Laser hair removal is one of the most popular forms of permanent hair removal. You can either remove all of your hair follicles in a specific area, or you can choose to just deal with partially removed hair. If you’re not sure if laser treatments are right for you, consult with your doctor or dermatologist to see if it’s safe to use in the underarm area.
It’s also important to note that there are some limitations when it comes to using lasers on pregnant women. The FDA regulates lasers by setting guidelines for their use during pregnancy and after delivery, but there’s little data available on their safety during pregnancy or after delivery.
Read on to learn more about Is Laser Hair Removal Safe For Underarms & Which Type of Laser Works Best On Underarm Hair? and Alternative Armpit Hair Removal Treatments
Is Laser Hair Removal Safe For Underarms
Unlike shaving or waxing, laser hair removal damages hair follicles so that they won’t produce new hairs. This can lead to fewer, less noticeable hairs for a longer period of time.
The potential benefits of this procedure include:
- fewer underarm hairs
- hairs that grow back lighter in color
- less coarse texture of hairs
- slower hair growth overall
How long does it take to see results?
You may notice finer or fewer hairs after your laser hair removal procedure. Overall, it can take three to four sessions to achieve your desired armpit hair results, due to the stages of individual hair growth.
Keep in mind that, while laser hair removal is marketed as “permanent,” you will likely need follow-up treatments in the future to maintain your smooth underarms.
You may need maintenance treatments every 6 to 12 months, or whenever the hair regrows.
Permanent armpit hair removal procedure
An armpit laser hair removal procedure is done in the following steps:
- First, your professional will clean the treatment area and apply a mild anesthetic cream, if needed. You’ll be given protective eyewear for the rest of the procedure.
- Next, the professional will place a device that contains a beam of light over the armpit area. This light heats up the hair follicles, causing damage, so they don’t produce new hairs like they normally would. Overall, the process may be completed in just a few minutes.
- To minimize pain and other side effects, your professional may apply a cooling gel or spray to the underarms.
You’ll go home the same day of your procedure. Your professional may recommend applying cool compresses or ice packs to the underarms as needed. If severe swelling occurs, you may be prescribed a topical steroid cream.
Side effect and precautions
To maximize the benefits of armpit laser hair removal, it’s important that you see a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeoun for this procedure. Doing so may minimize your risk of possible side effects of laser hair removal, such as:
- redness or irritation
- pain
- blistering
- swelling
- scars (this is rare)
As with other cosmetic procedures like chemical peels, laser hair removal may increase your sensitivity to the sun. While the underarm area isn’t typically as exposed to the sun as other areas of the body, make sure you wear plenty of sunscreen as a precaution.
Temporary pigmentation changes are another possible side effect you may discuss with your dermatologist. This may present itself as light spots on dark skin, and dark spots on light skin.
Alternative Armpit Hair Removal Treatments
Laser hair removal for your underarms may lead to longer lasting results. But the potential pain, possible side effects, and cost might not make this the best option for everyone.
You may consider other armpit hair removal methods, such as:
- Waxing. Waxing removes hair and their roots via heated wax and strips. While the results last longer than shaving, you may be left with similar side effects as laser removal, such as temporary pain, swelling, and redness.
- Wet shaving. Perhaps the easiest method of armpit hair removal is wet shaving. When done with shaving cream, you reduce the risk of razor burns and cuts. While shaving is inexpensive, you may need to shave your armpits every time you bathe to help maintain your results.
- Electrolysis. Similar to laser hair removal, electrolysis also destroys hair follicles to reduce hair growths. However, this method uses radio frequencies, which aren’t painful. Still, electrolysis is typically the most expensive option and can cause other side effects, like irritation and swelling.
- Depilatory creams. Depilatory creams dissolve hairs from the surface after application and rinsing. While easy to use, these chemical based products can burn and blister the skin, so you may consider avoiding them for sensitive underarm skin.
Armpit laser hair removal provides longer lasting results than other home hair removal methods, because the process temporarily destroys hair follicles. Still, your desired results may require multiple sessions at a higher cost than waxing or shaving.
If you’re interested in armpit laser hair removal, see a board certified professional. They’ll also be able to address concerns about possible side effects.
Which Type of Laser Works Best On Underarm Hair?
Laser hair removal can be used with multiple laser types. Your professional will consider the most appropriate one based on:
- its safety and effectiveness for the underarm area
- the thickness of your hair
- your skin color
- the color of your hair
It’s important to work with a professional who has experience using laser hair treatments on different skin tones.
Dark skin requires less intense lasers, such as diode lasers, to help reduce pigment changes. Light skin, on the other hand, may be treated with ruby or alexandrite lasers.
Armpit laser hair removal cost
In 2019, the average cost of a laser hair removal session was $287.
Keep in mind that your exact cost may depend on the location and your professional. You may also need multiple sessions spaced over several weeks to get the results you’re looking for.
As a cosmetic procedure, armpit laser hair removal isn’t covered by medical insurance. However, you may be able to bring down your overall cost with a payment plan, specials offered by your professional, or financing.
Be sure to talk with your professional about the total expected fees ahead of time.