Can I Wash My Underarms After Laser Hair Removal? A Complete Guide

If you’ve just gotten laser hair removal on your underarms, your instinct might be to head straight to the shower—especially if you’ve sweated during the appointment. But is it safe? Can you wash your underarms right after a laser session, and if so, how?

Let’s clear the confusion with facts, expert opinions, and real experiences from those who’ve been there.

What Not to Do Before and After Underarm Laser Hair Removal

Can I Shower Immediately After Underarm Laser Hair Removal?

In most cases, you can take a shower after your laser session, but there’s a big caveat: skip the hot water.

Laser hair removal works by targeting hair follicles with concentrated light, which creates heat beneath the surface of the skin. After a session, your underarms may feel sensitive, warm, or even slightly inflamed—similar to a mild sunburn. That’s why most dermatologists recommend avoiding anything that adds more heat to the area, including:

• Hot showers
• Steam rooms
• Saunas
• Intense workouts (that cause sweating)

According to laser technicians and licensed estheticians, lukewarm to cool water is your best bet. Keep the rinse quick, avoid soaking the area, and skip the scrubbing for now.

“Treat it like a sunburn,” shared one Reddit user, whose laser tech specifically advised gentle, cool water showers and no loofahs or harsh soaps.

How Long Should I Wait to Wash My Underarms After Laser?

Ideally, wait at least 6–8 hours after your appointment to shower. If your technician applied a soothing gel or aloe vera, give it time to absorb into your skin before rinsing it away.

One Redditor explained:

“My tech said they put aloe on before I leave, and I should wait until bedtime to rinse. Use mild soap, gently with your hands, no scrubbing.”

If you’re feeling sweaty or uncomfortable, a cool water rinse without soap is generally fine. Just make sure you:

• Don’t use hot water
• Don’t scrub or exfoliate
• Avoid harsh or fragranced soaps

What Can I Use to Wash My Underarms After Laser?

Here’s what’s considered safe in the first 24–48 hours post-treatment:

• Cool to lukewarm water only
• Fragrance-free, non-soap cleansers (like Cetaphil or CeraVe)
• No antiperspirants or deodorants for the first 24 hours
• No exfoliants or acids (like AHAs or BHAs) for at least 48–72 hours

A Reddit user shared: “I used room temperature water and a non-scented soap. No irritation at all.”

Another wrote:

“I sweat like crazy during full body sessions, so I always shower after—with cool water and no soap on the treated areas.”

When Can I Start Using Deodorant Again?

You should avoid all deodorants and antiperspirants for at least 24 hours, even if they are "natural." The underarm skin will be sensitive, and applying products—especially those with aluminum, alcohol, or fragrances—can lead to:

• Irritation
• Stinging or burning
• Rashes or bumps

Once the redness or tenderness is gone, usually after a full day, you can resume using deodorant. Choose a fragrance-free or aluminum-free version if you're unsure.

Can I Use Deodorant After Underarm Laser Hair Removal?

What to Avoid After Washing

After you’ve gently rinsed, pat your underarms dry—don’t rub. Then:

• Skip tight clothing that may chafe the area
• Avoid perfumes, sprays, or body mists near the underarms
• Stay out of direct sunlight if possible

If your skin feels dry, you can use a thick, fragrance-free moisturizer like Eucerin, Aquaphor, or aloe vera gel to soothe the skin.

One Redditor shared:

“I applied thick moisturizer and didn’t wear tight clothes. Zero irritation.”

What People Say

The Reddit community is a goldmine of honest, no-fluff feedback. Here are some of the most helpful responses:

• “Do not use hot water.” — Simple but crucial.
• “Room temp water and non-scented soap worked for me.” — A common tip echoed across threads.
• “Wait till the evening, and be gentle. Use just your hands.” — From a user whose laser tech was also a registered nurse.
• “I usually wait till the next day because I know my skin gets irritated easily.”
• “I treated it like a sunburn. No scrubbing, just pat dry.”

Does Underarm Laser Hair Removal Hurt?

Conclusion: Keep It Cool, Keep It Clean

You can wash your underarms after laser hair removal—just not with hot water, harsh soaps, or scented products. Think of your underarms as temporarily sunburned: baby them for 1–2 days, and they’ll thank you later. Most importantly, listen to your body. If anything feels off, take a break and give your skin time to heal.