All About Underarm Laser Hair Removal
Underarm laser hair removal is the ultimate way to achieve silky-smooth skin without committing to a lifetime of shaving and waxing. But before you schedule your first appointment, you might be curious about how the process works and how to best care for your skin before and after treatment. Join us for an in-depth look at laser hair removal for underarms for answers to all your questions!
What to expect from underarm laser hair removal
Most laser hair removal devices emit a beam of light at specific wavelengths to target melanin in the skin. This pigment is concentrated in dark hairs, which absorb the energy and transfer it to the follicle.
In essence, laser beams destroy hair follicles to inhibit future hair growth. Here are a few things to know about laser hair removal treatments:
Is it safe?
These services have been popular since the 1990s, and technology has come a long way since their introduction. Generally speaking, they are very safe and effective for a wide range of clients.
Before your first session, it’s essential to have a thorough consultation with your hair removal expert to determine if your skin and hair types will work with their specific device, discuss your treatment goals, and talk about any medications you’ve taken that may interfere with laser hair removal for your underarms.
How long do results last?
While lasers won’t permanently eliminate body hair, they do destroy individual follicles to ensure strands won’t regrow. That said, new follicles can emerge over time, so some future growth is expected. Hormonal changes and medications like birth control may affect hair growth, as well.
In many cases, it’s possible to achieve a 95% reduction in hair growth lasting months to years. With occasional touch-ups, you might be able to ditch your razor for good!
How long does it take?
Wondering how long laser hair removal takes? Laser treatments for underarms are quick and easy, usually only taking about 15 minutes per session.
This depilatory method only works on hairs in the anabolic or active growth phase, so you’ll need a series of treatments to eliminate as many follicles as possible. Most clients see optimal results after six to eight sessions scheduled four to six weeks apart.
How to prepare for underarm laser hair removal
Preparing for laser treatment on your armpits will help you get the best possible results with minimal side effects. Here are some things to remember in the months leading up to your appointment:
Avoid sun and UV exposure
While your underarm area may see significantly less sun exposure than other potential treatment areas, it’s still a good idea to take certain precautions. Starting about six weeks before your appointment, be sure to apply broad-spectrum sunscreen if you hit the beach and wear a cover-up over that bikini.
While you’re at it, ditch the sunless tanner and postpone any appointments at the tanning salon. You want the greatest contrast possible between your hair and skin for optimal results.
Stop waxing and plucking
Laser devices seek out dark hair roots to eliminate each follicle. If you’ve plucked or waxed your underarms within a month of treatment, your laser session will be much less effective.
Exfoliate
A couple of days before your laser hair removal appointment, gently exfoliate your underarm area to remove any dead skin cells. Exfoliation improves the efficacy of your treatment and also reduces the chances of dead hairs becoming trapped under the skin as they begin to shed.
Shave the area
The day before your session, you’ll need to shave the treatment area. This will allow those targeted light waves to concentrate within the root and follicle of each hair for efficient destruction. It can also minimize the risk of burns.
Stop using harsh skincare products
Harsh skincare products like retinol, AHAs, and BHAs can increase photosensitivity and make your laser hair session much less comfortable. Stop using these products at least two weeks before your procedure.
Underarm laser hair removal aftercare
Of course, proper aftercare is another critical component of a safe and effective laser hair removal treatment for your underarms. Here are a few tips to care for your skin in the days after your appointment:
Stay out of the sun
Your skin was just exposed to highly concentrated light waves, so any additional UV exposure may cause burns or an enhanced inflammatory response.
Shower with cool water
It isn’t just sunlight that may irritate your skin after laser hair removal. Heat can make inflammation worse and slow the healing process. Stick to cool or lukewarm showers until your skin returns to normal.
No swimming
Laser hair removal exposes your hair follicles to the elements and can increase the risk of infection. Since water can harbor dangerous bacteria, you’ll need to avoid swimming pools, lakes, rivers, oceans, and even bathtubs until your skin heals.
Don’t use irritating products
Harsh products may irritate your skin after laser hair removal, so stick to a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer as your skin recovers. If the treatment area feels inflamed or itchy, a topical steroid cream may help.
Learn more about underarm laser hair removal at Balanced Health & Wellness!
Balanced Health & Wellness offers expert laser hair removal for your underarm area and beyond! Contact us today or book a consultation to get started!