Does plucking armpit hair cause darkening?

Author: Mr. Toney Hand  |  Last update: Tuesday, August 12, 2025

Every time hair is removed, the skin is damaged and irritated, prompting melanin production. Each time you pluck, shave, or wax, your skin produces more dark pigment, causing your underarms to get even darker.

What happens if you keep plucking armpit hair?

Pulling out armpit hair can have several negative consequences, including: Skin Irritation: Pulling hair can cause irritation, redness, and inflammation in the delicate skin of the armpits. Ingrown Hairs: Hair that is pulled out may grow back incorrectly, leading to ingrown hairs, which can be painful and unsightly.

How do you pluck underarm hair without darkening?

Because of these benefits, threading is one of the best ways how to remove underarm hair without darkening. However, this method can be painful, particularly for those new to the technique. It is also time-consuming and may require professional skills for effective use.

Does plucking hair make skin darker?

Hair plucking or waxing can make it come out darker but shaving won't. Try shaving them instead.

Are dark armpits reversible?

Treat the underlying skin condition (if there is one to treat) - Diagnosing and treating the underlying skin condition will also lighten and brighten the skin in the armpits. For example, antifungals are helpful for fungal infections and steroid creams are helpful for clearing eczema.

Plucking Hair - Daily Do's of Dermatology

How to shave underarms without darkening?

You can use a physical or chemical exfoliator, or both, to get the most effective shave. A dull razor can cause irritation and increase the risk of darkening the underarm area. Use a sharp razor with multiple blades to minimize the risk of cuts and ingrown hairs.

Does plucking armpit hair make it darker?

Every time hair is removed, the skin is damaged and irritated, prompting melanin production. Each time you pluck, shave, or wax, your skin produces more dark pigment, causing your underarms to get even darker.

Why does plucking cause hyperpigmentation?

The next time you think about tweezing, pick up a magnified mirror to see just how violent the act is. The pulling of the skin causes trauma that results in post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and thicker hair growth.

Is plucking better than shaving underarms?

Plucking, also known as tweezing, removes unwanted underarm hair from the roots. This means it will grow a lot more slowly but it can be very painful for most people. It's recommended you pull out hair in the direction of its growth to prevent breakage and irritation of hair follicles.

What is the best method to remove armpit hair?

How to remove your underarm hair
  1. A different short-term solution to shaving that you could consider is depilatory creams, such as the Veet BodyCurv Hair Removal Cream. ...
  2. Waxing is a form of epilation, which means it removes hair from the root.

What are the disadvantages of tweezing?

Disadvantages of Tweezing:

Tweezing is not painless. Some individuals feel a sting with every hair that is pulled out of its follicle. Tweezing can also cause scarring, pitting, and ingrown hairs. Lastly, like waxing, tweezing requires some hair growth in order to grasp the hair to remove it.

How to get rid of armpit darkness?

According to a study, laser therapy, chemical peeling, and microdermabrasion are all safe options that work well at targeting darkened skin on the underarms to make it appear brighter.

Is it bad to tweeze armpits?

You may risk skin irritation or injuries like cuts, though you may experience less odor. Ensure you practice good personal hygiene if you decide to keep your armpit hair or not.

Can I put deodorant after plucking?

Always wait at least two hours before applying a deodorant to your newly depilated underarms; Choose a deodorant formulated without alcohol.

Does plucking hair make your skin darker?

Sometimes, people will tweeze facial hair once or twice to get rid of unwelcome hairs in certain areas. However, prolonged tweezing or tweezing multiple hairs can lead to unwanted side effects. Some side effects include: Hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin)

How to prevent skin darkening after shaving?

Here are three practical strategies to help prevent and reduce shaving-induced skin darkening: Preparation is Key: For Razor/Wet Shaving: Begin with a thorough face wash using warm water to soften the skin and hair. Apply a rich, Moisturizing Shave Cream designed to shield your skin from the razor's edge.

Is it better to shave or pluck pubic hair?

Many people mix it up according to how they feel that day, the time they have and the result they want. But there are ways in which you can minimise discomfort, whether that's in a salon or at home. Overall, shaving remains the best way to get rid of pubic hair at home without pain.

Why are my armpits dark all of a sudden?

For most people, dark underarms are caused by something called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), which is a darkening of the skin due to irritation or damage.

Why does female underarm hair stop growing?

All body hair that sprouts during puberty—think hair on your underarms, genitals, and chest hair on guys—is controlled by hormones. Since our estrogen levels drop as we reach middle to later age, body hair growth corresponds by becoming sparser and thinner, too.

Why are my armpits still dark after shaving?

Shaving with a razor blade and/or using deodorants that contain ingredients like alcohol or fragrance can be extremely irritating to your skin. 2) Hormonal changes related to pregnancy and Addison's disease can increase melanin production that can lead to underarm darkening.

How often should I shave my armpits as a woman?

In general, we recommend shaving every two to three days if you want a clean shave; three to five days if you want to simply style or trim; and if you want to just let your hair grow, then simply stop shaving. How quickly hair grows also depends on the area of the body.

Does apple cider vinegar remove dark armpits?

Additionally, it has natural bleaching properties that can help to lighten skin tone. Simply mix apple cider vinegar with water and apply to the underarms with a cotton ball. Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes before rinsing off. Repeat this process a few times a week for the best results.

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