Underarm hair removal has become part of many Filipinos' grooming routines, whether it's for comfort, hygiene, or personal preference.
From shaving and waxing to laser treatments, a wide range of hair removal options is now available—each offering its own set of advantages and drawback
But according to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Gaile Robredo-Vitas, not all hair removal methods are created equal.
Some may increase the risk of irritation, ingrown hairs, or even dark underarms when done improperly, while others offer a safer and more long-term solution.
During the Nivea Deo Dermasphere event at Whitespace Manila on July 10, 2026, Dr. Gaile ranked five common underarm hair removal methods from least to most recommended.
She also shared why technique matters just as much as the method itself, along with the common mistakes she sees among patients.
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HAIR REMOVAL METHODS RANKED
5th place: WAXING
Waxing landed at the bottom of Dr. Gaile's list, sharing the bottom-tier with plucking.
While many prefer waxing because it removes hair from the roots and leaves the underarms smooth for weeks, the dermatologist said repeated trauma to the skin is something worth considering.
Although she clarified that there is "nothing wrong" with removing underarm hair, any procedure that repeatedly pulls on the skin can contribute to irritation over time.
According to Dr. Gaile, trauma is among the factors linked to dark underarms.
Repeated irritation, especially among people whose skin is more prone to pigmentation, may increase the likelihood of discoloration.
She explained that most Filipinos have Fitzpatrick Skin Type IV, making them more susceptible to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
The Fitzpatrick Skin Type is a classification system that categorizes skin according to its melanin content and how it responds to ultraviolet (UV) exposure.
Dr. Gaile added that constant rubbing during exercise or everyday movement may also contribute to friction in the area.
"So when you're always... running or when you're into aerobics and there's friction between your skin, that also contributes."
For those who prefer waxing, proper aftercare becomes especially important to help minimize unnecessary irritation.
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4th place: PLUCKING
Coming in fourth is plucking.
Plucking remains one of the cheapest ways to remove underarm hair.
However, Dr. Gaile said the method itself can become the problem.
"There is nothing wrong with it," she said, before explaining why improper plucking may lead to skin concerns.
According to the dermatologist, pulling hairs in the wrong direction may damage the hair bulb.
"When you pluck wrongly, like for example, when you pluck in a different direction, sometimes it destroys the hair bulb so that when the hair grows, pwedeng ingrown siya or pwedeng magkaroon ng infection."
Ingrown hairs occur when new hair curls back into the skin instead of growing outward.
This may lead to bumps, inflammation, and in some cases, infection.
Repeated inflammation can also leave behind pigmentation, making the underarms appear darker over time.
Because of this, Dr. Gaile advised against assuming that dark underarms are simply the result of poor hygiene.
"Not directly," she clarified, pointing to friction and repeated trauma as more significant contributors.
She cited a published paper that ranked possible causes of dark underarms, with friction topping the list.
"So any form of trauma to the underarms like plucking... anything with friction lang. Friction is number one," she explained.
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3rd place: SHAVING
Taking the next spot is shaving—arguably the most popular underarm hair removal method because it is quick, affordable, and easy to do at home.
Unlike waxing or plucking, shaving cuts the hair at the surface instead of pulling it from the roots.
However, Dr. Gaile emphasized that how a person shaves is just as important as shaving itself: "I always teach my patients to shave with the grain and not against the grain."
She explained that every stroke of a razor creates tiny abrasions on the skin.
These may not always be visible, but, repeated shaving without proper technique may compromise the skin's natural barrier, making it easier for bacteria and other irritants to enter.
"Just remember when you're scraping a blade through skin, it causes micro tears and abrasion.
"So, these micro tears actually open your skin to irritation, microbes, which can lead to problems later on."
For this reason, Dr. Robredo-Vitas believes proper shaving technique matters just as much as choosing a good razor.
Avoiding unnecessary pressure, replacing dull blades, and shaving with the grain may help reduce trauma to the skin.
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2nd place: DEPILATORY CREAM
Second on Dr. Gaile's list are depilatory creams, which dissolve hair at the skin's surface instead of pulling it from the roots.
"I don't know if you're familiar with the mga depilatory creams. I prefer that. You just put the cream and then it just removes the hair," she said.
Unlike waxing or plucking, depilatory creams don't rely on force to remove hair. Because of this, they create less trauma on the skin, making them a gentler option for people who aren't ready to commit to laser hair removal.
Still, she emphasized that no single product or procedure automatically guarantees lighter underarms.
Rather than constantly switching routines or trying every trend online, she encouraged people to focus on keeping the skin healthy first, warning against scrubbing the area or applying multiple products in hopes of achieving lighter underarms.
"Sometimes what they do is they use harsh ingredients like exfoliants. They use lightening ingredients or they follow trends like baking soda, calamansi."
For the dermatologist, these extra steps are often unnecessary: "I think it's doing things to your underarms that they don't need.
"If there's nothing wrong with your underarms, proper cleansing and using the right antiperspirants to control sweat and maybe deodorants to control the smell is more than enough."
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1st place: LASER HAIR REMOVAL
Topping Dr. Gaile's ranking is laser hair removal.
Asked whether laser is better than waxing or shaving, her answer was straightforward: "For me, yes."
The dermatologist explained that laser hair removal offers a more lasting solution compared to other methods that require repeated maintenance.
"When you do laser hair removal, it's more permanent," she assured.
Because hair growth is significantly reduced after a series of treatments, the skin is also exposed to less repeated pulling, scraping, or friction over time.
For patients who already know they prefer hair-free underarms, Dr. Gaile believes laser treatment is worth considering.
"For me, if you know naman that you don't want hair in your underarms and you don't mind having permanent hairless underarms, go for lasers. At least it's safer, more permanent."
She also advised that the procedure should only be performed by qualified professionals, saying, "Remember lang to go to someone or a clinic with experienced practitioners."
As a general recommendation by the professional: "There are a lot of products naman that are clinically tested.
"It's very, very important for me that the products I recommend to my patients are backed by science. Hindi puwede yung claim mo lang tapos wala namang evidence."
While laser treatments may cost more upfront than razors or waxing appointments, the dermatologist's ranking suggests that the long-term benefits may outweigh the repeated trauma associated with other methods.