How to Remove Hair from the Arms

Last Updated: June 13, 2022 References

Hair removal from the arms can be either temporary or permanent, depending on your preference and your budget. The methods suggested here can be applied to the legs too.

Method 1

Method 1 of 7:

Shaving

1
Shave your arms using shaving foam, shaving cream or even hair conditioner and a razor. This method is only temporary and hair starts to grow back in 1 to 3 days.
2
Apply shaving foam or shaving cream.

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3
Using a razor, shave arms in the opposite direction of hair growth.
4
Moisturize to make sure your skin doesn't dry or become irritated.^{[1]
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Trustworthy Source
Harvard Medical School
Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public
Go to source}

Method 2

Method 2 of 7:

Waxing

1
Buy waxing kits. Choose a kit such as Veet to wax your own arms at home. Alternatively, you can get them done at a salon. This method is temporary and usually lasts between 1 and 4 weeks.^{[2]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 7:

Hair Removal Creams

1
Buy hair removal creams from most drugstores and places that sell waxing kits.
2
Apply the cream to your arms.
3
Leave on for the allotted time. (Check the packaging.)
4
Wash off the cream as instructed by the packaging. The hair usually grows back within 7 days.

Method 4

Method 4 of 7:

Epilator

1
Purchase an epilator. Epilators can be bought in places that sell electric items, such as hair dryers.^{[3]
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2
Follow the instructions on the box carefully. This lasts for up to 4 weeks.^{[4]
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Method 5

Method 5 of 7:

Laser Hair Removal

1
Use a laser hair removal treatment.^{[5]
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Expert Source

Heather Richmond, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Expert Interview. 24 September 2020.} This is available at some salons and plastic surgeries. Multiple sessions are required in order to achieve permanent hair removal.^{[6]
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Expert Source

Karina Villalta
Certified Esthetician
Expert Interview. 19 August 2020.} Note that this can be fairly expensive, but is usually permanent.^{[7]
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Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
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- This doesn't work well on white or blonde hair.

Method 6

Method 6 of 7:

Electrolysis

1
Try electrolysis.^{[8]
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Expert Source

Heather Richmond, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Expert Interview. 24 September 2020.} Electrolysis is available at some salons and plastic surgeries. Electrolysis is a hair removal method that includes a tiny needle being inserted into each hair follicle to destroy the root with an electric pulse. It is most recommended for smaller areas because it takes a long time.
- Usually need treatment every 1 or 2 weeks until the hair is gone.

Method 7

Method 7 of 7:

Bleaching

Although this isn't a hair removal method, this can be easier and less hassle than the other methods, because it just lightens the hairs so that you can't see them rather than removing them completely.^{[9]
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Expert Source

Heather Richmond, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Expert Interview. 24 September 2020.}

1
Patch test the product on a small area of your arm for around 15 minutes. If it irritates your skin, do not continue to use it.^{[10]
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2
Apply a body hair waxing kit to the area and apply for the stated time. (Usually around 10 minutes).
3
Remove a small amount of the product from a small area to check if it's done. If not, cover the patch back up and leave on for around 5 minutes.
4
Use cool water to rinse the skin. This will get rid of the bleach.
5
Moisturize the skin to stop it from becoming dry or cracked.^{[11]
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Expert Q&A

Question

How do I stop arm hair from growing?

Karina Villalta
Certified Esthetician
Karina Villalta is a certified Esthetician and Owner of Oh Sweet and Sugar and Shears, a skincare and hair removal service located in Seattle and Kirkland, Washington. With over eight years of experience, Karina specializes in eyebrow shaping, a hair removal technique called sugaring, and organic facials. Karina started her career and was trained at Benefit Cosmetics Brow Bar. Since opening her own business, Karina ensures her clients are educated about their skin and helps them implement personalized skincare routines.

Karina Villalta

Certified Esthetician

Expert Answer

You can get laser hair removal to get rid of your hair. It does take multiple sessions before you see results though.
Question

After I wax my arms and put on a sweater, why does it feel oily? Sometimes I don't want to wear short sleeves.

TheArtOfSarcasm

Community Answer

It may be because of the texture of your sweater. Instead, try putting on a jacket or something that will feel different on your arms.
Question

How long does this take to work?

HumanBeing

Top Answerer

The various methods take different amounts of time. Shaving is fastest, while laser treatment can take weeks.

Warnings

Be careful when shaving, you could cut yourself.

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Before hair laser removal, make sure you have a consultation with the company you're considering getting it done at first. This helps you make sure it's the right decision for you.

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If you have dark skin, bleaching the hair may temporarily lighten your skin in patches.

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