How to Make the Hairs on Your Arms Lighter

There is nothing wrong with body hair; after all, it is natural. However, it can make people feel self-conscious about themselves. Shaving and waxing are always options, but shaving often comes with stubble and requires constant upkeep. Waxing is quick, but also painful. There are hair removal creams, but those are often expensive, and often come with a rather unpleasant odor. Fortunately, there is always the option to lighten or bleach the hairs on your arm. They are only effective to a certain extent, however; those with really dark hair may not get very pale results.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using a Kit

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1
Know what to expect. Bleached arm hair will grow out after about 4 weeks.^{[1]XResearch sourcewww.pamf.org/preteen/mybody/girls/hairremoval.html} This means that, depending on your hair type, the results may last fewer than 4 weeks. They typically work best on those with fair skin and light, fine hair.
- If you have very dark skin, the bleach may actually make the hairs on your arm more obvious. Keep in mind that everyone is different, however, so they may work for you.^{[2]XResearch sourcewww.pamf.org/preteen/mybody/girls/hairremoval.html}
- If you have very dark or coarse hair, the bleaching kit may not be strong enough to lighten the hairs on your arm significantly.^{[3]XResearch sourcewww.pamf.org/preteen/mybody/girls/hairremoval.html} You may be able to achieve a golden brown color, but you likely won't get white-blond.
This type of bleach is stronger than the type you'd use on your face, but gentler than the kind you'd use on the hair on your head. Some kits also specify what skin and hair type they work best on, so be sure to get the right one.^{[4]XResearch source} For example, if you have sensitive skin, get a kit that's either gentle, mild, or designed for sensitive skin.
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3
Do a patch test. It would be a good idea to do this, even if you have used body hair bleaching kits in the past. It is possible to become allergic or sensitive to the ingredients. Here is what you need to do:
- Mix up a small amount of the bleach cream, typically one part of the powder and two parts of the cream.
- Apply thumbnail-sized amount to your inner arm.
- Wait 10 minutes, then wash it off with cold water.
- Wait 24 hours. If no irritation occurs, then you may proceed. If irritation does occur, then do not use the product.
Do not use warm water, as this can open up your pores and make your skin more sensitive. Also, do not use it in a hot or steamy bathroom.
5
Measure out one part powder to two parts cream on the tray provided. Most body hair bleaching kits have to containers: one that has powder and one that has cream. Get out the tray that came with the kit, then scoop out some of the powder. Next, scoop out twice as much cream.
- If your kit came with two tubes of cream, squeeze out equal amounts of both, usually half-way around the tray.
Scrape the powder towards the cream, then smoosh the cream flat around it. Keep smooshing, mushing, and pressing until the powder and cream are mixed together.
Focus on the top of your forearm, where the hairs are darker. You may not need to use any bleach on the underside of your arm, or on your upper arm.
During this time, avoid messing with the bleach. It may sting a little, which is normal. If it starts to burn or feel too uncomfortable, however, wash it off.
If your hair still isn't light enough, apply more of the mixture, and wait 5 more minutes. Be realistic, however; the bleach can only lighten your hair so much.
The shampoo will help restore your skin's pH balance while rinsing off the rest of the bleach. Discard any leftover bleach, then rinse out the tray and spatula. Do not take a warm shower for 12 hours afterwards, as this can open up the pores and make your skin more sensitive.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using Hydrogen Peroxide and Ammonia

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Hydrogen peroxide and ammonia can be harsh and drying—even more so than usual since you are putting it directly onto your skin. It's also not something you should do very often—wait at least six weeks between treatments.^{[5]XResearch source} This method is also not permanent; it will last until the bleached hairs grow out. This could be a couple of weeks to a month.
For extra strength, add 3 to 5 drops of lemon juice. Keep in mind that lemon juice makes your skin sensitive to sunlight, so it would be best to do this in the evening.
It would be a good idea to do this, even if you have used hydrogen peroxide before. Dip a cotton ball or a tissue onto the diluted hydrogen peroxide, and dab it onto you arm. Wait 5 to 10 minutes. If no burning or irritation occur, you can proceed.
4
Apply the rest of the solution to your arm using a cotton ball. Focus on the top part of your forearm, where the hairs tend to be darker. You may not need to apply anything to the underside of your arm, or to your upper arm. Avoid applying so much that it drips down your skin.
- If the solution is too runny, add some soap flakes to it until you get a paste. To get the soap flakes, take a bar of mild body soap, and run it against a cheese or vegetable grater.
It's okay if you feel a slight tingling, but if it starts to feel to uncomfortable or it starts to burn, wash it off—even if the 10 minutes are not up.
This will remove the chemicals from your arm. Gently pat your arm dry with a towel, then apply some lotion if your skin feels dry.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Trying Other Methods

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1
Try a simple solution of hydrogen peroxide and water. Mix ¼ cup (60 milliliters) of 3% hydrogen peroxide with ¼ cup (60 milliliters) of filtered water. Apply the solution to your arm, and wait 30 to 40 minutes. Wash the solution off with cool water and pat your arm dry.
- If it starts to feel uncomfortable before the time is up, wash it off.
- If your skin feels dry, apply some lotion.
2
Try some chamomile tea. Boil 1 cup (240 milliliters) of water, then add 3 to 4 tablespoons of loose-leaf chamomile herb or tea. Wait until the water cools down, then strain the tea out. Apply the tea to your arm, then wait until it dries. Rinse it off with cool water afterwards.
- If you don't have any, you can try 3 to 4 bags of chamomile tea instead.
- To make this even more effective, sit under the sun while the tea dries.
3
Use lemon juice with care. Lemon juice can lighten your hair, but it can also make your skin sensitive to sunlight. If you go out into the sun immediately after using lemon juice, you could end up with a serious sunburn, dark patches, or a bad rash.^{[6]XResearch source} Here is how you can use lemon juice to lighten your arm hair safely:^{[7]XResearch source}
- To use lemon juice to lighten your arm hair: squeeze out some lemon juice, then apply it to your arm. Wait 15 to 20 minutes indoors, then wash it off. Avoid sunlight for the rest of the day, if you can.
- To create a gentler concoction: mix equal parts of lemon juice and honey, then apply it to your arm. Wait 20 minutes indoors, then wash it off. Avoid sunlight for the rest of the day. The honey in this will help moisturize your skin.

Expert Q&A

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Question
I have dark brown hair, but I have light skin. Will the lemon method work on me?
Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.
Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Expert Answer
It will probably lighten your hair slightly, but probably won't turn it blond.
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Question
How can I remove the hairs on my arm?
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
Try sugaring - it's like waxing, but you make a paste from sugar, water, and lemon juice. Repeat the treatment every 6 weeks or so, and you should start to notice the hair becoming sparser and thinner.
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Question
What if I cut it with scissors?
Community Answer
Your hair grows underneath your skin, and grows out of the pores. Your hair will always be darker when first growing out of the pore because it hasn't been lightened by the sun. Cutting the hair will only cause your hair to grow back the same color.
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Tips

Treatments like sugaring or laser hair removal can make your arm hair thinner and sparser over time.^{[8]XExpert SourceKarina Villalta
Certified EstheticianExpert Interview. 11 August 2020.}
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Some redness and itching is normal and may not necessarily be a sign of an allergic reaction.
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Body hair bleaching kits may also temporarily lighten your skin. Some people have also experienced it removing tans and self-tanners.
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Warnings

Bleaching kits are not safe for pregnant women.
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Body hair bleaching kits can be harsh. Do not use them if you have irritated, cut, or sunburned skin. Let your skin heal first.
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Body hair bleaching kits will make your skin sensitive, especially to heat and sunlight. Avoid intense or prolonged heat/sunlight for the next 24 hours.
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Do not go out into the sun after using lemon juice. You could end up with a serious sunburn, dark patches, or a rash.^{[9]XResearch source}
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