What Not to Do Before and After Underarm Laser Hair Removal
Youmna Rehman • July 28, 2025
Underarm laser hair removal is one of the faster and most effective treatments available—but understanding the right prep and aftercare can make the difference between flawless success and avoidable setbacks. Here’s exactly what you should avoid before and after your session.
Does Underarm Laser Hair Removal Hurt?
What Not to Do before Underarm Laser Hair Removal
- Pluck, wax, or use depilatory creams: Laser targets hair follicles, so removing the hair root in advance prevents it from being treated. Stop these methods at least 4–6 weeks before your session to allow follicles to regrow.
- Expose the skin to the sun or tanning: Sunburn or a tan increases melanin, raising the risk of burns or hyperpigmentation from the laser. Avoid sun exposure and self-tanning for at least six weeks prior to your appointment.
- Use active skincare ingredients: Retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, benzoyl peroxide, or physical exfoliants can thin or irritate the skin. Stop using them at least 3–7 days before treatment to minimize sensitivity.
- Take blood-thinning medications or alcoholic beverages: NSAIDs, aspirin, and some antibiotics can increase photosensitivity or bruising risk. Avoid these substances for 48 hours before your session and skip alcohol and caffeine for at least 24 hours prior.
- Apply products on treatment day: On the day of the session, arrive with clean, dry skin—no lotions, deodorant, oil, or makeup. These can interfere with laser penetration or adversely react.
- Wear tight or abrasive clothing: Clothing that rubs the underarm can cause friction and sensitivity, so opt for loose, breathable garments on treatment day.
What Not to Do After Underarm Laser Hair Removal
- Skip protective care or go bare-skin after: Treated skin may feel like a mild sunburn. Avoid direct sun exposure for 1–2 weeks post-treatment. When outside, always use broad-spectrum SPF 30+, or wear protective clothing.
- Take hot showers, baths, or use saunas: Heat can exacerbate redness and irritate the skin. Stick to cool or lukewarm showers for at least 48 hours, and skip steam rooms, bals, and hot tubs.
- Exfoliate too soon: Avoid scrubs or exfoliants for 5–7 days to prevent damaging the healing skin. After that, gently exfoliate if needed—but stay gentle.
- Scratch, pick, or rub: Itching is normal, but scratching can cause blistering, scarring, and pigmentation changes. Pat and soothe with aloe vera or fragrance‑free moisturizers instead.
- Wear deodorant immediately after: Deodorants can irritate inflamed follicles. Wait at least 24–48 hours before reapplying; if skin is still sensitive, extend to 72 hours. Choose fragrance-free, mild formulas when you return to deodorant.
- Exercise or sweat heavily: Increased circulation and friction from sweat can irritate treated skin. Avoid strenuous workouts for 24–48 hours post-session.
- Shave too soon: Wait at least 72 hours before shaving post-treatment to avoid shaving over irritated follicles. After that, shave gently if needed between sessions (no waxing or plucking).
- Apply skincare actives immediately: Continue to avoid retinoids, acids, or other active products in the treated area for at least a week.
- Schedule other skin treatments too soon: Wait at least two weeks before any chemical peels or microdermabrasion to avoid compounding irritation. Avoid waxing or threading at all during the course of treatment.
Can I Use Deodorant After Underarm Laser Hair Removal?
Reddit Feedback
Real user experiences emphasize the importance of caution. One shared a negative outcome after an overly intense session:
“They cranked up the intensity… felt like burning, and the lymph nodes in that area have been sensitive ever since.”
Another user debunks the idea that shaving delays results:
“Shaving only cuts the hair itself. What they don’t want is waxing or plucking... shaving is fine.”
Other anecdotes confirm improved comfort over time and satisfaction with results when proper timing and care are maintained.
Why These Avoidances Matter
- Sun exposure and active skincare increase risk of hyperpigmentation and blistering.
- Waxing or plucking disrupts the hair follicle, reducing laser effectiveness.
- Heat, friction, sweat, or harsh products delay healing and may worsen inflammation.
- Shaving too early risks irritation, while picking the skin may cause scars.
Does Underarm Laser Hair Removal Really Work?
Best Practices to Follow Instead
- Shave the treated area 24 hours before session—not too close, not too long.
- Apply a cool compress immediately after to ease redness or swelling.
- Use aloe vera or fragrance-free moisturizers for the first 3–4 days (no actives).
- Wear loose, cotton clothing to avoid friction.
- Keep the treated area clean, dry, and cooled for at least 48 hours.
- Drink plenty of water and minimize caffeine to keep skin calm.
- Follow sunscreen protocol before and after treatments.
Final Thoughts
Knowing what not to do before and after your underarm laser session is just as important as the treatment itself. These precautions reduce side effects, promote healing, and ensure you'll get the longest-lasting, safest results. If anything feels off—like blistering, persistent swelling, or unusual pigmentation—reach out to your provider right away.
Make every session count by avoiding disruptive behaviors from the prep phase through to the healing phase. Then you're set to enjoy smoother, hair-free underarms with confidence.
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Laser hair removal is growing rapidly in popularity, and the underarms are one of the most common treatment areas. It’s quick, convenient, and can save you from years of shaving, waxing, and irritation. But before booking your f irst session, there’s one question most people ask: How much does underarm laser hair removal actually cost? This guide breaks down the average price, what aff ects the cost, and whether it’s worth the investment in the long run. What Is Underarm Laser Hair Removal? Underarm laser hair removal is a cosmetic procedure that uses laser energy to target and destroy hair follicles in the armpit area. Over time, this process reduces hair growth significantly and often permanently. It’s popular because the underarm area is small, making treatments fast (usually 5–10 minutes), with fewer sessions required compared to larger areas like legs or back. Does Underarm Laser Hair Removal Really Work? Average Cost of Underarm Laser Hair Removal Prices vary by location, clinic, and individual needs, but here’s what you can generally expect: Per-Session Cost (USD) Low end: $50 – $75 Average: $75 – $150 High end (luxury clinics or dermatologists): $150 – $250 Package Deals Many clinics offer discounted packages if you purchase multiple sessions up front: 6-session package: $300 – $800 total 8-session package: $500 – $1,200 total Because most people require 6 to 8 sessions for optimal results, packages often offer better value in the long run. Factors That Influence Cost Several elements affect the final price you’ll pay for underarm laser hair removal: 1. Location Clinics in metropolitan cities or affluent areas tend to charge more. Prices may be lower in smaller towns or countries with a lower cost of living. 2. Type of Laser Alexandrite and Diode lasers (common for lighter skin tones) and Nd:YAG lasers (safer for darker skin tones) have different costs. Advanced or newer laser technology may come at a premium. 3. Clinic Type Dermatology clinics or medical spas with certified professionals may charge more than standard salons, but the service is often more reliable and safer. 4. Technician Experience Highly experienced or licensed technicians may cost more but can reduce the risk of side effects like burns or hyperpigmentation. 5. Hair Type and Skin Tone Coarse, dark hair on light skin usually responds better to lasers, often requiring fewer sessions. People with lighter hair or deeper skin tones may need more sessions, affecting the overall cost. Do You Need Numbing Cream for Laser Hair Removal? Is It Cheaper Than Waxing or Shaving? Although laser hair removal has a higher upfront cost, it can be more cost-effective in the long run. Let’s compare: Waxing Costs: Underarm waxing costs $15 – $30 per session If done every 4 weeks, that’s $180 – $360 per year Over 5 years, you spend $900 – $1,800 Shaving Costs: Razors, shaving cream, and exfoliation tools may cost $5 – $10 monthly That’s $60 – $120 per year , or $300 – $600 over 5 years Plus: the time and irritation of daily or weekly shaving Laser Hair Removal: Average 6–8 sessions over a year : $500 – $800 Maintenance sessions every 12–18 months: $100 – $200 No more razors, wax appointments, or constant upkeep In most cases, laser hair removal pays for itself in just a couple of years—and saves you time and effort, too. Can Insurance Cover It? In most cases, laser hair removal is considered a cosmetic treatmen t and is not covered by insurance. However, if hair growth is linked to a medical condition (like PCOS or hirsutism), some patients may qualify for partial reimbursement depending on the provider and the plan. It’s worth checking with your insurance company and getting a note from your doctor if your hair growth is tied to a health issue. What’s Included in the Cost? A good laser package should include: Consultation: Skin and hair assessment Patch test: To check for skin sensitivity or allergic reactions Actual sessions: Performed with FDA-approved equipment Post-care advice: Products or steps to reduce irritation or pigmentation Some clinics may also offer: Numbing cream (optional and may cost extra) Touch-up sessions at a discounted rate Flexible scheduling or rescheduling with no penalties Always ask what’s included before committing to a package. Can You Find Cheaper Options? Yes, but cheaper isn’t always better. Be cautious of: Unlicensed technicians or shady salons Outdated or unsuitable laser machines Lack of proper safety protocols Look for clinics that offer: Transparent pricing Real before-and-after results Clean facilities and patch testing Trained, certified staff If a deal seems too good to be true, it often is. Poorly done laser treatment can result in burns, scarring, and ineffective results—leading to extra costs later on. Final Thoughts: Is It Worth the Investment? Underarm laser hair removal can absolutely be worth it if you’re seeking long-term hair reduction, smoother skin, and freedom from daily grooming. While it isn’t cheap upfront, the results can last for years and improve both comfort and confidence. Take the time to research providers, compare packages, and ask the right questions during your consultation. With the right laser, technician, and care plan, you’ll likely find the investment worth every penny.
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