When it comes to underarm hair, I’m Team Shave It Off. Simultaneously, I thought it was cool of Miley Cyrus to dye her armpit hairs pink in 2015. Yes, people, two different choices can co-exist.
My choice is based on simple truths I live with: I don’t appreciate my armpit hair because it gets itchy when I sweat. I hate how it feels rough after a day or two after shaving.
When I do let it grow, it feels uncomfortable because it’s not exactly a fine tuft. It feels like there are pieces of steel wool under my arms. I exaggerate, but you hairy girls out there feel me, I know.
As with many women, I’m annoyed by the constant need to try out shavers and depilatory creams. I almost hit “Checkout” on an at-home IPL hair remover once. The Instagram Stories ads and TikTok videos hunted me. I hesitated when I saw the mixed Reddit reviews.
I also noticed that constantly removing hair under my arms made it look darker.
It felt like a damned if I do, damned if I don’t sitch.
My best option was to go back to the tried-and-tested laser hair removal at a dermatology clinic. Skin House Beauty and Laser Clinic welcomed me last November to start my Soprano Diode sessions.
Soprano Diode Laser starts with a consultation with a dermatologist to make sure you are safe. Before your first session, you will be asked not to shave your underarms and avoid any whitening products. Let it grow a little bit for one last time.
The procedure takes less than 30 minutes for both arms. The aesthetician first shaves off your hair. Afterward, a gel that aids the laser wand to glide smoothly over your skin is applied.
The laser wand delivers a particular wavelength of light that heats the melanin around your hair follicles. When this happens, your hair roots are affected too. They become unable to grow new hair.
As your appointments go by, the laser’s intensity is increased, also based on your tolerance. Ideally, you feel a very rapid flash of heat and pricking. If you’ve gotten a Brazilian wax before, this sensation will be nothing. The former is far more painful and makes me cringe just thinking about it as I type this.
After-care
You need to observe only a few guidelines after your treatment: No excessive sweating for three days (so take a break from the gym), skip the shower overnight, especially one with warm water and let off the deodorant for a week.
I found that Skin House always manages your expectations. They don’t oversell their services. They said that the effects of the laser after four to six sessions. I was then quite pleased when I didn’t see the need to pick up a razor in the four weeks that followed after I got first zapped. Some baby hairs grew, but they were not noticeable.
We still proceeded to go on with the succeeding appointments. After my third session, I was advised to book the next one after six weeks.
I finished my fourth session this month, and there’s virtually no hair left. I then inquired if I could do the Soprano Diode on my upper lip because I am done with dermplaining my “mustache.” When getting laser hair removal on the lips, you have to brace yourself a little because the area is more sensitive.
Soprano Diode Laser can also be performed on your legs and entire bikini area. Another tip: It’s always best to avail of the package deal offered, so you pay less.
Editor’s Picks
With hair-free underarms comes great responsibility.
Briogeo B. Well Tea Tree + Eucalyptus Clean Natural Deodorant
Tea tree oil is the primary pick for underarm care. It contains antimicrobial, antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. With this, your pits smelling fresh all day without the harsh chemicals. Available via Sephora.ph
SkinPotions Sorcery Cream
A secret among the skincare fanatics online. This product helps whiten underarms fast, as users have testified to seeing results in two weeks. Available via Shopee
Human Nature Sunflower Beauty Oil
After your evening shower, apply this oil on your underarms if you want to say good-bye to uneven texture. Available online
ASK A DERMA: How can I keep my skin looking youthful? (Part 2)