Underarm Laser Hair Removal: From How It Works to Sessions · Pre- and Post-Treatment Care

Hello.

I’m Kim Ha-won from Beauty Doctor.

As the season for frequently wearing short sleeves or sleeveless clothing approaches, many people start looking into underarm laser hair removal.

However, rather than making a reservation right away, it is helpful to first understand how the treatment works,

as well as how the number of sessions and intervals are determined.

Underarm hair is often thicker and denser than hair in other areas, so it is common for treatment to be performed over multiple sessions.

Understanding pre- and post-treatment care as well

can help you ask more specific questions during your consultation.

3-Line Summary

1. Underarm hair removal works by having the melanin pigment in the hair follicles absorb laser energy, delivering thermal stimulation around the follicles.

2. The number of sessions and treatment intervals may vary from person to person depending on hair thickness and density, as well as skin tone.

3. Before treatment, prepare by shaving rather than waxing. After treatment, it is important to reduce friction and heat exposure while observing your skin’s response.

1. How does underarm laser hair removal work?

Underarm laser hair removal uses the principle that the melanin pigment in the hair follicles absorbs laser energy of a specific wavelength.

The absorbed energy delivers thermal stimulation around the follicles and works to gradually reduce the force that causes hair to grow.

However, not all hair follicles grow at the same time.

Follicles in the active growth phase tend to respond relatively well to the laser, while follicles in the resting phase may respond less.

For this reason, treatment is performed over multiple sessions according to the hair growth cycle, rather than being completed all at once.

During treatment, you may feel a prickling sensation or brief warmth, as if a rubber band were lightly snapping against the skin.

The intensity of the sensation may vary somewhat depending on hair thickness and density, the selected settings, and individual pain sensitivity.

2. How are the number of underarm laser hair removal sessions and intervals determined?

Underarm hair tends to be relatively thick and dark.

In the early stages, this can make it relatively easy to assess the follicles’ response.

However, it is difficult to determine the total number of sessions uniformly from the beginning.

Even for the same underarm area, the response may vary depending on hair thickness and density, skin tone, and previous hair removal habits.

In general, treatment is often performed at intervals of about one month, but the rate at which the hair grows back should also be monitored.

Rather than deciding on the total number of sessions from the outset,

it is better to adjust the timing of the next treatment after checking the skin’s response and the amount of underarm hair that grows back following the initial treatment.

As the sessions continue, the hair may grow more slowly or become finer.

However, the timing and degree at which these changes are noticed can vary from person to person.

3. How should I prepare before treatment?

Before treatment, it is best not to remove underarm hair from the roots with tweezers or waxing.

If the roots are removed, there are fewer targets for the laser to react with, which may affect the treatment plan.

Between sessions, lightly tidy the area by shaving only, and prepare according to the timing recommended by the medical institution.

Usually, gently shave around the day before treatment, taking care not to injure the skin.

However, if shaving causes stinging, cuts, or inflammation, your condition should be checked first.

If you have dermatitis or a wound in the underarm area,

or have recently had significant sun exposure, please inform the provider in advance during your consultation.

It is also helpful for treatment planning to share information about medications you are currently taking and treatments you have recently received,

as well as any irritation you experienced after hair removal in the past.

4. What should I be careful about after treatment?

Immediately after treatment, the underarm area may become red or feel hot, and slight swelling may appear.

At this time, it is better to wear clothing that causes little friction and allows good ventilation rather than tight clothing.

Things to avoid include washing for a long time with hot water immediately after treatment or using a sauna or steam room.

Instead, briefly wash with lukewarm water and avoid rubbing the treated area vigorously.

It is also better to stop using deodorant, strongly fragranced products, scrubs, and exfoliants until the irritation has settled.

If your underarms will be exposed,

also remember to protect them from ultraviolet exposure.

Monitor whether the redness or warmth gradually decreases.

If pain worsens or blisters, oozing, or redness that spreads develops,

contact the medical institution where you received treatment.

Wrapping Up

Underarm laser hair removal is a treatment performed over multiple sessions, taking both the hair growth cycle and skin condition into consideration.

The number of sessions needed and when changes become noticeable may differ from person to person depending on hair thickness and density,

as well as skin tone.

Rather than determining the total number of sessions from the beginning,

it is better to observe the skin’s response after the initial treatment and the rate at which the hair grows back.

Before treatment, prepare by shaving rather than waxing,

and after treatment, reduce friction and heat exposure while following the recommended care instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How many sessions of underarm laser hair removal are needed?

The number of sessions needed may vary depending on hair thickness and density, as well as skin condition.

It is better to adjust the subsequent plan after assessing the response to the initial treatment.

Q2. How long should the interval between sessions be?

An interval of about one month is common,

but the timing may be adjusted according to how quickly the hair grows back.

Q3. Can pigmentation appear darker after treatment?

Repeated friction and irritation may cause temporary color changes.

If the change persists for a long time or becomes progressively darker,

please contact the medical institution where you received treatment.

Q4. When should I shave before treatment?

In many cases, people shave lightly around the day before treatment,

taking care not to injure the skin.

Please follow the medical institution’s specific pre-treatment instructions regarding the exact timing.

Thank you for reading this long post today.

This has been Kim Ha-won from Beauty Doctor.