From laser treatments and electrolysis to simply embracing a natural look, today’s options are expanding—and so are attitudes toward body hair.
It usually starts with a glance in the mirror.
You’re getting ready for a beach day, a workout, a dinner out, or simply pulling on your favorite sleeveless top when you notice it’s time to shave again. For some people, it’s a quick routine. For others, it’s one more task on an already crowded to-do list.
And lately, more people are asking themselves a simple question:
Do I really want to keep doing this?
For generations, underarm shaving was viewed as a standard part of personal grooming. Today, however, the conversation has changed. Some people are exploring longer-lasting hair-removal methods, while others are deciding to put down the razor altogether. The result is a growing trend centered less on beauty rules and more on personal choice.
If you’re tired of shaving every few days, you’re certainly not out of options.
One of the fastest-growing alternatives is laser hair removal. Costs have come down significantly over the years, making treatments more accessible than they once were. Modern laser systems are also faster and more comfortable than earlier versions, with many users reporting minimal discomfort compared to the treatments of the past. While multiple sessions are typically required, laser hair removal can dramatically reduce hair growth and the need for constant maintenance.
Another long-standing option is electrolysis. Unlike laser treatments, which target pigment in the hair, electrolysis treats individual follicles one at a time. The process can take longer, but it remains the only FDA-recognized method of permanent hair removal. It’s also effective on hair colors that may not respond as well to laser treatments, including blonde, gray, red, and white hair.
Sugaring has also gained popularity in recent years. Made from a simple mixture of sugar, water, and lemon, the treatment removes hair from the root in a manner similar to waxing. Many people find it gentler on sensitive skin and appreciate its natural ingredients.
Traditional waxing continues to be a favorite choice for those looking for longer-lasting results. Because hair is removed from the root, smooth skin can last for weeks rather than days.
Other options include epilators, which mechanically remove hair from the root, depilatory creams that dissolve hair at the skin’s surface, and at-home IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) devices that gradually reduce hair growth over time.
Of course, there’s another option that requires no appointments, equipment, or products at all: doing nothing.
More people are choosing to embrace natural underarm hair, whether for convenience, comfort, personal preference, or simply because they no longer feel the need to follow old beauty expectations. What was once considered unconventional has become increasingly common in advertisements, social media feeds, and everyday life.
The real trend is having the freedom to decide for yourself.
Did You Know?
The average person can spend hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars over a lifetime on razors, replacement blades, shaving creams, waxing appointments, and other hair-removal products. It’s one reason why long-term options such as laser hair removal and electrolysis have become increasingly popular.
A Little History:
Underarm hair removal for women wasn’t always the norm. In fact, it wasn’t until the early 1900s, when sleeveless fashions became more popular, that advertisers began promoting smooth underarms as a beauty ideal. Before then, most women paid little attention to underarm hair. Like clothing styles, hairstyles, and makeup trends, attitudes toward body hair have evolved over time—and continue to change with each generation.
