Laser Hair Removal for Underarm Hair: The Ultimate Guide

Do you hate the feel of underarm stubble? Does shaving and waxing your armpits cause ingrown hairs and irritation?

If so, it’s time to consider laser hair removal for your sunderarm hair.

As a lasting solution for unwanted hair, laser hair removal prevents some of the biggest frustrations caused by underarm hair removal.

In this guide, we explain how underarm laser hair removal works, the benefits of treatment, and even how treating the underarms can help with specific concerns like ingrown hairs, hyperpigmentation, and more.

How Does Laser Hair Removal Work on Underarm Hair?

Underarm laser hair removal is a treatment that damages hair-growing cells in the hair follicle to ensure lasting hair reduction.

It works through a process called photothermolysis. The laser emits a powerful light that gets absorbed by pigment in the hair follicles, which converts it into heat. The heat damages the stem cells in the follicle, preventing hair growth from the source.

The process only works during the hair’s growth phase, when there’s enough pigment in the follicle. This means that each session of laser hair removal on the underarms only deactivates some hair follicles. It’s the reason why getting regular treatments every 4 weeks is almost always necessary.

Benefits of Laser Hair Removal for Underarm Hair

The biggest benefit of laser hair removal is the lasting results. Unlike other methods, it’s a long-term solution for unwanted armpit hair, with a few unique benefits:

• Treats underarm hair from the root for stubble-free smoothness 
• Regular treatments prevent ingrown hairs & irritation
• Long-term savings compared to a lifetime of waxing, shaving, or other hair removal methods
• Prevents irritation and discoloration caused by other hair removal methods
• Increased freshness in the armpit area
• Delivers the freedom and spontaneity to wear sleeveless styles whenever you want

Are Results Permanent?

While laser hair removal is categorized as a permanent hair reduction method, there is still a risk of regrowth. You will likely need to get occasional underarm touch-up sessions to maintain your results (although perhaps not as many as if you were treating a different body part).

Laser hair removal works by targeting actively growing hairs — unfortunately, even after months of treatment, it’s possible to miss a few dormant follicles, or to only partially damage follicles in the transition (catagen) phase. This can potentially result in regrowth. Hormonal fluctuations also play a role, with big life changes often increasing hair growth.

Research shows that the underarms respond incredibly well to laser hair removal. In a 2020 study, most patients who had their underarms treated saw 75% hair reduction or greater, following an average of 5 treatments per person. Most participants still saw significant smoothness in 5 to 10-year follow-ups.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Underarm Laser Hair Removal?

Almost everyone can get underarm laser hair removal! These are the two main qualifying factors:

• Your underarm hair is dark enough to absorb the laser’s light
• You don’t have any contraindications or interactions that could impact your safety

Laser hair removal can be done even on clients with darker skin tones, as long as the hair contains enough pigment and your provider has suitable laser technology.

The main factors that’ll prevent you from getting treated are pregnancy or breastfeeding status, taking medications with a photosensitizing effect, or having compromised skin in the treatment area.

How Much Does Laser Hair Removal Cost for Underarm Hair?

The cost of laser hair removal for the underarms can vary widely based on how many sessions you need and where you go to get treated. Different sources cite different average prices, with financing company CareCredit estimating an average cost of $207 for a single underarm session, and a range between $89 and $415.

Some of the reasons for the immense variation in price are valid, like the type of technology used and the cost of operation in a specific location. In many cases, however, we think laser hair removal costs aren’t justified.

At SEV, we pride ourselves on our fair and transparent laser hair removal pricing. Our underarm laser hair removal prices are significantly lower than the national average, with reasonably priced single services and major savings through our 8-Session Package or 18-Month Membership.

Laser Hair Removal for Ingrown Hairs

You can significantly cut down on underarm ingrown hairs with regular laser hair removal treatments.

Ingrown hairs occur when a hair gets trapped in the hair follicle, leading to unsightly and sometimes even painful bumps. It usually happens when hair grows back after shaving or waxing.

Because laser hair removal reduces regrowth, it prevents ingrown hairs from the source. If you’re prone to ingrown hairs, a series of laser hair removal sessions is worth the investment.

Laser Hair Removal for Underarm Hyperpigmentation

Laser hair removal can help reduce underarm hyperpigmentation, especially if shaving or waxing irritation is the underlying cause.

For many people (especially those with deeper skin tones), the body reacts to friction and inflammation by producing melanin, which results in discoloration. This is why those who shave or wax regularly often develop underarm pigmentation.

Laser hair removal isn’t a direct hyperpigmentation fix, but it can be a long-term solution. By eliminating the need for frequent and irritating hair removal, it finally allows your skin to clear away hyperpigmentation naturally.

You can also pursue other skin brightening treatments once you complete your laser hair removal sessions.

It’s very important that your underarms are treated with a laser that’s appropriate for your skin tone!

If you have darker skin, getting treated with the wrong laser could cause hyperpigmentation in itself. Make sure your clinic or studio uses an Nd:YAG laser, which carries a significantly lower risk of adverse events.

Common Side Effects

Common laser hair removal side effects include localized and temporary redness, swelling, and slight discomfort or tenderness. These side effects usually disappear quickly, but you can use a touch of aloe or an ice pack to calm the area faster.

In cases where proper treatment precautions weren’t taken, there is a risk of adverse events such as burning, blistering, scarring, or developing hyper- or hypo-pigmentation. Seeing an experienced provider using the right laser technology for your skin type greatly reduces these risks.

In some cases, laser hair removal over the underarms may impact sweating or underarm odor, often for the better, but in rare cases, for the worse.

Smooth and Clear Underarms at SEV

Laser hair removal is a clear solution if you’re sick and tired of visible armpit hair. Getting laser hair removal for underarm hair means lasting smoothness! It also prevents many of the complications that come with other hair removal techniques.

You deserve a personalized laser hair removal experience, delivered by highly trained, caring professionals using the best technology for your skin. At SEV, we’re proud to deliver attentive service using the industry’s top laser machines. With over 70 locations, you can enjoy our treatments throughout the US for fair, reasonable, and flexible prices.

Are you brand new to SEV? If so, your first session is on us — use code HelloSmooth when you book online.