Dyeing the hair on your head has become a staple in society. But dyeing the hair under your arms? Well, that may be an entirely new concept to some. Although the process is similar, protecting your skin and maintaining your new armpit color can be tricky. Here’s what you should know before trying the trend.
Why consider armpit hair coloring
For some people, hair dye is little more than a practical way to cover up gray strands. For others, it may be an important form of self-expression. A particular shade, especially a bright one, can be personally empowering or a sign of broader political opinions. These views aren’t limited to the hair on your head. Keeping - and coloring - your armpit hair, for example, can be seen as a way to challenge rigid beauty standards and promote body positivity. That’s because traditional social norms often suggest that women must remove all visible body hair to be desirable. Of course, it’s not just women who can make such a statement. People of all identities are trialing the look.
What to know before you start
The process includes similar stages to dyeing head hair. But due to pit hair’s coarser texture and the sensitivity of the area, there are a few vital differences. As we’ll discuss in the next section, you should take special consideration with your product selection, method of application, and overall color maintenance.
Products
The most important step? Purchasing the correct products. There are even brands like Betty Beauty that have dyes specifically formulated for body hair. If you have dark underarm hair, you’ll also need to purchase a bleaching product. Bleaching products are used to strip hair of its natural color and open its cuticles so that the dye can be absorbed properly. Although 30 and 40 volume developers are often used for head hair, they’re typically too strong for delicate underarm skin. Opt for a 20 volume developer, if possible.
Preparation
Make sure you cover all nearby surfaces with newspaper. You should also clean your pits with soap and warm water to remove any lingering deodorant. If you can, change into an old sleeveless shirt. This will allow you to easily access your armpits while still protecting your torso from unwanted staining.
Application
Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly to the outer edges of your armpit, or the area surrounding your armpit hair. This will help prevent the dye from transferring straight to your skin. When you’re ready, apply a thick layer of developer to your armpit hair and keep your arms above your head while it works its magic. You want your hair to turn a pale yellow shade before you rinse the developer out. Try keeping the developer on for 10 minutes. If your hair is still too dark, check back every 3 to 5 minutes until it has sufficiently lightened. When your hair has reached the desired shade, rinse the developer out and reapply the petroleum jelly, if needed.
Now it’s time to apply the dye. Before starting, put on some latex or vinyl gloves to protect your hands. Although you can use your gloved hands to apply the dye, a dye brush or mascara wand will help with precision. Follow the instructions on the dye’s label. General guidelines suggest that you leave the dye on for at least 30 minutes to achieve maximum pigmentation. Rinse the dye out when the time is up. If any dye is left on your skin, gently scrub the area with soap and warm water. Allow your underarms to air dry.
Post-dye care and color longevity
If you accidentally transferred dye to the counter, floor, or other surface area, you can use soap, baking soda, or bleach to remove the stain. Color transfer between your armpit hair and clothes, bedding, and other cloth is possible during the first couple of days. Wearing a sleeveless top during the day and a dark T-shirt to sleep can help minimize staining. The process is relatively risk-free, as long as you use the correct products. Leaving a product on for too long or using an overly strong developer can result in skin irritation or even burns.
Your skin may also feel sensitive after a fresh dye job, so you should avoid deodorant and other pit products for the next 24 hours. If you’re worried about which products to use or how these products may affect your skin, consider opting for a professional dye job.
Bleaching vs. dyeing: how to lighten armpit hair
Bleaching is used to strip natural color and lighten the hair so the dye can show up on darker underarm strands. People may use at-home lightening kits, hydrogen peroxide, or lemon juice as alternatives. Bleaching with 20 volume developer is often safer for the sensitive underarm skin. For home lightening, a common approach is to mix peroxide with water (1:1) and apply with a cotton ball, letting it sit for a few minutes before rinsing. If you notice redness or irritation, stop and wash the area. Hydration after bleaching is important; use a vitamin E-rich lotion to keep skin soft. Lemon juice can be used safely on some skin types, with sun exposure helping activation, but it can dry the skin, so moisturize afterward. Always patch-test first and follow kit instructions closely.
Professional vs. DIY: choosing your path
Is a professional dye job worth it? A fully trained professional can ensure longevity by picking the right products for your hair type. It might take a couple of attempts to produce the same results at home. Armpit hair dyeing is usually carried out in a traditional hair salon. Many salons don’t openly advertise this niche service, but a quick phone call can confirm availability. Prices vary; expect it to cost less than a traditional hair dye appointment. Appointments typically last about an hour, depending on your starting color and target shade.
Practical considerations and tips
- Hair texture matters: thicker or coarser hair may require more dye or longer processing, though there is less hair area to cover.
- Bleach first? Dark natural hair may require bleaching; lighter hair may skip this step.
- Color longevity varies by shade; darker shades tend to last longer, while red can fade faster due to molecule size.
- Roots will grow back; expect regrowth within about a week, depending on hair growth rate.
- Avoid shampoo with harsh sulfates after bleaching or dyeing for the first 8 hours to maximize color life.
Personal experiences and considerations
One notable anecdote from a stylist perspective shows how armpit dyeing can be a form of self-expression. The practice can be a space for feminist values and body autonomy, illustrating that armpit color is more than a trend-it can be a statement about identity and choice.
- Patch-test a small area before full application to check for irritation.
- Protect surrounding skin with petroleum jelly and wear gloves during dyeing.
- Carefully follow product instructions and time guidelines to avoid irritation.
- Allow color to set, then rinse, and moisturize afterward.
Whether you choose to do it at home or in a salon, dyeing armpit hair is a relatively simple process that can be empowering and expressive. It’s a bold step toward challenging conventional beauty norms and embracing body positivity.
