Download Article
Download Article
While applying stick deodorant is not a complicated procedure, there is a correct way to accomplish it without causing too much of a mess. Stick deodorant is popular in the United States, but other countries favor sprays, gels, or no deodorant at all. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies deodorant as a cosmetic designed to eliminate or mask odor with fragrance. [1] X Trustworthy Source US Food and Drug Administration U.S. government agency responsible for promoting public health Go to source
Steps
-
Wash your armpits. Before applying the stick deodorant, either take a shower or wash your armpits thoroughly to freshen up. [2] X Trustworthy Source DermNet NZ Online clinical resource website written and run by dermatologists providing evidence-based information about dermatology and skin health Go to source Dry with a towel so that the deodorant will roll onto your skin smoothly without smearing.
-
Wait to get dressed. Deodorant is known to streak on clothes, therefore, it is better to roll the deodorant under your armpit and then wait as long as possible to get dressed. If you put it on right before putting your shirt on, you’re much more likely to get white marks on your clothing. [3] X Research source
- As an alternative, you can put on your deodorant after you’ve already gotten dressed.
Advertisement
-
Unwind or pull off the deodorant cap. As with most cosmetic products, deodorant containers come with a tight cap that requires you to unwind it or pull it off.
-
Remove the plastic casing. There is often a special seal located under the cap and firmly on top of the deodorant stick that needs to be removed before use.
- The actual deodorant stick is made from alcohol, which needs to remain moist. A tight plastic casing keeps the stick moist and avoids evaporation.
-
Twist the applicator wheel 2-3 clicks. Once the lid is off, turn the wheel on the bottom of the deodorant stick 2 or 3 times to ensure that you have enough deodorant exposed at the top. This will help ensure full coverage. [4] X Research source
-
Apply deodorant in an even coat to the underarm region. Apply the deodorant slowly and thoroughly. Start at the center of your armpit and work your way outward in all directions until your underarm is completely covered. Reapply throughout the day as needed. [5] X Trustworthy Source DermNet NZ Online clinical resource website written and run by dermatologists providing evidence-based information about dermatology and skin health Go to source
- Make it easy on yourself by using the opposite hand to apply the deodorant to each of your armpits.
-
Replace the cap and put the deodorant away. Otherwise, the stick will dry up without the cap on and you will no longer be able to use it. Keep your deodorant somewhere that’s easy to access each day, such as inside the cabinet that’s under your bathroom sink.
Advertisement
Expert Q&A
Search
-
QuestionOld Spice deodorant makes me itch but doesn't give me a rash. Why does this happen and what should I do about it?Jurdy Dugdale is a Registered Nurse in Florida. She received her Nursing License from the Florida Board of Nursing in 1989.Old spice has a strong perfume component, which could be causing the itchiness for you. Just don't use it anymore and try other deodorants until you find one that you like and feels comfortable to use.
-
QuestionCan I eat deodorant? If so, does it taste good?Jurdy Dugdale is a Registered Nurse in Florida. She received her Nursing License from the Florida Board of Nursing in 1989.Deodorant most likely does not taste good. You shouldn't eat it, because it isn't designed to be eaten. Many deodorants have ingredients that can cause you to get sick if you consume them.
-
QuestionMy feet and underarms sweat a lot and they really smell bad. I use foot deodorant and regular deodorant but it doesn't seem to work. It definitely damages my social life, but does that mean I have hypohidrosis?Dr. Chris M. Matsko is a retired physician based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With over 25 years of medical research experience, Dr. Matsko was awarded the Pittsburgh Cornell University Leadership Award for Excellence. He holds a BS in Nutritional Science from Cornell University and an MD from the Temple University School of Medicine in 2007. Dr. Matsko earned a Research Writing Certification from the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) in 2016 and a Medical Writing & Editing Certification from the University of Chicago in 2017.It is possible. You need to be evaluated by a doctor in a clinical setting. They may have prescription-strength deodorant for you to use to help you with your sweating and odor.
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement
Video
Reader Videos
Submit a Video Tip!
Share a quick video tip and help bring articles to life with your friendly advice. Your insights could make a real difference and help millions of people!
Submit a Video
Coming Soon!
Tips
- Decide which brand of stick deodorant and which fragrance is best for you. There are many different types to choose from, including scented, unscented, men’s, women’s, gel-based, powder-based, natural, and more. [6] X Research sourceThanks
- Try not to overuse deodorant, many people do not like a heavy fragrance radiating from other people. If possible, buy antiperspirant if you plan on working out.Thanks
- Similar to other personal care products, your body can build resistance to deodorant making it less effective. Therefore, make sure you switch brands frequently.Thanks
Tips from our Readers
The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
- There’s a difference between deodorant and antiperspirant. Deodorant prevents odor but does not stop sweating, while antiperspirant generally does both. You can use either or both depending on your personal preferences. (There are also antiperspirant/deodorant combos.)
- Deodorant works much better when applied at night. Because you don’t sweat as much at night, the product has time to set in. And don’t worry if you like to take a shower in the morning—it won’t wash off!
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Advertisement
Warnings
- If you experience discomfort or get a rash, stop using the deodorant and see a dermatologist.Thanks
Advertisement
References
- ↑ https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/it-cosmetic-drug-or-both-or-it-soap
- ↑ https://dermnetnz.org/topics/antiperspirant
- ↑ https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/health-and-wellness/2019/june/deodorant
- ↑ https://www.sweathelp.org/hyperhidrosis-treatments/antiperspirants/tips-for-best-results-otc.html
- ↑ https://dermnetnz.org/topics/antiperspirant
- ↑ https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/health-and-wellness/2019/june/deodorant
About This Article
Article Summary
X
To apply stick deodorant, start by washing and drying your armpits so the deodorant will roll on smoothly. After removing the lid, turn the wheel at the bottom 2-3 times to expose the deodorant. Next, start at the center of your armpit and apply the deodorant by working your way outward in all directions until your underarm is completely covered. Then, wait as long as possible to get dressed, so you can avoid getting white marks on your clothing. For more tips from our Medical Reviewer, like how to choose the right deodorant for you, read on!
Did this summary help you?
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 564,221 times.
Reader Success Stories
- "I love this website. The contributors always have excellent and knowledge-enhancing articles! Therefore, I recently switched from Yahoo! Answers to wikiHow. Nevertheless, there's always space for extra information and advanced features! Keep it up!" ..." more
Advertisement
"I love this website. The contributors always have excellent and knowledge-enhancing articles! Therefore, I recently switched from Yahoo! Answers to wikiHow. Nevertheless, there's always space for extra information and advanced features! Keep it up!"
..."
more
"I am new to this stuff, and I wasn't quite sure how to use it. Do I use it in the morning or at night? Am I using the right kind? Thankfully, this article answered my questions."
..."
more
