Underarm Laser Hair Removal

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.