Does Underarm Laser Hair Removal Hurt?

Many people find underarm laser hair removal more uncomfortable than other areas. That’s no surprise: the underarms have very thin skin and a dense concentration of nerve endings, making each burst of laser energy feel sharper and more intense than in thicker regions like the legs.

Can I Use Deodorant After Underarm Laser Hair Removal?

How Painful Does It Feel?

Pain during treatment varies, but common descriptions include a quick rubber-band snap, a sharp needle-prick sensation, or brief hot tingles . On a pain scale of 1 to 10, underarm treatments often register around 8 or 9, significantly higher than areas like the legs (typically 6–7) or arms (around 3). According to Medical Physics Institute, the underarms are reported as one of the most painful body areas for laser treatments

Real User Experiences from Reddit

Real experiences echo what experts report:

“The pain definitely gets easier by the third session depending how well your hair follicles react... That initial treatment was stupidly spicy.”

Another user reported using numbing cream with limited relief, emphasizing the intensity of their sessions.

What Science and Research Reveal

Clinical observations confirm that treatment discomfort correlates with skin thickness, hair density, and device settings. A study on Alexandrite laser usage noted thinner skin and larger spot sizes increase pain during sessions.

Different laser types also influence sensation. IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treatments tend to cause less discomfort than Alexandrite lasers, while Nd:YAG lasers often register the highest pain scores among the commonly used devices.

Hormonal Impact on Pain Sensitivity

A recent trial found that pain tolerance during laser treatment may vary slightly with menstrual cycle stage—slightly lower during menstruation—but differences weren’t statistically significant.

Does Pain Increase Over Time?

No—pain often decreases with successive sessions as hair thins and treatments target fewer follicles. Many users find later sessions more tolerable than the first few Reddit.

Factors That Affect Your Experience

• Hair thickness: coarse, dark hair absorbs more energy, meaning more intense pulses
• Skin sensitivity: underarm skin is naturally thinner and more responsive
• Spot size and fluence: larger spots deliver more energy and can increase thermal sensation
• Cooling mechanisms: devices with contact cooling or cryogenic spray help reduce discomfort.

Strategies to Reduce Discomfort

• Ask for topical numbing cream (e.g. lidocaine) applied 30–60 minutes before treatment
• Look for clinics using ice-based or air-cooling systems during laser pulses
• Consider taking an over-the-counter pain reliever before the session (30–60 minutes prior)
• Avoid caffeinated drinks on treatment day to help lower nerve sensitivity
• Stay hydrated and keep your body relaxed throughout the session

How Laser Hair Removal Feels on Every Body Part

Expert Perspectives

Dermatologists characterize the pain sensation as quick, mild tingles or snaps—often easier to tolerate than waxing and with less prolonged pain after treatment.. Clinics specializing in hair removal recommend customized laser settings based on skin type and a passive recovery environment to improve comfort.

What Happens After the Treatment?

Some redness, swelling, or follicular edema (a slight bumpiness) is common and may resemble a mild sunburn.These effects typically resolve within a couple of days. Cool compresses, aloe vera, and mild moisturizers can help soothe discomfort. Avoid exfoliation or harsh products on the area for 24–48 hours to prevent irritation.

Is It Worth the Pain?

Many users say yes—finding the discomfort short-lived and outweighed by the long-term benefits of smoother, hair-free underarms. Several Reddit users noted the discomfort becomes manageable as sessions progress, and results often justify the temporary sensation.

Summary

Laser hair removal on underarms can be uncomfortable—often described as intense snapping or burning. That said, most sensations last only moments, and multiple pain-relief strategies—from numbing creams to clinics with better cooling systems—can help. As hair thins and fewer follicles are treated, discomfort generally decreases across sessions. For most, the trade-off of smoother skin and fewer ingrowns proves worthwhile.