Underarm Laser Hair Removal
Underarm Laser Hair Removal
Additional Benefits
Underarm laser hair removal can help reduce recurring ingrown hairs, razor bumps, and irritation associated with frequent shaving or waxing.
Many clients also notice less visible underarm shadow as coarse, pigmented hair is progressively reduced.
For clients whose skin has become irritated by years of shaving, waxing, friction, or recurring ingrown hairs, reducing the need for frequent hair removal may also help support a smoother, more even-looking appearance over time.
Our clients also appreciate the convenience of reduced shaving and smoother underarms year-round.
Treatment Scope
Underarm laser hair removal treats the hair-bearing area of both underarms and is available for women and men.
Treatment is customized to your natural hair-growth pattern and goals.
Some clients prefer maximum hair reduction, while others- particularly men- may choose to reduce overall hair density and coarseness while maintaining a more natural appearance.
How Many Underarm Laser Hair Removal Sessions Are Needed?
Most clients require a series of 6 to 12 treatments to achieve significant long-term hair reduction.
Because laser hair removal is most effective on hairs during the active growth phase, multiple sessions are necessary to progressively target follicles as they cycle into treatable stages.
At Beam, we typically recommend spacing underarm treatments approximately 8 weeks apart. Body treatments may sometimes be performed as early as 6 weeks when appropriate, but allowing sufficient time for new hair growth to emerge helps ensure that each session is treating a meaningful new growth cycle.
The total number of sessions needed varies depending on factors including hair color and density, genetics, hormonal influences, treatment consistency, and individual response.
During your complimentary consultation with test patches, we will evaluate your skin type and hair characteristics and discuss a treatment plan based on your individual needs and goals.
Does Underarm Laser Hair Removal Hurt?
Most clients describe underarm laser hair removal as a brief snapping or warm sensation against the skin.
Because the treatment area is small, sessions are typically completed within just a few minutes.
Sensitivity varies from person to person and may also depend on hair density and treatment settings.
At Beam Laser Spa, treatments are performed using Candela GentleMax Pro Plus technology with Dynamic Cooling Device (DCD) technology, which delivers a brief burst of cryogen to help cool and protect the skin during treatment.
The more treatments you undergo, the sensation diminishes over time, as the number and texture of the follicles decreases.
For many clients, the short treatment time and long-term reduction in shaving, waxing, irritation, and ingrown hairs make underarm laser hair removal a very manageable treatment.
Underarm Laser Hair Removal for Different Skin Tones
Underarm laser hair removal can be safely and effectively performed across all Fitzpatrick skin tones when the appropriate wavelength and treatment settings are selected.
At Beam Laser Spa in New York City, we use Candela GentleMax Pro Plus technology, which uses two gold-standard wavelengths for laser hair removal: the 755 nm Alexandrite and 1064 nm Nd:YAG.
This allows our specialists to customize treatment based on skin tone, hair color and density, treatment area, and individual response.
Underarm skin may also be more pigmented than surrounding skin due to natural pigmentation, friction, shaving, or previous irritation. For this reason, we assess the skin of the treatment area itself rather than relying only on a client's overall complexion when selecting treatment parameters.
Clients with deeper skin tones, tanned skin, or increased pigmentation in the underarm area require particular attention to wavelength selection and settings to effectively target the hair while minimizing unnecessary heat absorption by pigment in the skin.
With nearly two decades dedicated exclusively to laser hair removal, Beam Laser Spa's specialists prioritize careful skin assessment, individualized settings, and appropriate test patches before treatment.
Underarm Laser Hair Removal for Men
Underarm laser hair removal is also increasingly popular with men who want less hair, easier grooming, or relief from irritation caused by shaving and trimming.
Treatment does not have to mean removing every underarm hair.
For men who prefer a more natural appearance, treatments can be customized with the goal of reducing overall density and coarseness rather than achieving complete hair removal.
As hair becomes finer and less dense, many clients find the area easier to maintain while still retaining a natural-looking result.
Does Underarm Laser Hair Removal Reduce Sweating?
Laser hair removal is designed to target hair follicles, not the sweat glands, so reducing perspiration is not a treatment goal of underarm laser hair removal.
Some clients tell us they feel that their underarms sweat less after a series of treatments.
However, research examining the effect of laser hair removal on sweat production has produced mixed results, so we do not promise reduced sweating as a treatment benefit.
The primary goal of treatment is long-term hair reduction, along with benefits such as less shaving, fewer ingrown hairs, and reduced irritation associated with repeated hair removal.
How to Prepare for Underarm Laser Hair Removal
Shave the underarm area before your appointment, ideally the morning of the appointment or at the earliest, the evening before.
Avoid root removal methods for at least 6 weeks before your laser session, including waxing, tweezing, threading or epilating, as the hair follicle needs to remain intact for the laser to effectively target it.
Arrive with clean skin free of deodorant, antiperspirant, lotions, oils, or other topical products.
Avoid sun exposure and tanning at least two weeks before and after treatment, and let your specialist know about any changes to medications, skincare products, or recent sun exposure.
Before your first treatment, Beam provides a complimentary consultation with test patches so we can assess your skin and hair and select appropriate treatment settings.
For complete instructions, read our How to Prepare for Laser Hair Removal guide.
What to Expect After Underarm Laser Hair Removal
Temporary redness, warmth, or mild swelling around the hair follicles can occur immediately after underarm laser hair removal and typically resolves on its own.
For at least 24 hours after treatment, avoid applying deodorant, antiperspirant, fragrance, lotions, or other products directly to the treated underarms.
Freshly treated skin can be temporarily more sensitive, and keeping the area clean and free of potentially irritating products helps minimize unnecessary irritation.
For 48 hours after treatment, keep the treated area cool and avoid heat sources, including hot showers, saunas, hot tubs, steam rooms, and exercise. If the underarms will be exposed to the sun, use appropriate broad-spectrum sun protection.
Over the following days and weeks, treated hairs will gradually shed.
This can sometimes look like continued hair growth, but the hairs are being released from the treated follicles.
Avoid root removal methods such as waxing, tweezing, threading between sessions; shaving may be resumed once the skin feels completely calm.
Your Beam Laser Spa specialist will provide aftercare guidance based on your skin and treatment response and is always available if you have questions following your appointment.
Ready To Take The Next Step?
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See our pricing, package options, and current promotions.
Read Our Laser Hair Removal FAQs
Find answers to common questions about preparation, treatment, results, safety, and aftercare.
Schedule a Consultation
Meet with our experienced team to determine whether this treatment is right for you and receive a personalized treatment plan. Complimentary consultations include test patches on your areas of interest.
Helpful Resources
Why Underarm Laser Hair Removal Is About More Than Just Hair
Learn why underarms often respond especially well to laser hair removal and how treatment may help reduce shaving irritation, ingrown hairs, and visible hair shadow.
How to Prepare for Laser Hair Removal
Learn what to do—and what to avoid—before your appointment for safer, more effective treatment.
Alexandrite vs. Nd:YAG Laser Hair Removal
Understand how these two wavelengths are used to customize laser hair removal across different skin tones.
Does Laser Hair Removal Hurt?
Learn what treatment actually feels like and what factors influence comfort.
Normal vs. Not Normal After Laser Hair Removal
Understand what's expected after treatment, what's temporary, and when to contact your provider.
Related Treatments
- Brazilian Laser Hair Removal
- Bikini Line Laser Hair Removal
- Full Leg Laser Hair Removal
Aftercare
Explore Other Laser Hair Removal Solutions
Full arm laser hair removal is popular with both women and men looking to reduce unwanted hair, simplify grooming, and achieve smoother-looking skin. Treatments are customized based on skin tone, hair density, and aesthetic goals using Candela GentleMax Pro-Plus technology.
Buttocks laser hair removal at Beam Laser Spa in New York City targets unwanted hair on the entire buttocks, including the rounded cheeks and the intergluteal crease ("thong line") between the cheeks. Treatments are performed exclusively for clients with female anatomy and can help reduce irritation, ingrown hairs, and the need for constant shaving or waxing. This area responds best when follicles are very coarse and dark. Fine, light, red, gray, or white hairs do not respond predictably to laser hair removal. Treatments are customized according to skin tone, hair density, and individual goals to provide effective, comfortable results.
Abdomen / stomach laser hair removal targets unwanted hair across the front torso, including the abdomen from the top of the belt line up until under the pecs. Shoulders, upper arms, neck and the back are treated separately. This treatment is popular among athletes, performers, and clients who prefer smoother skin and reduced maintenance. If you suffer from bumps or ingrown hairs on the abdomen, this laser hair removal treatment dramatically decreases or eliminates ingrown follicles and skin bumpiness associated with in-growns hairs. The most dramatic results are typically achieved when follicles are very dark, coarse, and textured. Clients with finer and light colored body hair may experience softer hair and some reduction, but expectations should be discussed during consultation. Because testosterone naturally stimulates body hair growth, many men require additional sessions and occasional maintenance treatments to maintain optimal results. Women with hormonal conditions such as PCOS may require occasional maintenance to maintain desired results.
In its simplest form, the goal of laser hair removal is to selectively heat a target (hair) to the point of destruction without damaging the surrounding tissue (skin). Lasers work by delivering an intense beam of light that is absorbed by the hair. This light is converted to heat and targets the hair follicles while leaving the surrounding skin unaffected. By repeatedly targeting the hair follicles over a course of several treatments, typically 6-12, about 80% or more of the follicles will be disabled to the point that they can no longer produce hair.
Some clients may feel slight discomfort during laser pulses, similar to a rubber band snapping on the skin, which resolves in seconds and is mitigated by a burst of cold cryogen gas. Pain tolerance varies; some clients even fall asleep, while others are more sensitive. For sensitive clients, Beam uses lower settings, slower pulsing rates, or breaks up longer sessions into shorter appointments. Despite any initial discomfort, clients find the results—smoother skin, reduced hair density, and fewer ingrown hairs—well worth it.
Clients are attracted to laser hair removal because it is quick and total areas can be effectively treated in 6-12 treatments*, spaced 4 to 12 weeks apart, depending on the area of the body that is being treated. Usually faces are treated in shorter intervals, and body areas are typically treated 6-12 weeks apart. * It should be said that the average number of treatments needed is 6-12 per area treated. There is however, a variation from person to person depending on many factors, such as genetics, darkness and thickness of the targeted hairs, laser intensities used on the treatment, medications/supplements being used and pre-existing medical conditions. Therefore, some clients may respond to less than 6 treatments per area, while others may require more. Some medications and fitness supplements may CONTRIBUTE to increased hair growth, as may some pre-existing medical conditions A man’s back and a woman’s face often prove to be more challenging, and may take more than the average of 6-12 treatments.
The reason a series of 6-12 treatments is necessary for effective hair removal is due to the three phases of hair growth. At any given time, hair on the face or body will be in all three phases simultaneously. The laser used for hair removal only targets hairs in the Anagen phase, which is the active growth phase when hair contains an abundance of melanin to attract the laser. By targeting the Anagen phase consistently 6-12 times, with treatments spaced 4-12 weeks apart, we can successfully weaken over 80% of hair follicles, rendering them inactive or incapable of producing hair. The remaining 20% will become lighter in color and much finer.
Larger areas, such as arms, back, chest, and legs, will take 1 hour or less to treat. Smaller areas, such as the face, chin, lip, neck, and bikini line, will take 15-30 minutes or less. Clients often come in during their lunch breaks for a treatment and are able to comfortably return to work once the treatment is done.
Immediately following a laser treatment, clients may experience redness, bumpiness, and warmth on the skin (similar to the sensation of a strong sunburn). This reaction is completely normal and is known as follicular edema. It is the desired end-point of a laser hair removal session. This effect typically disappears within a few minutes to up to 6 or 7 hours, depending on the individual. However, Beam has a few clients with very sensitive skin who may remain red for up to 48 hours. For this reason, Beam takes a conservative approach: during the initial consultation, we prefer to conduct a small test patch on an inconspicuous area of the body and wait a few days to ensure the client does not experience any adverse reactions. Although rare, there is a risk of burning and scarring. Temporary itching or discoloration (hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation) may also occur, which is more common in clients with skin types V-VI but can potentially happen with any skin type. A very rare response is the potential stimulation of new hair follicles.
