Armpit Hair Removal Methods?

mitziandbubba

I didn't know where to post this. I'm afraid to shave b/c LE risk and I haven't shaved my pits in a year. I really tried to embrace hairy pits but I just can't do it - and I can tell my husband isn't feeling it. I have decided that I need to do something. How do people remove hair? I thought about a gentle removal cream vs shaving?

edj3

I use an electric razor.

Beesie

Electric razor here too.

MountainMia

Sorry that I can't help. I find the question interesting because I don't have any armpit hair anymore! After chemo, I did have some grow back under my right arm (radiation on the left, and none grew back there.) But after I shaved it a couple of times, it never came back. Same on my legs. No (well, almost no) leg hair! It is weird. It's totally okay, but weird anyway.

Good luck!

Spookiesmom

Non electric razor for the few hairs left.

IamNancy

I hardly have any hair on the side of treatment.... however, what little is there, I just shave with a razor with the cream on it (Intuition Razor)

exbrnxgrl

Well you have my admiration for going a full year! I initially used an electric shaver but did eventually move to a blade. I have never had rads (to the chest) or chemo but have found that as I got older both the hair on my legs and arm pits have greatly diminished

mitziandbubba

Thanks everyone! I did buy and electric razor but I've been nervous to use it. How do you guys maintain/keep it clean?

exbrnxgrl - I'm a bit of a hippie and I kept thinking well, why not? But I just can't with the hair. I think my hippie side stops at the Birkenstocks. My hair has diminished too as I've gotten older but I am one HAIRY woman still. Everywhere except my head where the hair is very thin and fine.

mitziandbubba

Also, I feel like there should be a beauty/self care section of these boards! To share tips like this.

exbrnxgrl

Mitzi, my razor is a wet/dry model. I can use it in the shower or just with shave cream. It’s very easy to pop the head off and clean. The brand is Panasonic.

buttonsmachine

I use an electric razor also. It does leave a few stray hairs behind, but it's better than nothing.

LiveLoveLaugh2020

Same here, electric razor. Works well!

mitziandbubba

Thanks everyone! They told me after rads I might not have any pit hair on that side but it came back just like it was before!

AliceBastable

Electric here, too. I was told before rads to not shave with a razor, but electric was okay, so I got one then, and have kept using it. It's so easy. And cleaning is simple, pop the head off and give it a blow, plus use the little brushes that come with it.

And this may be TMI, but I've gone for months without shaving (NO sleeveless!) because I'm extremely nearsighted so shaving pits is out of my range of glasses vision. My hair is really light, so I can't see it in a mirror and I'm too uncoordinated to try working in a reflection. Before finally shaving, I'd trim it up a bit with scissors so the shaver or razor wouldn't get jammed up.

I'm so glad I don't use my real name or picture here!

gb2115

I'm afraid to shave too. I hate the way it looks but oh well.

Janett2014

I use VEET sensitive skin with aloe hair removal cream.

Simplicity

Morning and hello everyone. This topic caught my eye cause I cannot shave anymore! Super itchy even if I use one of those personal trimmers instead of actually shaving.

On another note, I was searching for a 'Work' forum? Looking to discuss BC discriminatory issues in the workplace? Any help or direction is greatly appreciated

SpecialK

simplicity - here is a link to an employment thread.

https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/113/topics/866762?page=3#post_5520188

I was reluctant to shave initially, but resumed with a regular razor and Skintimate shave cream. I don't have to shave my underarms as often, but I had leg hair even during chemo.

RebzAmy

I had laser hair removal done under my arms years ago, and it's the best thing ever! I wasn't overly hairy there anyway, but I don't have to worry about hair there anymore.

mitziandbubba

Simplicity, check out the Cancer and Careers website. You might find some help there.

cyathea

Wait...I’m not supposed to use a regular razor because of LE risk?!? No one told me that. I don’t have much hair after chemo and my underarms are almost completely numb so I’ve been very gently using a razor, just guessing that I’m swiping in the right area since it’s hard to see and shave like I used to before the BMX. I have a Panasonic electric razor but I really dislike the way it feels and it doesn’t do a particularly good job either. Now I guess I should reconsider. Thanks for posting everyone

mitziandbubba

cyathea, they suggest an electric razor b/c I guess it's harder to cut yourself and cuts could mean infection. That said, I have never cut my armpit in all my bajillion years shaving. I tend to be overly cautious about things.

LaVue

Excuse my ignorance. What is LE risk?

buttonsmachine

LE risk means lymphedema risk :-)

gb2115

I actually have cut myself in my armpit, pre cancer. I'm accident prone though, for real.

LaVue

Thank you.