Introduction

If you’ve been wondering what happens during underarm waxing, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most searched questions by women considering professional waxing for the first time — and one of the most misunderstood treatments in the beauty world.

The underarm area is delicate, which makes a lot of people hesitant. Will it hurt? How long does it take? What should you expect when you walk out? These are entirely reasonable questions, and the honest answer is that when it’s done properly by a trained professional, underarm waxing is a fast, effective, and incredibly worthwhile treatment.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the full process — from the moment you arrive at the spa to the days that follow — so you can walk into your appointment feeling informed, calm, and confident.

Why choose professional underarm waxing over shaving

Before we get into the step-by-step process, it’s worth understanding why so many women make the switch from razor to wax in the first place.

Shaving removes hair only at the surface of the skin, meaning stubble can return within a day or two. Waxing, on the other hand, removes hair from the root — which means results last significantly longer, typically two to four weeks.

Over time, regular waxing can also cause hair to grow back finer and sparser, making each future session more comfortable and less frequent.

Here’s why professional waxing consistently wins over at-home alternatives:

• Precision — a trained therapist works methodically to ensure no patches are missed
• Correct technique — skin is held taut to minimise discomfort and prevent bruising
• Appropriate wax type — professionals select the right wax for sensitive underarm skin
• Hygienic environment — single-use applicators and clean treatment rooms are standard
• Aftercare advice — you leave knowing exactly how to care for your skin

The underarm waxing process, step by step

So, what actually happens during your appointment? Here’s what you can expect from start to finish.

1. Consultation and skin check Your therapist will begin with a brief consultation. They’ll ask about your skin type, any sensitivities or recent sun exposure, and whether you’ve used any retinol or exfoliating products recently (which can make skin more reactive). This step only takes a minute or two but is genuinely important.

2. Cleansing the area The underarm is cleansed to remove deodorant, sweat, or any product residue. A clean surface helps the wax adhere properly and reduces the risk of any irritation.

3. Pre-wax oil or powder application Depending on the wax being used, your therapist will apply either a thin pre-wax oil (for hard wax) or a light dusting of powder (for strip wax). This creates a gentle barrier between the wax and your skin, protecting the surface while still allowing the wax to grip the hair.

4. Wax application The wax is applied in the direction of hair growth using a clean applicator. Your therapist will likely apply it in small sections to maintain control and accuracy.

• Hard wax (also called hot wax) is applied warm, allowed to set, then removed without a strip — ideal for sensitive skin
• Strip wax is applied in a thin layer, covered with a fabric or paper strip, then removed swiftly

5. Removal The therapist holds your skin taut with one hand and removes the wax in a swift, confident motion against the direction of hair growth. This technique is what makes the difference between a comfortable experience and an unnecessarily painful one. Speed and skin tension matter enormously here.

6. Post-wax soothing Once the hair is removed, a soothing lotion or post-wax oil is applied to calm the skin, reduce any redness, and remove any wax residue. This step makes a real difference to how your skin feels immediately after.

The entire appointment typically takes no longer than 10 to 15 minutes from start to finish.

Hot wax vs strip wax — which is better for underarms?

This is one of the most common questions clients ask, and the answer depends on your skin sensitivity.

According to the British Association of Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology (BABTAC), professional therapists are trained to assess each client’s skin and select the most suitable wax type — and for underarms specifically, hard (hot) wax is often the preferred choice because it wraps around the hair rather than adhering to the skin itself, making removal gentler.

Here’s a quick comparison:

	Hard Wax	Strip Wax
Best for	Sensitive skin, coarse hair	Larger areas, finer hair
Applied	Thick, warm layer	Thin layer with strip
Removed	Without a strip	With fabric/paper strip
Comfort level	Generally more comfortable	Slightly more intense
Underarm suitability	✅ Highly recommended	✅ Suitable with care

At Glowroom, our therapists are trained to assess your skin before every session and select the technique that will give you the best results with the least discomfort.

Does underarm waxing hurt, and how can you make it more comfortable?

Let’s be honest — there is some discomfort involved. But “painful” is a strong word for most clients, especially after the first session.

The first time is usually the most intense because your hair follicles aren’t yet accustomed to waxing. With each subsequent session, regrowth tends to come back finer and the process becomes noticeably more comfortable.

Here are practical tips to make your underarm waxing experience as comfortable as possible:

• Let hair grow to at least 5mm before your appointment — this gives the wax something to grip
• Avoid caffeine on the day, as it can increase skin sensitivity
• Don’t exfoliate within 48 hours before your session
• Avoid waxing during your period, when skin tends to be more sensitive
• Take a mild over-the-counter painkiller (like paracetamol) 30 minutes before if you’re particularly anxious — but always check with your GP if you have any health concerns
• Breathe steadily during removal — tensing up can amplify discomfort

What to expect after underarm waxing

The treatment itself is quick, but what happens in the hours and days afterwards matters just as much.

Immediately after waxing, it’s completely normal to experience:

• Mild redness or pinkness in the area — this usually settles within a few hours
• Small raised bumps around the follicles — these are temporary and should resolve within 24 hours
• A slight tingling or warm sensation in the skin

To care for your skin post-treatment, the NHS recommends avoiding anything that could cause further irritation to freshly waxed skin. This means:

• No deodorant or antiperspirant for at least 24 hours
• No tight clothing that could rub against the area
• No gym or exercise for 24 hours (heat and sweat can cause irritation)
• No hot showers or baths — lukewarm water only for the first day
• No swimming pools or saunas for 48 hours

Gentle exfoliation from day three onwards can help prevent ingrown hairs — a soft mitt or light scrub used two to three times a week is ideal.

If you’d like to explore other hair removal services, underarm waxing is just one of the professional waxing treatments available at Glowroom. We also offer full body waxing and full legs waxing for clients looking for a complete smooth finish.

Frequently asked questions

Q: How long does underarm hair need to be before waxing? A: Ideally, your hair should be around 5mm in length — roughly the size of a grain of rice. If it’s shorter, the wax may not grip effectively. If it’s much longer, your therapist may trim it slightly before beginning.

Q: How long do underarm waxing results last? A: Most clients enjoy smooth underarms for two to four weeks. The exact timeframe depends on your individual hair growth cycle, but with regular waxing, many women find their regrowth becomes finer and slower over time.

Q: Can I wax my underarms if I have sensitive skin? A: Yes — but let your therapist know during the consultation. A professional will select a gentler wax type and take extra care during removal. Hard wax is generally the better option for sensitive underarm skin.

Q: Is it safe to wax underarms during pregnancy? A: Many women continue waxing throughout pregnancy, but skin can be more sensitive during this time. Always let your therapist know you’re pregnant, and consult your midwife or GP if you have any concerns.

Q: How often should I get underarm waxing done? A: Every three to four weeks is typical for most clients. Coming in consistently, rather than waiting until hair is very long, makes each session quicker and more comfortable.

Q: Can I apply deodorant straight after underarm waxing? A: No — you should wait at least 24 hours before applying any deodorant or antiperspirant. The pores are open after waxing and products applied too soon can cause irritation or clogged follicles.

Conclusion

Understanding what happens during underarm waxing makes the whole experience far less daunting — and once you’ve had it done professionally, most clients wonder why they waited so long to switch from shaving.

From the initial skin consultation to the soothing post-wax finish, every step is designed to give you smooth, comfortable results that last. The key is choosing a professional, experienced therapist who takes the time to assess your skin and uses the right technique for you.

Ready to enjoy silky-smooth underarms at a premium UK spa? Book your appointment at Glowroom today → https://glowroom.uk/schedule-appointment/