How to Prepare for Your First Underarm Laser Session

Youmna Rehman • August 4, 2025

Your first underarm laser hair removal appointment can feel intimidating—but good preparation means smoother sessions, better results, and fewer surprises. Here’s everything you need for a successful experience.

Can You Shave Before or After Underarm Laser Hair Removal?

Plan Ahead: Avoid Sun, Wax, and Harsh Products

At least two weeks before, avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, and self-tanners. Tanned or sunburned skin increases the risk of burns or pigmentation changes because the laser can mistake increased melanin for hair follicles. Skip waxing, tweezing, bleaching, or depilatory creams for a full 4–6 weeks before treatment—these methods remove the hair root, which the laser needs to target.

Shave, Don’t Pluck—or Over-Exfoliate

Shave the underarm area 24 to 48 hours before your session. This keeps the hair follicle intact but avoids surface hair that could cause laser burns. Don’t combine shaving with aggressive exfoliation right before your session—stick to gentle cleansers and mild rinsing to avoid skin irritation.

Skip Skincare Actives That Increase Sensitivity

Stop using products like retinol, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and harsh peels at least 3–7 days before treatment, depending on your skin’s sensitivity. These compounds can thin or sensitise the skin and increase adverse reactions.

Clean, Bare Skin on the Day

On your appointment day, scrub, oil, makeup, deodorant and perfume are off-limits. Arrive with clean, dry underarms, free of any product residue to ensure the laser reaches the root effectively.

Inform Your Technician About Medications and Skin Changes

Some medications—like antibiotics, Accutane, high-strength retinoids, or NSAIDs—can increase photosensitivity and raise risk of irritation or even burns. Be transparent about all medications, supplements, and recent skincare routines so the technician can adjust settings or delay treatment, if needed.

What Not to Do Before and After Underarm Laser Hair Removal

Hydrate and Protect Your Skin

Drink plenty of water in the days before your appointment, and keep your skin nourished with a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer—except on the treatment day when nothing should be applied before cleansing. A well-hydrated skin barrier reduces irritation and helps the laser work smoothly.

Wear Loose, Breathable Clothing

Choose cotton or flowy clothing on the day of. Tight or synthetic fabrics can irritate treated areas afterward or interfere with healing if cooling gels are applied.

Consider Timing Around Your Menstrual Cycle

Women may experience slightly heightened sensitivity during menstruation. If you're treating underarms or other sensitive areas, scheduling your appointment mid-cycle (days 6–14) may offer a more comfortable experience.

Schedule a Consultation or Patch Test

A consultation helps assess your hair and skin type and confirm whether underarm laser is safe for you. A patch test prior to the full treatment ensures the laser settings suit your skin, which reduces risk of side effects like burns or pigmentation.

Step-by-Step Preparation Timeline

2–6 weeks before:
• Avoid all hair removal methods except shaving
• Stay out of the sun and tanning beds

1 week before:
• Stop skincare actives like retinoids and glycolic acid

1–2 days before:
• Shave the underarms carefully using a fresh razor
• Don’t exfoliate harshly after shaving

Day of appointment:
• Cleanse with mild, product-free water
• Avoid applying any lotions, deodorants or perfumes
• Wear loose clothing and stay hydrated
• Use cooling gel or numbing cream if advised

What to Expect During Your First Session

A typical underarm laser session (actual treatment) lasts around 10–15 minutes, but your first appointment might be longer—about 20–30 minutes—to include a skin assessment, consultation, patch test, and aftercare review. If you’re using numbing cream, plan to arrive 30–60 minutes early so it can take effect without rushing.

After treatment, you may experience mild redness or warmth—the clinic may apply calming aloe gel. Avoid hot showers for 24–48 hours, and maintain sunscreen use, hydration, and gentle moisturizers to support healing.

Final Thoughts

Proper preparation can dramatically impact both comfort and results when it comes to laser hair removal. By avoiding sun, hair removal methods like waxing, skincare irritants, and ensuring clean, hydrated skin, you give your treatment the best chance of working effectively and safely. Combine this with thoughtful scheduling, honest medical disclosures, and comfortable clothing— and you’ll walk into your first underarm laser session feeling informed, calm, and ready to achieve long-lasting smoothness.

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How Long Does an Underarm Laser Session Take?

By Youmna Rehman • July 31, 2025

If you’ re thinking about getting laser hair removal for your underarms, one of the first questions you’ll likely have is: “How long does the session actually take?” The short answer? Not long. But there’s a lot more to it than just time on the clock. From prep to post-care, each session involves specific steps that affect not only how long you’ll be in the clinic but also how effective your results will be. This guide breaks it all down, so you know exactly what to expect. What Not to Do Before and After Underarm Laser Hair Removal Why Laser Hair Removal for Underarms Is So Popular The underarms are one of the most commonly treated areas for laser hair removal, and it’s easy to see why. The area is small, which means treatments are quick. Plus, the hair tends to be darker and coarser, making it more responsive to the laser. For many people, a few sessions can mean smoother skin and a serious reduction in regrowth. How Long Does the Actual Laser Session Take? Most underarm laser sessions take about 10 to 15 minutes . That’s it. This includes the time it takes for the technician to prepare the skin, adjust the laser settings, and apply the treatment to both underarms. If you’ve shaved properly beforehand (which is usually recommended), the session will go even faster. Here’s a breakdown of what usually happens during that time: Quick skin check by the technician Wiping the area clean if needed Application of the laser pulses (this usually takes just 5-7 minutes for both underarms) Optional application of soothing gel or aloe afterward You’ll be in and out in less time than it takes to scroll Instagram. Factors That Can Affect Session Duration While 10–15 minutes is the average, a few things can make your session take slightly longer or shorter. Skin and Hair Type : Coarser or denser hair might require more laser passes. Pain Tolerance : If you’re sensitive to the laser sensation, you might need breaks. Technician Technique : Some clinics use faster machines or more experienced technicians, which can speed things up. Pre-Treatment Preparation : If you forgot to shave or have residual deodorant on your skin, the technician may need to clean or prep the area, adding a few minutes. What About the First Appointment? Your first laser hair removal appointme nt will likely be a bit longer — around 20 to 30 minutes total. That’s because the technician will go over your medical history, explain the procedure, perform a patch test, and answer any questions you may have. But once you get into the routine of regular sessions, the actual laser part rema ins quick. Does Underarm Laser Hair Removal Really Work? How Many Sessions Will You Need? Most people need 6 to 8 sessions for optimal results, spaced about 4 to 6 weeks apart. Some people see a significant reduction in hair growth after just a few sessions, but consistency is key. The speed of the sessions makes it easier to stick to your treatment plan. Can You Schedule During a Lunch Break? Yes, and that’s one of the best things about underarm laser hair removal . Since the session is so short, it’s ideal for squeezing in between classes, errands, or during a break from work. There's no downtime required, so you can go back to your day immediately. Aftercare: Does That Add Time? After your session, you might experience mild redness or a warm sensation on your skin. Applying aloe vera or a soothing lotion is usually enough. The aftercare process is simple and doesn’t take much time, but avoid applying deodorant or taking hot showers for at least 24 hours. Laser vs. Other Hair Removal Methods (Time Comparison) If you’re used to shaving every few days or waxing every few weeks, laser hair removal is a major time-saver in the long run. Here’s how it compares: Shaving : Takes 3–5 minutes per session, multiple times a week Waxing : Takes about 30 minutes every 2–4 weeks Laser : 10–15 minutes every 4–6 weeks, and long-term results after 6–8 sessions Final Thoughts Laser hair removal for underarms is one of the quickest cosmetic treatments available. In just 10 to 15 minutes per session, you’re working toward long-lasting smoothness and ditching the hassle of razors or waxing strips. Whether you’re fitting it into a busy schedule or just tired of constant upkeep, underarm laser is quick, effective, and surprisingly convenient.