If you’ve spent years reaching for a razor every few days and wondering whether there’s a better way, you’re not alone. Underarm hair removal is one of those everyday grooming habits that most of us do on autopilot — but it doesn’t have to mean stubble by Thursday. Underarm waxing is one of the most popular treatments at Glowroom, and for good reason. It’s quick, effective, and leaves your skin genuinely smooth — not just temporarily hair-free.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what underarm waxing is, how the process works, what your skin goes through during and after the treatment, and why so many women across the UK are making the switch from shaving to waxing. Whether you’re completely new to the idea or simply want to know what to expect before booking, this is everything you need to know.

What exactly is underarm waxing?

Put simply, underarm waxing is a method of removing hair from the armpit area using warm wax applied directly to the skin. The wax adheres to the hair — not just the surface of the shaft, but the full follicle — and when removed, it pulls the hair out from the root. The result is a smooth, clean finish that lasts far longer than anything you’d get from shaving.

Unlike shaving, which cuts hair at skin level and leaves a blunt tip that can feel stubbly within days, waxing removes the entire hair. This means regrowth takes longer, feels finer, and — with regular treatments — often becomes sparser over time.

There are two main types of wax typically used in professional settings:

• Soft wax — applied in a thin layer and removed with a cloth strip. It covers larger areas quickly and is effective on finer hair.
• Hard wax — applied thicker and peeled away without a strip once it sets. It’s gentler on sensitive skin and is often preferred for the underarm area.

At a professional spa like Glowroom, your therapist will select the most appropriate wax for your skin type and hair texture, ensuring a comfortable experience with the best possible results.

How does the treatment actually work?

Understanding what happens during your appointment can make the whole experience feel far less daunting — especially if it’s your first time. Here’s what a typical underarm waxing session at Glowroom looks like from start to finish:

• Skin preparation — The therapist will gently cleanse the underarm area to remove any deodorant, sweat, or residue. Clean, dry skin allows the wax to adhere properly.
• Pre-wax powder — A light dusting of powder is often applied to create a barrier between your skin and the wax, reducing the chance of irritation.
• Wax application — Warm wax is applied in the direction of hair growth using a spatula. It only takes a moment to spread across the underarm area.
• Hair removal — The wax (or strip) is removed swiftly against the direction of hair growth. This technique minimises discomfort and ensures the hair is pulled from the root cleanly.
• Post-wax care — Any residual wax is removed, and a soothing lotion or oil is applied to calm the skin and reduce redness.

The entire treatment typically takes no more than 15 to 20 minutes — making it the kind of appointment you can genuinely fit into a lunch break.

What does your skin feel like afterwards?

It’s completely normal for the skin to feel slightly sensitive immediately after your treatment. The underarm area is delicate, and the process of hair removal — however carefully performed — does cause a brief reaction in the skin. Most clients notice:

• Mild redness or pinkness in the treated area
• A slight sensation of warmth or tenderness
• Occasional small bumps, similar to mild goosebumps, that settle within a few hours

This is all perfectly normal and typically resolves within 24 hours. To support your skin during this time, it helps to avoid applying deodorant, perfume, or anything heavily fragranced immediately after your appointment. Loose clothing is also recommended, as anything tight against the underarm can aggravate freshly waxed skin.

Within a day or two, you’ll notice the skin feeling genuinely smooth — far smoother than shaving ever achieves — and that feeling can last anywhere from three to six weeks depending on your individual hair growth cycle.

Who is underarm waxing suitable for?

One of the things that makes underarm waxing so widely popular is that it works well for the vast majority of women. Whether you have fine, light hair or coarser, darker growth, warm wax can effectively remove it.

That said, there are a few considerations worth being aware of before booking:

• Hair length — For the wax to grip the hair properly, you’ll need at least 5mm of growth. If your underarm hair is very short, it’s worth waiting a week or two before your appointment.
• Skin sensitivity — If you have particularly sensitive skin or conditions such as eczema or psoriasis in the area, let your therapist know beforehand so they can choose the gentlest approach.
• Medication — Certain topical retinoids or acne medications can make the skin more fragile. If you’re using prescription skincare, it’s worth checking with your GP or letting your therapist know.
• Sun exposure — Avoid waxing on sunburnt or very recently tanned skin, as it will be more sensitive than usual.

If you’re unsure whether waxing is right for you, the team at Glowroom is always happy to advise — just get in touch via the contact page before your first appointment.

Underarm waxing compared to other hair removal methods

There are several ways to manage underarm hair, and each comes with its own set of trade-offs. Here’s a quick overview of how waxing measures up against the most common alternatives:

• Shaving — Fast and painless, but hair returns within days. Skin can feel rough quickly, and shaving irritation or ingrown hairs are common concerns.
• Depilatory creams — Dissolve hair at the surface using chemicals. No pulling involved, but results are similar to shaving in terms of longevity, and some formulas can irritate sensitive skin.
• Laser hair removal — Targets the hair follicle with light energy for long-term reduction. Effective but requires multiple sessions, a higher upfront cost, and isn’t suitable for all skin tones or hair colours.
• Waxing — Removes hair from the root for smooth results lasting three to six weeks. Regrowth becomes finer over time, and the process can be completed in under 20 minutes at a professional spa.

For women looking for a reliable, affordable, and longer-lasting result without committing to laser treatment, professional waxing offers an excellent middle ground. It’s particularly well-suited to those who want consistently smooth underarms without daily upkeep. You might also find our full body waxing service of interest if you’re considering a more comprehensive approach to hair removal.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Does underarm waxing hurt?

A: There is a brief sting when the wax is removed, but most clients find it far more manageable than they expected — especially when performed by an experienced therapist. The underarm area tends to be more sensitive than the legs, so the sensation is sharper but very short-lived. With regular treatments, your skin becomes more accustomed to the process and many women find it becomes noticeably less uncomfortable over time.

Q: How long do the results last?

A: Most clients enjoy smooth underarms for between three and six weeks, depending on their natural hair growth cycle. Hair grows in different phases, so some regrowth may appear sooner for certain individuals. Booking regular appointments every four to six weeks is the best way to keep results consistent and to train the hair to grow back more sparsely.

Q: How long does my hair need to be before I can get waxed?

A: Your hair should be at least 5mm long for the wax to grip it properly — roughly two to three weeks of growth after shaving. If the hair is too short, the wax won’t be able to hold it, which can lead to a less thorough result and unnecessary skin irritation. If you’re not sure whether you’re ready, your Glowroom therapist will be happy to assess at the start of your appointment.

Q: Can I apply deodorant straight after waxing?

A: It’s best to wait at least 24 hours before applying any deodorant, antiperspirant, or fragranced product to the area. Freshly waxed skin has open follicles, which means it’s more absorbent and reactive than usual. Applying product too soon can cause irritation, redness, or even a mild allergic-type reaction. Opt for a gentle, fragrance-free option when you do return to your routine.

Q: Is it safe to wax underarms regularly?

A: Yes — when performed by a trained professional, regular underarm waxing is completely safe. In fact, many women find that consistent waxing actually benefits their skin over time, as hair grows back finer and sparser with each treatment. The key is to allow sufficient regrowth between sessions and to follow any aftercare advice given by your therapist.

Q: What should I avoid before my waxing appointment?

A: Avoid applying deodorant, lotions, or oils to the underarm area on the day of your appointment, as these can prevent the wax from adhering properly. It’s also advisable to avoid sunbathing or using sunbeds in the days leading up to your session. If you’re taking any medication that affects the skin, such as retinoids or blood thinners, let your therapist know in advance.

Final thoughts

Underarm waxing is one of those small changes to your beauty routine that can make a surprisingly big difference to how you feel day to day. The results are smoother, longer-lasting, and often more comfortable than the constant cycle of shaving — and with regular treatments, many women find their regrowth becomes genuinely lighter over time.

Whether you’re curious about trying it for the first time or ready to make it a regular part of your self-care routine, Glowroom’s expert therapists are here to make the experience as comfortable and effective as possible. You can explore the full range of treatments available on the all services page, or head straight to booking.

Ready to experience silky-smooth underarms at a premium UK spa?Book your appointment at Glowroom →