Laser hair removal underarms: answers to the 8 most popular questions about the procedure

From this article you will learn:

What are the features of the laser hair removal procedure for armpits?
How to prepare for underarm laser hair removal procedure
What complications and consequences are possible after laser?
In what cases should you refuse laser hair removal of the armpits?
Can laser get rid of hair forever?

Every representative of the fair sex tries to get rid of excess hair on the body. However, the usual shaving and waxing are not suitable for everyone, since the effect of these procedures is very short-lived. To prevent unwanted hairs from appearing for a long time, you should go to a clinic or salon, where laser hair removal of the armpits has recently become especially popular.

Advantages and disadvantages of laser hair removal for armpits

This procedure has the following advantages:

relative painlessness;
harmlessness and minimal trauma;
there is no risk of infection;
saving time;
efficiency;
the beam does not destroy tissue cells;
gets rid of ingrown hairs;
high percentage of removal at one time;
It is a popular and common hair removal for men;
no complications;
duration of effect.

The procedure, despite positive reviews, has disadvantages;

high cost of the procedure;
after the first session the benefit is practically not visible;
the result is observed after a few days;
compliance with the rules after laser exposure.

You can learn about the bikini hair removal procedure here.

How to prepare for the first procedure?

Before the procedure, you need to shave the selected area. This recommendation is rarely given because most lasers require hair to grow to 3-5 mm. For ours, there is no need to do this, which is certainly more comfortable in everyday life.

If the client wants to remove hair above the lip or on the arms and has not touched it there before, then the specialist can remove the hair himself before epilation using an electric trimmer. Well, the most important thing is not to read horror stories, but to tune in to a positive mood.

Sign up for laser hair removal

How does the laser hair removal procedure in the armpit area work?

Immediately before using the laser, you should consult a cosmetologist or dermatologist. The specialist will determine the skin phototype and the presence of contraindications. This will help you configure the device correctly, determine the number of sessions and their approximate cost. Knowing the pain threshold level, the doctor will choose the level of anesthesia.

Typically, the working surface is lubricated with a cooling gel that can minimize the sensation of pain. The procedure is done in 1-1.5 minutes on clean, dry skin. The client must wear protective glasses before exposure to radiation. Be in a sitting or lying position. Laser exposure may cause a slight tingling or burning sensation. However, this does not cause much discomfort. In 95% of cases the procedure is considered painless. After it, most of the hair will fall off within 4-6 days. As they grow in the remaining hair follicles, the following sessions will be prescribed.

Find out about laser hair removal on legs in this material.

During the procedure, the specialist is obliged to monitor the condition of the skin. If any problem occurs: severe redness or burns, the session should be stopped immediately.

Preparation - what to do before

Proper preparation before using the laser beam will affect the final result. It includes:

in 3 weeks you should reduce the amount of time spent in the open sun;
wear blouses or long sleeve shirts;
do not shave your hair 2-3 days in advance;
its length should not exceed 3-4 mm;
use a razor to remove;
Waxing is not allowed;
Do not take hormonal medications for 7 days;
3 days in advance it is not recommended to use deodorant to avoid the possibility of burns;
It is better to do laser hair removal in winter or autumn;
Plucking hair with tweezers is not allowed;
2 weeks before, you should stop taking tetracycline antibiotics;

Laser hair removal is useless for gray and blond hair.

Should I shave my armpits?

Standard shaving or waxing does not provide long-lasting smooth skin. Only laser hair removal will give long-lasting results - from 4 months to 2 years, depending on the hair structure. They need to be shaved immediately before the laser procedure. In some cases this is done between sessions.

Before the first epilation, the armpit area is cleaned with a regular razor. This is done 2-3 days in advance so that the length of the hairs is not higher than 3-4 mm. If their growth increases between treatments, the specialist may recommend shaving at a certain period of time. If you follow all the recommendations, the effect will be amazing. Find out about the effect of neodymium laser in cosmetology in the article.

Shaving should only be done with a new blade and avoid cuts. In this case, the procedure should be canceled until the wound is completely healed.

Does it hurt?

The skin in the armpit area is quite sensitive, so hair removal may be accompanied by unpleasant sensations. However, comparing other methods, this one is practically painless. The feeling of pain depends on the individual characteristics of the client’s body, including the level of pain threshold. The lower it is, the more painful the laser hair removal session will be. The quality of the chosen device and the experience of the cosmetologist also affects the client’s sensations. By choosing the most modern devices with a nozzle for cooling the skin, you can get the most comfortable hair removal procedure: without irritation, redness and burns.

Description of the procedure

Laser hair removal of the armpits is a technique through which hair follicles are destroyed under the targeted influence of a laser. As a result, the ray-emitting energy penetrates the hair and reaches the hair follicle, causing the release of heat and cell breakdown.

However, it is worth considering that the laser does not have a negative effect on the tissue surrounding the hair. After a certain period of time after the session, hair loss that has been exposed to laser treatment is observed. At the same time, the skin in the places where they grow tightens and becomes smooth.

Laser hair removal is not performed on people with dark skin.
The target of the beam is melanin, due to which a dark skin tone is acquired. When exposed to the laser, it will be destroyed, which can leave burns and light spots.

Cosmetologist, dermatovenerologist, laser therapist.

Nachoeva Irina Nasredinovna

7 years experience

Before choosing the laser method for removing hair from the armpits, it is necessary to take into account the fact that the procedure is effective only for hairs with the maximum melanin content. For this reason, you should not expect a positive result if you have fluff, red, gray or blond hair.

How to care for your skin after

For 2 weeks you should follow the rules that are not recommended:

visiting the bathhouse and sauna;
taking a hot bath and sunbathing;
taking antibiotics and hormonal drugs;
use of creams containing alcohol and deodorants;
removing remaining hairs with tweezers or wax.

Daily use of moisturizing armpit lotions will soften the skin and relieve irritation. You should only use the product recommended by the cosmetologist. The result of each procedure will depend on proper care.

05/16/2006 A whole week of smooth skin

I haven't shaved my armpits for one week and I just started feeling soft hair growth. Visually, everyone looks great, even better than after shaving. Typically you can still see stubble or hair follicles after I shave my armpits, but now they look perfectly even.

In the bikini area, hair growth has slowed down, there is less of it than usual, but it was not possible to achieve smoothness like in the armpits.

There is no longer any black hair on my upper lip, just small whitish hairs.

In any case, the hair no longer falls out.

How many procedures are needed for laser hair removal of armpits?

How long does the result last and how often should the procedure be repeated until hair is completely removed? It is impossible to remove all hair in one session. This requires several of them. Everything will depend on the quality of the laser equipment, as well as on the individual characteristics of the body.

After the first laser exposure, only a specialist will determine the approximate number of procedures. Usually 5 to 8 sessions are required. With hirsutism, their number may be greater. The interval between the first and second laser treatments is 1.5-2 months. Each subsequent one increases the “rest” interval by 10-15 days. After 3 sessions, the amount of hair grows by 20-30%.

How long does the session last?

Hair has a specific growth cycle, lasting from 1.5 to 3 months. Only 20-30% is visible on the surface of the skin. The rest are under the skin. After the first procedure, only ingrown hairs can be removed. The percentage of destroyed follicles varies from 3 to 6. This depends on individual characteristics and hormonal levels. A session can last from 15 minutes to 30. Find out which laser for hair removal is the most effective and best by following the link.

How often can you do it

Since hair in the armpits grows quickly, using a razor has a short-term effect. After the first course of laser treatment, the skin remains smooth from several months to several years. Therefore, the frequency of LE depends on hair growth. The removal course is carried out 1-2 times a year.

With smoothly shaved skin, pain during the session is significantly reduced.

How long is it enough?

It is impossible to get rid of unwanted hair forever. Laser radiation has the ability to destroy hair follicles in active growth, but does not affect “dormant” ones. This is what allows the hair to grow again and how long the result lasts. However, its color will become less noticeable and its thickness will become thinner.

Number of required procedures and interval between sessions

When choosing laser hair removal for the armpits, many women are interested in how many procedures they need to undergo to achieve the effect of absolutely smooth skin.
The number of necessary procedures depends on many factors and is determined individually. After the first procedure, the cosmetologist will be able to name the approximate number of sessions, but it is difficult to determine the exact number at first . Usually 7-8 procedures are enough, but in some cases 10-12 sessions may be needed.

After the first treatment, hairs will not begin to fall out immediately, but after 15-20 days. Then, after each hair removal session, the number of hairs will decrease, and the hair itself will lighten and become thinner than usual. New hairs will appear less and less until they disappear completely.

The cosmetologist will also prescribe the required interval between sessions, based on the type of laser, hair thickness and color. The average is 6 weeks.

Contraindications to laser hair removal in the armpit area

Although the procedure is quite popular, it has contraindications:

diabetes;
inflammatory process on the skin of the armpits;
oncological diseases;
sunburn;
varicose veins;
warts and moles;
open wounds and cuts;
hormonal disbalance;
taking antibiotics;
exacerbation of allergies.

Separately, it is worth consulting whether laser hair removal can be done during lactation.

The use of lasers for ARVI and other viral diseases is not recommended.

At what age can you do it?

Some cosmetic clinics do not provide laser hair removal to clients under 18 years of age. If a teenager has hirsutism, written parental permission is required for the procedure.

For mastopathy

This pathology is classified as a benign formation of the mammary glands. The reason for its occurrence is a disruption of the hormonal system. An imbalance in the body provokes the growth of connective tissue, which leads to swelling. At the same time, sensitivity increases and pain appears. Carrying out a laser procedure may increase discomfort. Experts strongly recommend refraining from hair removal in this way.

Before laser hair removal in the armpit and chest area, if there are pathologies, you should consult a mammologist.

During menstruation

This question does not have a clear answer. The gynecologist may recommend delaying hair removal for a few days. In each individual case, the time period will vary. “Critical days” can provoke allergic reactions, swelling, and redness. However, each woman makes a decision, based on her own feelings, whether to do hair removal during menstruation or not.

Is deodorant contraindicated?

You can use deodorant 3 days before the laser treatment session. For a week after hair removal, it is better to use a moisturizing lotion.

While taking hormonal medications

When performing laser hair removal, taking hormonal drugs is prohibited. Fluctuations in hormonal levels reduce the effectiveness of the procedure. However, after a course of hair removal, use can be resumed.

Contraindications and recommendations

Like any hardware procedure, laser hair removal of the armpits has its contraindications. Among them:

oncological diseases;
tuberculosis (active stage);
blood diseases;
diabetes;
infectious diseases;
pregnancy;
lactation;
sensitivity to light;
dysfunction of the thyroid gland.
the presence of birthmarks on the area of skin that will undergo the procedure;
influenza and ARVI;
acute form of herpes;
varicose veins;
presence of burns on the skin;
tendency to the appearance of keloid scars;
presence of scratches on the skin;
age before puberty.

Some clinics do not perform laser hair removal on clients who are under 18 years of age, or require written parental permission. We also note that sometimes women experience individual intolerance to this procedure. Therefore, to begin with, ask a specialist to treat only a small area of your skin. And for representatives of the fair sex with hair that is too light or gray, the procedure may be completely useless.

On a note. Before laser hair removal, you should visit a doctor who will make an opinion about your health.

Possible consequences and complications

Sensitive skin types may experience redness after hair removal. But don’t be upset, they go away in 3-5 hours. An incorrectly chosen mode of energy exposure to the skin and the incompetence of a cosmetologist can also lead to complications:

burns;
activation of herpes;
allergic urticaria.

If you are planning a vacation, agree separately whether it is possible to do hair removal before the sea. Failure to comply with the regimen recommended after laser hair removal leads to inflammation of the hair follicles. This may occur due to increased secretion of sweat glands. A person may partially lose their vision if they do not protect their eyes with special glasses.

Armpits hurt after laser hair removal

Despite the cooling system in modern laser devices, sometimes the client feels pain after the procedure. It depends on the sensitivity of the skin. Knowing the characteristics of your body, you can ask a cosmetologist for additional pain relief. After the procedure, pain in the armpit area disappears after 2-3 hours. Find out about contraindications and consequences of diode hair removal here.

Which parts of the body can be removed with laser hair and which parts cannot?

Using a laser, you can remove hair from any part of the body, even on the labia of women, in the nose or ears. The exception is the eyes. Since the skin around the eyes is very thin, to avoid the risk of any damage or consequences, we do not epilate the hair under the eyebrows, but we can do it between and above.

Results

Laser hair removal in the armpit area removes hair for a period of 4 months to several years.
The procedure has advantages and disadvantages.
Before using a laser beam, skin color and type, hair thickness and coarseness are taken into account.
Removing armpit hair has certain rules. And proper preparation for hair removal is important.
The armpit area is shaved 2-3 days before the first session.
Sometimes a specialist will prescribe shaving between procedures.
Pain sensations depend on the level of skin sensitivity or pain threshold.
The procedure is prohibited if you have mastopathy or are taking hormonal medications.
Beam hair removal can only be done from 18 years of age.

What devices are used for hair removal?

Epilation can be performed using different devices. There are four main types of laser:

Ruby is the very first device that was used for depilation. The energy it conducts removes hair, growths - warts, papillomas. It can be used to treat the initial stage of varicose veins. Modern cosmetologists do not use ruby models due to the high risk of burns. The ruby laser procedure is the most dangerous, but the cheapest.
Alexandrite is used to remove light and dark hair. The target for the laser is melanin and water in the follicle. The Alexandrite apparatus works on alexandrite, a mineral stone. This is its working environment in which electrical voltage is converted into a laser beam.
A diode laser differs from an alexandrite laser in its working environment. There are no minerals in it and the device runs on LEDs. It allows you to remove all types of hair on the armpits, groin area and legs. It also eliminates small vascular patterns. This type is often used in cosmetology.
The neodymium machine works using long-pulse neodymium units for hair removal and short-pulse neodymium units for tattoo removal.

In 2 weeks

Proper nutrition will help reduce discomfort during hair removal. You can switch to a light diet - eat dairy and plant foods. This will make the internal environment of the body alkaline. Try to include the following foods in your diet:

cottage cheese, cheese, eggs, fermented baked milk;
other fermented milk products;
fresh fruits and vegetables;
legumes, greens, nuts.

If possible, avoid fluoroquinolones, sulfonamides, and tetracycline antibiotics. This will help avoid burns and skin pigmentation. Avoid using bronzing gels, lotions, creams, and self-tanners.

Preparation for low pain thresholds

The following actions will help reduce discomfort:

Discuss with your cosmetologist the choice of a topical pain reliever. This is normal practice!
Focus on the menstrual cycle. Do not perform laser hair removal during menstruation as this may cause severe discomfort. The highest pain threshold is usually observed in the first week after the end of the cycle.
Experts note that the procedure is much easier to tolerate if you are in a good mood. Be positive and throw away bad thoughts. It is better to endure the execution if you are upset about something or tired after work.
Allow more time for the procedure. Take your time! The calmer you are, the better your skin will respond to the changes. When removing hair, take a deep breath, do not hold your breath.
Throughout the day, try not to drink alcoholic beverages, strong tea or coffee. Stop smoking. It has been proven that drinks that contain caffeine increase sensitivity to pain several times.
Don’t keep your emotions to yourself – talk to a specialist about the pain. The specialist will adjust the intensity of the impact.

Features of skin preparation for different areas of the body

The preparation plan for laser hair removal of the bikini area, armpits, and face is approximately the same. But there are some peculiarities.

Preparation for laser hair removal of deep bikini

3-4 days before intimate hair removal, do gentle exfoliation. When you shave your pubic area (1 day before the session), do not use foam containing alcohol. Choose a product with a neutral PH. When shaving your bikini area, start at the front. Use an additional mirror, place it at groin level to ensure a good shave. If you decide to leave your hair, use a white makeup pencil and outline the desired outline of your future haircut.

Starting at the front, move to the labia. Shave one lip first, then the other. Keep your skin taut as you shave to make the process easier and avoid missing hairs. It is most convenient to shave the labia if you bend one leg at the knee and place it on the edge of the bathtub.

If you have very sensitive skin in your bikini area, use a razor with fewer blades

Finish shaving your bikini area by removing hair from the back. Apply shaving foam to the anal area and squat down. Place a small mirror on the floor.

At the end of the process, thoroughly rinse the skin to remove any remaining foam and detergent. After shaving, do not use moisturizing lotions, but you can apply some aloe vera gel. This is a 100% natural, oil-free product that will soothe irritated skin.

Do not reuse blades after shaving the back of your hair. This hygiene requirement helps to avoid the spread of infections.

Preparing for laser hair removal of armpits

The main requirement for the skin of the armpits during laser hair removal is its cleanliness. It is quite difficult to give up deodorant, but you will have to do it on the day of the procedure. Bring wet wipes (alcohol-free) to the salon to remove sweat and dirt just before epilation.

More about laser hair removal of armpits in the article - Laser hair removal of armpits: main advantages, preparation and skin care in the post-procedure period.

Use hypoallergenic, alcohol-free wipes

Preparing for laser hair removal on the face

Stop using chemical peels and masks with acids 1-2 weeks before the procedure. The night before the procedure, do not use anti-aging concentrates or serums. If you cannot exclude night moisturizing, use a light fabric mask or non-greasy gel cream. On the day of hair removal, you should avoid day cream and makeup.

Preparation for laser hair removal of legs

Avoid using anti-cellulite cosmetics a week before laser hair removal on your legs. You can do a massage against orange peel. If there are bruises on your legs, they cannot be treated with a laser: wait until they go away before making an appointment at the clinic.

Read more about preparation and the procedure itself in the article - What you need to know about laser hair removal of legs.

In 3 weeks

For 3 weeks, avoid the following procedures:

waxing
– hair removal using a wax mixture;
sugaring
- hair removal using thick sugar paste;
threading
- hair removal using a thin thread.

You should not pluck your hair during this period - this procedure affects the structure of the follicle. Tweezers remove the bulb with its roots, as a result of which the laser is unable to recognize it. Shaving is allowed as long as the follicle remains intact and intact.

06.26.2006 Ordering anesthetic cream and cost of perineal treatment

The cost to add the crotch area to my package is $695.

I was asked to call the clinic a few days before my procedure to obtain a prescription for numbing cream. I called the 1-800 number and was told that I should call the clinic directly. I said that I also wanted to add a crotch area for treatment, they were very kind. Not only did they add a zone, but they also decided to take care of ordering the numbing cream. I asked for perineal hair removal, which cost $695, to be added to my credit line.

I bought pain cream today for $10.00 after losing my prescription at the pharmacy. Be sure to do this a week in advance as I had to make several phone calls to get the cream. In addition, the pharmacist did not know what the application of the cream was intended for, so she had to use an “online chat” service to clarify this.

I was instructed to apply Lidocaine/Prilocaine cream one to two hours before the procedure. Apply the cream generously to the areas to be treated, but not more than 50% of the entire body. For maximum effectiveness, immediately wrap areas in cling film, which acts as a “seal bandage.”

Added later - I used the numbing cream and felt a huge difference in my pain levels. It was definitely worth it!