How to Remove Hair from the Arms

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

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This method is only temporary and hair starts to grow back in 1 to 3 days.
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Harvard Medical School
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Method 2

Method 2 of 7:

Waxing

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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

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(Check the packaging.)
The hair usually grows back within 7 days.

Method 4

Method 4 of 7:

Epilator

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Epilators can be bought in places that sell electric items, such as hair dryers.^{[3]
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This lasts for up to 4 weeks.^{[4]
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Method 5

Method 5 of 7:

Laser Hair Removal

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1
Use a laser hair removal treatment.^{[5]
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Heather Richmond, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist

Expert Interview} 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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Karina Villalta
Certified Esthetician

Expert Interview} Note that this can be fairly expensive, but is usually permanent.^{[7]
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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

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1
Try electrolysis.^{[8]
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Heather Richmond, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist

Expert Interview} 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

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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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Heather Richmond, MD
Board Certified Dermatologist

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If it irritates your skin, do not continue to use it.^{[10]
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(Usually around 10 minutes).
If not, cover the patch back up and leave on for around 5 minutes.
This will get rid of the bleach.
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Expert Q&A

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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