Did you know that armpits are the #1 most-shaved body part?
No matter how often you shave your pits, you’re probably aware that shaving your pits can be… well, the pits. The angle’s off, it’s hard to see, and some of us just don’t bend that way.
Plus, underarm stubble shows up so quickly. (Why, WHY does underarm hair grow so fast?! 😑)
If you’re looking for a hair removal solution that saves time and leaves your armpits super smooth and hairless long-term, underarm laser hair removal can be a great option. It may sound too good to be true, but after a full treatment regimen, it can provide a permanent reduction in armpit hair.
But if you’re considering underarm laser hair removal, you should be aware of the risks, efficacy, and costs involved, as well as other permanent hair removal alternatives available.
Let’s dive in!
Does Laser Hair Removal Work for Armpits?
Yes, laser hair removal does work for armpits. In fact, armpits are one of the most popular areas to get laser hair removal.
Laser hair removal works best when there’s a good amount of contrast between the hair and skin – think lighter skin and dark, coarse hair. If your armpit hair is fine and light, laser hair removal might not be the most effective method for you, but it’s still worth checking with your local clinic to see if you’re a candidate.
Is laser hair removal safe for the armpits?
Yes, laser hair removal is safe for the armpits.
That being said, getting laser hair removal treatment in any area does come with associated risks. It can yield mild side effects such as redness, itchiness, and irritation, as well as more serious side effects like burns, scars, and eye damage.
Laser technology can be dangerous in inexperienced hands – the American Academy of Dermatology advises that choosing a board-certified dermatologist to perform laser treatments can greatly reduce the risk of possible side effects.
It’s also important to note: laser hair removal hurts, and it’s most painful on areas where the skin is very thin… including the bikini line, upper lip, and underarms. It’s still plenty safe, but brace yourself for some serious pain, especially during your first few armpit laser hair removal sessions.
Average cost of underarm laser hair removal
Girl, you’re asking the right questions: as attractive as the results of underarm laser hair removal are, the price tag puts a damper on the whole thing. The cost of underarm laser hair removal varies depending on where you go – different clinics set their own rates, and the average cost of laser hair removal varies a lot from state to state. But compared to other hair removal methods, it’s high.
According to the latest 2022 statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of laser skin treatments like laser hair removal is $582.
That being said, laser hair removal is typically priced based on surface area – since underarms are a relatively small area, you can reasonably expect that per-session cost to be lower than that average. Underarm laser hair removal costs $175-250 per treatment, roughly.
Again, that number varies a lot. For the most accurate numbers, you may want to do a little investigating and see how much clinics in your area typically charge per session.
Note that all of these numbers are per individual session – and you’ll need multiple sessions to see full results.
How many sessions are needed for effective results?
Laser hair removal is a gradual process. While one laser hair removal treatment may succeed in making your hair thinner, it won’t get you hair-free. To achieve a significant, permanent reduction in underarm hair, expect anywhere from 4-10 initial sessions, waiting 4-6 weeks between each session.
With that in mind, that’d put you at a total treatment cost of $700-2500 for armpit laser hair removal.
Quick note: laser hair removal can still require maintenance beyond the initial 4-10 treatment regimen. To maintain a hairless appearance, we’d recommend budgeting for one maintenance treatment each year.
Pain-Free, Long-Lasting Alternative
Underarm laser hair removal can offer excellent results, but the high cost and significant pain involved can make it difficult to commit to. At-home IPL hair removal devices like Lumi make a great alternative.
Similar to laser hair removal, IPL handsets use light technology to target hair follicles and destroy them with light pulses. But unlike laser hair removal, IPL (intense pulsed light) uses broader-spectrum light pulses that make treatment faster, safe to do at home, and less painful.
IPL devices like Lumi provide permanent hair removal results in just 8-12 weeks, and full body treatment takes just 30 minutes. And while laser hair removal is priced per body area, an IPL handset is a one-time affordable cost & you can use it to permanently remove unwanted body hair just about anywhere on your body. Underarm hair removal costs $229 USD with Lumi. (Likely less than you’d spend on just one laser hair removal session!)
How to Use IPL on Your Underarms
Using IPL is easy, but it takes some getting used to.
Watch the video to learn how to use IPL on your underarms (and anywhere else you have unwanted body hair!)
