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. 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. 2
    Apply shaving foam or shaving cream.
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  3. 3
    Using a razor, shave arms in the opposite direction of hair growth.
  4. 4
    Moisturize to make sure your skin doesn't dry or become irritated.[1]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 7:

Hair Removal Creams

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

Epilator

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

  1. 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]
  2. 2
    Apply a body hair waxing kit to the area and apply for the stated time. (Usually around 10 minutes).
  3. 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. 4
    Use cool water to rinse the skin. This will get rid of the bleach.
  5. 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
    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
    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
    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.
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
  • 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.
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
  • If you have dark skin, bleaching the hair may temporarily lighten your skin in patches.
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
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References

  1. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-to-moisturize-your-skin
  2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTz382TtuV8
  3. https://www.oglf.org/how-to-use-an-epilator/
  4. https://www.oglf.org/how-to-use-an-epilator/
  5. Heather Richmond, MD. Board Certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview. 24 September 2020.
  6. Karina Villalta. Certified Esthetician. Expert Interview. 19 August 2020.
  7. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/laser-hair-removal/about/pac-20394555
  8. Heather Richmond, MD. Board Certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview. 24 September 2020.
  9. Heather Richmond, MD. Board Certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview. 24 September 2020.

About This Article

Heather Richmond, MD
Co-authored by:
Board Certified Dermatologist
This article was co-authored by Heather Richmond, MD. Dr. Heather Richmond, MD is a board certified Dermatologist at Dermatology and Laser Surgery Center in Houston, Texas. With over nine years of experience, Dr. Richmond specializes in comprehensive dermatology including medical, surgical, and cosmetic procedures. She graduated cum laude from Yale University with a BA in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. She earned her MD from the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, where she was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. She completed her Internal Medicine internship at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and her Dermatology residency at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. Dr. Richmond is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and is a member of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, and the Texas and Houston Dermatological Societies. This article has been viewed 42,600 times.
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Co-authors: 7
Updated: June 13, 2022
Views: 42,600
Categories: Hair Removal
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