How to Make Arm Hair Thinner

Everyone has hair on their arms. However, some people are born with thicker, darker arm hair. If you have noticeable arm hair, you may wish to remove it for aesthetic reasons. Luckily, there are a variety of safe ways to remove or reduce the appearance of arm hair. Whether you are looking to boost your confidence or simply change your look, you can take control of your appearance by exploring hair removal methods.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Experimenting With At-Home Arm Hair Treatments

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1
Shave your arm hair. You may shave your arms with a safety razor just as any part of your body. This is a temporary solution, and you may see hair regrowth within a few days. In order to keep up with this method, you will need to shave your arm hair a few times a week. ^{[1]XResearch source}
- Because you are cutting your hair with a blunt razor, this method may cause noticeable ingrown hairs. The hair may also appear to grow back thicker. ^{[2]XResearch source} Be aware of these side effects when choosing to shave arm hair.
Arm hair lies flat against the skin. Trimming arm hair length therefore greatly reduces its appearance. Use an electric hair trimmer with an adjustable blade to trim hair. Do not shave all the way down. Your shorter arm hair will make it look a lot thinner. ^{[3]XResearch source}
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3
Use a depilatory cream. A depilatory cream dissolves the hair from the base. This means that your arms will be smooth for about a week. The hair will also appear to grow back in softer than shaving. Do a patch test on your skin to make sure you do not have an allergy, then apply to your arms as indicated on the label. ^{[4]XResearch source} Exfoliate afterward to remove any remaining hairs. ^{[5]XResearch source}
- It is recommended that you stay out of the sun for 24 hours before and after using a depilatory cream. ^{[6]XResearch source}
- Consider applying a hair-inhibiting cream in between depilatory cream applications to keep hair thinner and softer. ^{[7]XResearch source}
If you have a lighter skin tone and thin hair, consider bleaching your arm hair. ^{[8]XResearch source} Bleaching uses hydrogen peroxide to remove the pigment from your hair. ^{[9]XResearch source} This may greatly reduce the appearance of your arm hair by turning it a less noticeable shade. ^{[10]XResearch source}
5
Try at-home waxing. Waxing will keep your arms smooth for about four weeks. At-home waxing treatments are therefore long-lasting and relatively inexpensive. Try a cold wax kit so you do not burn yourself. Apply the strip to your arm as per the instructions on the label.
- Hair must be at least a quarter-inch long for the wax to grip it properly. Allow your hair to grow out for a few weeks to a reasonable length before attempting to wax it. ^{[11]XResearch source}
6
Try sugaring for a treatment similar to waxing. If you don't want to purchase a wax treatment, make your own hair remover at home using sugar and water. Combine 1 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons vinegar, and 2 tablespoons water in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce to medium heat. Pour into a glass container when it turns a ginger-ale brown color. Let cool slightly, then apply to skin with a butter knife. Pull firmly upwards and the sugar wax will remove the hairs.
- Try applying corn starch to your skin beforehand to get rid of excess moisture.
- Sugaring removes the hair from the root each time you do it, so if you continue the treatments every 6 weeks or so, you should notice your hair becoming finer and sparser over time.^{[12]XExpert SourceKarina Villalta
  Certified EstheticianExpert Interview. 11 August 2020.}

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Exploring Professional Hair-Removal Options

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Many salons offer professional waxing services. They use hot wax to remove hair from the follicle. Professional waxes are thorough, though often costlier than at-home treatments. Salons may offer a half or full arm wax depending on where your hair grows. ^{[13]XResearch source} Make sure you find a hygenic, experienced technician if you choose to get professional waxing services.
2
Try laser hair removal.^{[14]XExpert SourceJessie Davidson
Child Care SpecialistExpert Interview. 11 June 2021.} Laser hair removal uses concentrated beams of light to penetrate the hair follicle and destroy the hair. It is certified by the FDA to permanently reduce hair. This means that hair growth will be reduced over time, and hair may be completely gone for years at a time. Many patients will need multiple treatments to keep hair from growing back. This is not a permanent solution, but may last for years. There are few side effects, although treatments can cause pain afterward. This pain is usually treated with over the counter medication. ^{[15]XResearch source}
- Visit a dermatologic surgeon to get laser hair removal done. Make sure you find a doctor experienced and trained in performing laser hair removal.
- It may take 6-8 sessions to see results, so talk to your dermatologist about what to expect from the procedure.^{[16]XExpert SourceKarina Villalta
  Certified EstheticianExpert Interview. 11 August 2020.}
- Keep in mind that if your body goes through hormonal changes, you may notice the hair returning, even after laser treatments.^{[17]XExpert SourceKarina Villalta
  Certified EstheticianExpert Interview. 11 August 2020.}
3
Remove hair permanently with electrolysis. Electrolysis is the only permanent method of hair removal according to the FDA and the American Medical Association. In electrolysis, an electrode is inserted into the skin and an electric current passes through the hair follicle, inhibiting hair growth. ^{[18]XResearch source} It is not painful, though may cause some redness after each treatment. Patients will need a series of treatments over time, with each treatment lasting 15-20 minutes. ^{[19]XTrustworthy SourceCleveland ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- You must be a licensed and certified technician in order to perform electrolysis, so make sure the doctor you choose has a license before undergoing the procedure.

Expert Q&A

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Question
How can I make my arm hair thinner and lighter?
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
Do either sugaring or laser treatments. With sugaring, the hair is removed from the root each time. If repeat the sugaring every 6 weeks or so, over time, this makes the hair much finer and sparser. With laser hair removal, you'll have to do 6 or more sessions to see results, and typically after 8 or more sessions, the hair is significantly reduced.
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Question
Does bleaching make a person's hair thicker?
Community Answer
It's actually more likely to make your hair thinner -- or not affect it at all.
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Question
If I shave my arms, will it start to be permanently be stubby after time?
Community Answer
Most likely. This can be reversed by waxing your arms, which, unlike shaving, will pull out the hair with the roots and allow brand new, non-stubby hair to form.
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