Depil Bella Brazilian Sugar Wax, Vagina Wax bikini shave Product

Does long armpit hair make BO worse?

Removing some of the bacteria on your skin regularly can prevent unpleasant body odor. Keep your armpits shaved, so sweat evaporates quickly and doesn't have as much time to interact with bacteria. Hair is a breeding ground for bacteria.

How many times do you have to wax before hair stops growing?

Some people may notice a significant reduction in hair growth after six months to a year of regular waxing, while others may take longer. Patience and consistency are key when it comes to seeing the long-term benefits of waxing.

Is it better to wax or shave armpits?

Key Takeaways. Waxing removes underarm hair from the root, leading to slower regrowth and extended periods of smoothness, while shaving offers immediate results but requires more frequent maintenance.

What is the maximum hair length for waxing?

Proper hair length for waxing is one of many techniques to get a great result. To summarize, make sure your hair length is about ¼ of an inch and no longer than ½ an inch. If it's too short, wait to wax. If it's too long, you can trim it yourself or we'll take care of that for you.

Does a Brazilian wax hurt more with longer hair?

Hair longer than ½ inch can make waxing more painful, especially for sensitive areas like the bikini line. Longer hair is more likely to tangle or break during the process, increasing discomfort and prolonging the procedure.

Can you be too hairy for a wax?

There's no need to worry about whether you're too hairy, not hairy enough or are not wearing your best knickers. 1. How long should my hair be before I book my first wax (and how long is too long)? We recommend a minimum of 4 weeks regrowth to get the best results.

How long does it take for armpit hair to grow back after waxing?

A typical underarm wax lasts anywhere from two to four weeks before hair regrowth becomes noticeable. This may happen quicker if you have dark or thick hair. However, as with any waxing service, regular waxing can slow your hair growth and keep your underarms smoother, longer.

Is Brazilian wax embarrassing?

You'll remove your underwear and lie on a table. Yes, you may feel awkward, but a great esthetician will make you feel as comfortable as possible. If you feel embarrassed, remind yourself estheticians do this professionally, and they're there to help you get the look you want, not judge you.

What happens if your hair is too long to wax?

Hair that's longer than ½ inch can make the hair more prone to breakage, especially if you're new to waxing. Essentially, the hair follicle won't be removed and your results won't last as long. Hairs that are too long can also cover up other hairs during a wax, which requires repeated waxes of the same area.

Why is armpit hair so hard to wax?

For the wax to work effectively, it needs something to hold onto. If your armpit hair is too short, the wax can't grip the hair properly to pull it out by the root. This can lead to hair breakage and less-than-smooth results. Ideally, your hair should be about 1/4 inch long, like a grain of rice.

How do you get rid of long armpit hair?

7 Different Methods of Underarm Hair Removal
  1. Shaving. Shaving allows you to remove hair from large areas in your body in the most convenient way possible as it can be easily done in the shower. ...
  2. Plucking. ...
  3. Threading. ...
  4. Waxing. ...
  5. Depilatory Cream. ...
  6. Laser Hair Removal. ...
  7. Electrolysis.

Which side of wax strip to use?

Separate the strips from each other slowly, and apply the waxy side to your skin, pressing down firmly in the direction of hair growth - from the roots toward the ends. Apply one wax strip at a time, and feel free to reuse it as long as it remains sticky.

Should I exfoliate before waxing?

Exfoliating before waxing is a simple step that can make a big difference. For smoother, longer-lasting results and fewer ingrown hairs, exfoliate 24-48 hours before your appointment. And don't forget, your Wax Specialist is here to help you find the best products for your skin type.

What are the cons of waxing your armpits?

Risk for irritation

Similar to shaving, waxing can also cause inflamed hair follicles, pain, redness, ingrown hairs and skin irritation. When your hair is pulled out, it opens up your hair follicles and makes them more vulnerable to irritation.

How long should armpit hair be?

Most armpit hair usually only grows to be two to three inches long, so an inch and a half should do the trick. If you cut it too short, then you'll have armpit stubble in two of the most sensitive parts of your body.

Do you smell better if you shave your armpits?

Does shaving your armpits reduce body odor? Yes, shaving can help reduce body odor.

At what age should you stop waxing?

There is No Age Limit on Waxing!

There are so many benefits for mature skin! When we wax thin and fragile skin the right way, it can become more supple-looking and radiant. Gentle Exfoliation keeps mature skin from flaking and helps promote blood flow and collagen production for firmer-looking skin!

Why does waxing only last a week?

After your first professional wax appointment, expect your hair to start growing back a little quicker — after 1 to 2 weeks. There will be some hair under the skin that hasn't broken through yet, so it can't be removed from the root.

What to do between waxes in the summer?

Exfoliate and Moisturize

The key to keeping your wax fresh is proper skin care. Let's be honest, everyone loves a good moisturizer. Routinely moisturizing your skin with an oil-free lotion or hydrating cream will help your skin feel smooth and look healthy between waxes.

Previous article
What are the side effects of applying honey on the face?
Next article
What lotions help hypopigmentation?