Underarm laser hair removal how long does it last

Q: Is underarm laser hair removal worth it?

They can be effective, but theyre very slow to work and most users report that theyve stopped using them altogether because theyre too time consuming and painful.” Also, dont leap for a discounted or super-cheap laser hair removal offer.

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Table of Contents Show

How Underarm Laser Hair Removal Works
The Treatment Process Isn’t Painful
Critical Post-Treatment Rules To Follow
Results Aren’t Immediate
1. Laser hair removal isn't as complicated as it sounds.
2. There are three main types of lasers.
3. Laser hair removal works best on four areas.
4. People with thick, coarse, and dark hair are the best candidates for laser hair removal.
5. You need to stop using specific medications.
6. You'll see real results after about 6 to 8 treatments.
7. You need to attend every session.
8. It shouldn't be painful.
9. Don't worry if you're on your period.
10. There's one thing you need to do before your appointment: shave.
11. You need to apply SPF tothe affected area after your treatment.
12. Each session costs between $50 and $300.
13. There are a few risks.
How many sessions of laser hair removal is needed for underarms?
Does armpit hair grow back after laser hair removal?
Is underarm laser hair removal worth it?
How long till laser hair removal is permanent?

Are you tired of regularly shaving or waxing your underarm hair? Who isn’t! Whether your skin care routine consists of shaving every day or waxing every few weeks, removing unwanted underarm hair feels like a never-ending process. If you’re also tired of constant skin irritation, in-grown hairs, bumps, redness, or razor burn, it’s time to consider laser hair removal.

Underarm laser hair removal is fast, effortless, and leaves behind nothing but smooth, hairless skin. Here’s everything I wish I had known before my first underarm treatment.

How Underarm Laser Hair Removal Works

Laser hair removal is a relatively simple process, and not nearly as intimidating as it sounds. The lasers work by emitting pulses of light energy deep into the skin, where the hair follicle is then destroyed. Once the follicle has been damaged, it can no longer produce hair.

Hair grows in three stages – the active growth stage, the transition stage, and the resting stage. Laser hair removal only targets follicles that are in the growth stage. When hair is in the transition or resting phase, the laser cannot reach the root to damage the follicle.

The Treatment Process Isn’t Painful

There is minimal pain during underarm laser hair removal. The most common comparison we hear is that laser feels like getting a rubber band lightly snapped against the skin.

The underarm laser hair removal process begins in a comfortable reclining position with your arm raised above your head. Your laser technician will then identify the area of skin that requires hair removal. The spot will then be fully prepped, and you may feel a slight tingling sensation.

Once the treatment area has been fully prepped, the underarm laser treatment begins. The technician quickly and efficiently runs the laser over the underarm area to fill the hair follicles at the root.

Critical Post-Treatment Rules To Follow

For the most effective results, there are several things that you will need to do (and avoid) after laser hair removal from your underarms. After the application, it’s essential to follow al post-treatment rules and guidelines your provider offers, including:

Avoid extended UV exposure for at least seven days post-treatment, and up to six weeks in some instances.
Wear loose cotton clothing for up to 48 hours.
Avoid swimming pools, jacuzzis, steam rooms, and physical exercise.
Avoid touching the skin under your arms.
Do not wash with water that is too hot or too cold.
Tylenol is recommended to manage post-treatment discomfort.
Restorative gel, cold towels, ice packs, or aloe vera can alleviate discomfort due to heat.
Avoid additional laser treatments or chemical procedures for at least two weeks.
Experiencing any side effects, including hypo-or-hyper-pigmentation, prolonged redness, swelling, or blistering, should be discussed with your provider.

Results Aren’t Immediate

Treatment sessions will be spread out over a series of weeks to ensure laser hair removal treatments are effective and target the current growth phase. Laser hair removal is only effective when the hair is in the growth stage, so multiple treatment sessions are required.

Not Everyone Is an Ideal Candidate

Those with dark hair and light skin are ideal candidates for underarm laser hair removal treatments. The laser can focus its light on the pigment within the hair and does not have pigment within the skin competing for it. For those with darker skin, there are laser treatments that can be used successfully. Patients with blonde or white hair are typically not good candidates as they lack the pigmentation necessary for successful treatments.

To learn more about underarm laser hair removal and to learn if you are a candidate, contact Radiance Skincare & Laser Medspa today to schedule a consultation.

Shaving, plucking, waxing ... all of these take time, but for people who prefer to have smooth, hairless skin, they may seem like the only options available. If you're willing to shell out a little extra cash, however, you could opt instead for a more permanent result: laser hair removal. This high-tech method uses light to actually destroy the follicle, leaving you with fuzz-free skin.

We asked some pros to give us the rundown on all the info you need to know before getting this procedure done.

1. Laser hair removal isn't as complicated as it sounds.

Any service with the word "laser" in its name might seem intimidating, but it's actually very simple. "Energy from the laser is picked up by the pigment in the hair follicle, causing destruction to the root," explains New York dermatologist Dr. Margarita Lolis. Once the root is destroyed, it can't produce more hair.

2. There are three main types of lasers.

According to Rachel Sharoff, licensed esthetician at Skintology Skin and Laser Center, here's a quick rundown of the most popular laser types:

Diode: The diode laser is very effective for light and dark skin.

Alexandrite: This laser is the fastest of all laser types and works best for treating larger body areas among patients who are have light-to-olive complexions.

Nd:YAG: This long pulse laser can be used safely on all skin types, including tanned skin. It is less effective for light or fine hair when compared to other types of lasers.

3. Laser hair removal works best on four areas.

While laser hair removal can work on any body part you wish to remove hair from, it is especially effective on the bikini, lip, chin, and underarm areas.

4. People with thick, coarse, and dark hair are the best candidates for laser hair removal.

If you have dark hair and have ever been annoyed with how stubborn it can be when it comes to regrowth and removal, rejoice: "The laser is attracted to pigment, or color, in the hair follicle," explains Sharoff.

That said, it can take a little longer to fully work on thicker hair. "Some hair is just very resistant, and sometimes new ones come out due to hormonal changes or other hair bulbs becoming active during the treatment period," explains Dr. Birnur Aral, Director of the Good Housekeeping Beauty Lab, who has personal experience with laser hair removal.

5. You need to stop using specific medications.

Just as with waxing, this skincare treatment is incompatible with certain meds. "Any medications that are photosensitive need to be stopped at least one week prior to treatment," Sharoff warns. She also notes that most antibiotics can be photosensitive, so if you have an infection, it could be a good idea to push your treatment back a few weeks.

"Patients should not be using skincare with strong actives such as retinoids and alfa hydroxyl acids," says Dr. Aral. These ingredients can increase skin cell turnover, making skin more vulnerable to the sun and irritation during the treatment period. If you're not sure whether your medication could negatively affect your laser hair removal treatment, consult with your doctor beforehand.

6. You'll see real results after about 6 to 8 treatments.

Everybody is different, so the amount of sessions it takes varies per individual, says Dr. Lolis. "Laser hair removal works when the hair is in its active growth rate," she explains. Different parts of the body have different growth rates, and therefore could take longer or shorter depending on which spot you're treating, but Sharoff states that the majority of clients need an average of six to eight treatments for full hair removal.

7. You need to attend every session.

"One of the biggest mistakes people make is not completing the necessary amount of sessions," warns Dr. Lolis. "Once the hair growth slows down, patients don't follow through." If you really want your treatment to be effective, listen to your practitioner — they know best.

8. It shouldn't be painful.

"With numbing, it should be comfortable," says Dr. Lolis, who adds that it feels like a "rubber band snapping the skin," while Sharoff notes that most of her clients describe it as a light, warm pinch.

9. Don't worry if you're on your period.

Unlike getting a bikini wax, you should not cancel your treatment due to your period, says Sharoff. "It's very important to stay consistent with treatments," she explains, "so even if a woman is menstruating and treating her bikini area, we just ask that she uses a tampon on the day of treatment."

10. There's one thing you need to do before your appointment: shave.

"We ask that you shave the area you are treating beforehand so that the laser can penetrate into the root of the hair — not target or singe any hair on or outside the skin," advises Sharoff. She is very specific about the shaving aspect of this prep work for a reason: "You should not wax, tweeze, or bleach any hair one month before your session because the root needs to stay intact in order for the laser to effectively destroy the hair."

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Credit: Gillette

11. You need to apply SPF tothe affected area after your treatment.

After your session, avoidance to sun exposure is advisable and the use of a sunscreen like Kiehl's Activated Sun Protector Water-Light Lotion for Face & Body ($29, kiehls.com) is highly recommended. (But hey, you were already using sunscreen every day, right?) Dr. Aral also notes that any hair growth between sessions should be shaved off — not waxed or threaded.

12. Each session costs between $50 and $300.

The price you pay per session of laser hair removal can vary from provider to provider, but Dr. Lolis says it can range depending on which body part you're removing hair from.

Considering multiple sessions are often needed to fully stop hair growth, it's not exactly a cheap treatment. But if you like to have hairless skin, imagine using razors or heading to the salon for a wax for the rest of your life — when you think of how much all that costs, laser hair removal can be seen as more of a longterm investment. Plus, some service providers offer packages for clients purchasing several sessions at once, so be sure to ask about any specials available.

13. There are a few risks.

While laser hair removal is considered a safe treatment, Dr. Lolis notes that there is a risk of burning, while the FDA adds that blistering, discoloration, redness, and scarring are also potential side effects. There's also the possibility that your hair could grow back, which Dr. Aral notes may require yearly treatments to keep new hair growth at bay.

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How many sessions of laser hair removal is needed for underarms?

Overall, it can take three to four sessions to achieve your desired armpit hair results, due to the stages of individual hair growth. Keep in mind that, while laser hair removal is marketed as “permanent,” you will likely need follow-up treatments in the future to maintain your smooth underarms.

Does armpit hair grow back after laser hair removal?

However, even though laser treatments damage hair follicles, they're not destroyed completely. Over time, the treated follicles may recover from the initial damage and grow hair again. It's a tall order to eliminate every hair follicle in a given area. Therefore, you may notice a tiny amount of hair regrowth.

Is underarm laser hair removal worth it?

“They can be effective, but they're very slow to work and most users report that they've stopped using them altogether because they're too time consuming and painful.” Also, don't leap for a discounted or super-cheap laser hair removal offer.

How long till laser hair removal is permanent?

You may need 12 treatments or more to completely eliminate hair growth. After that, the need for touchups should be minimal. Some people may require semiannual treatments at first.