When Does Armpit Hair Grow? Hair Growth for Underarm Waxing

If you're new to waxing or deciding whether or not to give it a try, you might wonder about the best time to wax your armpits, or how to keep yourself hair-free without overdoing it. To get the most out of your waxing routine, it's helpful to understand when armpit hair grows and the stages of the hair growth cycle for best results. 

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Let's explore the science behind armpit hair growth and how to time your waxing sessions for optimal results.

READ: Underarm Waxing - The Complete Guide

Understanding the Hair Growth Cycle

Hair growth, including in the armpits, follows a specific cycle with three main phases:

• Anagen (Growth) Phase: This is when the hair is actively growing from the follicle. For armpit hair, this phase typically lasts between 30 to 45 days.
• Catagen (Transition) Phase: Growth stops, and the hair follicle shrinks. This short phase lasts only a few days.
• Telogen (Resting) Phase: The hair remains in the follicle but no longer grows. After about 2-3 months, hair falls out, and new hair grows, restarting the cycle.

READ: Waxing vs. Shaving: What is the Best Method for Hair Removal?

When Does Underarm Hair Grow?

Armpit hair is constantly in various stages of this growth cycle. However, you'll notice the most visible growth during the anagen phase. On average, armpit hair grows about 0.27 mm per day or about half an inch per month.

Factors Affecting Underarms Hair Growth

Several factors can influence how quickly your armpit hair grows:

• Genetics: Your genes play a significant role in determining hair growth rates.
• Hormones: Hormonal changes can affect hair growth, especially during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause.
• Diet and nutrition: A balanced diet rich in proteins and vitamins can promote healthy hair growth.
• Age: Hair growth tends to slow down as we get older.
• Stress: High stress levels can disrupt normal hair growth cycles.

READ: Sugaring vs. Waxing: The Complete Guide

When to Wax Your Underarms

For the best results, it's recommended to wax when your underarm hair is about 1/4 inch long, or around the size of a grain of rice. This length allows the wax to grip the hair effectively without being so long that it causes unnecessary discomfort. Given the average growth rate, this means you might be ready for a wax every 3-4 weeks.

However, everyone's hair grows at different rates, so pay attention to your own growth patterns. Some people might need to wax more frequently, while others can go longer between sessions. 

For a quick and easy underarm waxing experience, try out the Hard Wax Starter Kit.

Tips for Successful Underarm Waxing

• Exfoliate: 24 hours before waxing, gently exfoliate your armpits to remove dead skin cells and help the wax adhere better to the hair.
• Cleanse: Use Starpil Pre-Wax Gel to cleanse the area and remove any bacteria, sweat, or product buildup prior to waxing. 
• Choose the right wax: Hard wax is ideal for sensitive areas like the underarms. It adheres to the hair without sticking to the skin, making it less painful and more effective.
• Apply in the direction of hair growth: This ensures that the wax encapsulates the hair from root to tip for a clean removal.
• Remove against the direction of hair growth: For the most effective results, pull the wax off quickly in the opposite direction of hair growth while remaining parallel to the skin. Do not pull up!
• Post-wax care: Always apply a Post-Wax Lotion and Post-Wax Oil to skin to soothe and moisturize the area while removing any residue. 
• Maintain a regular schedule: Consistent waxing can lead to finer, sparser hair growth over time.

READ: Preventing & Treating Bruising When Waxing

Best Wax for Underarm Waxing

When it comes to armpit waxing, using high-quality products can make all the difference. Starpil offers a range of hard waxes perfect for sensitive areas like the underarms:

• Starpil Rosin-Free Blue Hard Wax: This bestselling wax is excellent for all skin types and areas. It's gentle yet effective, making it ideal for armpit waxing, especially if you're new to the process.
• Starpil Rosin-Free Pink Hard Wax: Formulated with titanium dioxide to soothe sensitive skin, this wax is perfect for fine, hard-to-reach hairs. It's strong enough to grip stubborn hairs while being gentle on the skin.
• Starpil Starsoft Hard Wax: If you have hypersensitive skin, this hypoallergenic, perfume-free, rosin-free, and dye-free wax is a great choice. This formula is created to soothe skin during the waxing process while dulling pain and reducing irritation or inflammation. 

READ: Waxing 101: What’s the Difference Between Soft Wax and Hard Wax?

Final Thoughts

Remember, practice makes perfect for any kind of waxing, but especially detail-oriented armpit waxing. Don't get discouraged if your first few attempts aren't flawless. With time and experience, you'll develop a routine that works best for your unique hair growth pattern.

Understanding your underarm hair growth cycle can help you achieve smoother, longer-lasting results from your waxing sessions. By timing your waxing appropriately and using quality products like Starpil’s hard waxes, you can enjoy hair-free armpits with less frequent maintenance.