I tried laser hair removal! And I’m going to tell you what it’s like to get laser hair removal of the underarms.
Hi, friend! I’ve been sitting on the idea of this post for a while and decided that even though I’m not 100 percent done with my laser hair removal process, I had enough to write about. So, let’s talk about body hair, with some possible TMI moments.
I’m not a super hairy person, mostly because of my light complexion, but the one area where I feel like I’ve struggled hair-wise with noticeable stubble is my armpits. And for most people, that’s not a big deal. But for me, as a group fitness instructor, I show my underarms to hundreds of people a week — literally — and I need them to be in decent shape.
It used to be that when I shaved my armpits the night before, even by mid-day the next day, I could see dark hair follicles or little hairs forming. It was such a quick grow. And when I would shave the area too often, I’d sometimes get irritation or razor bumps. Yuck. I realize this is gross, and once again, I’m sharing too much information about myself on the internet.
Well, last summer in August, I got an email from Ideal Image inviting me to attend a content production day. If I let them film me, they would give me a free package of laser hair removal on one body part. I was available for the day of filming, so I said yes, and signed myself up, not really knowing what to expect. I figured I’d go for my underarms, and I’m glad I did.
Since that time, I’ve done four laser hair removal sessions of the underarms, and I have four more to go in my complimentary package. And by the way, this post is not about Ideal Image, but so far, I’ve thought my experience with them has been good. (By the way, Ideal Image didn’t ask me to share anything about my experience, and for a long time I didn’t. But now, I’m sharing!)
Today, I’m going to tell you some facts about laser hair removal, and I’m going to talk about my real-life results and what it’s like to get laser hair removal of the underarms.
Here we go …
What is laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal is a cosmetic procedure where a targeted laser light is used to remove unwanted hair on the body by emitting pulses on the melanin in the hair follicle. The follicle is damaged or dies, and the hair grows back slower and/or eventually falls out.
You can remove hair from most parts of the body. But laser hair removal works best on dark and thick hair, thus the armpits are an ideal spot to get it done. Some skin types take better to laser hair removal than others.
I was told my armpits are perfect candidates, due to light skin and dark hair.
How long does laser hair removal last?
While it’s not considered totally permanent, laser hair removal can eliminate about 80 to 90 percent of hair forever in an area with multiple sessions.
You may need to get another treatment in a few years to top off your results if any hair grows back. But over time, way less hair grows in, and it grows back slower and thinner. Some people do experience permanent results.
How many laser hair removal sessions does it take to eliminate hair?
You will notice a difference after just one session. I know I did.
But, my laser hair removal technician told me that each area takes multiple treatments. And it’s typically around five sessions to consider the process complete.
Some people and some areas may take up to eight sessions though.
As far as timing, it’s not an overnight thing. You’re supposed to space out the treatments depending on how fast the hair in that area of the body grows. For laser hair removal of the underarms, my treatments have all been eight weeks apart.
Thus, from the time I started this in August, it will have taken almost a year to complete.
What does laser hair removal feel like?
Here’s the thing you really want to know, right? Does it hurt?
I can only speak to how it feels in the area I’ve been having treated — the armpits — and I will say that each time the laser hits the skin, you feel a little pinch. Right in the center of the underarm is the most sensitive part, but some parts to the sides aren’t as bad. My technician described the pain as “spicy,” and I would say that’s a gentle way to describe it.
There’s an option to get a special numbing cream before your treatments, but I haven’t used that. You can ask your laser hair removal technician to apply an ice pack to the area that is treated right away, which does soothe a little after the initial pinch.
As you move further along in the process, the lasers get stronger to target deeper hair growth. So every session does get a little more intense. The good news is for the underarms, that it’s so fast, you just have to grin and bear it.
For comparison, laser hair removal of the underarms is more painful than waxing and probably about the same intensity as being pricked by needles. But of course, the underarms can be sensitive, and that’s the only area where I have laser hair removal experience.
How long does each laser hair removal session take?
It depends on how big the area is that you’re getting treated.
The armpits are a very small area, and it’s so quick! In fact, once I have my safety goggles on and am in position, it literally takes about 60 seconds per armpit for each treatment, that’s it.
While my first appointment took a little bit longer in order to discuss the process and sign waivers, the rest of the treatments are done in about 15 minutes from the time I enter the office and leave, having already made my next appointment at the front desk.
You can very easily fit in an area like this on a quick lunch-break appointment, which is nice.
What do you need to do before your laser hair removal treatment?
Just a few things …
Before I got my first laser treatment, I did a virtual meeting with a nurse via an iPad at Ideal Image, and the nurse asked me questions about my health background. I passed, because I was allowed to get the treatment. I’m assuming that’s a standard procedure at most laser hair removal places, but I don’t know for sure. (And I think you should always confirm that it’s a licensed medical professional performing your laser hair removal, by the way, so nothing goes wrong.)
Most people can get laser hair removal. But, you can’t get laser hair removal if you’re pregnant or if you have a tattoo in the area where you want hair removed.
Before treatment, you’re supposed to avoid tanning beds, tanning lotion, suntanning, tweezing and waxing, and you’re also supposed to shave the area about 24 hours ahead of time. You or your laser technician will clean the area of any deodorant, lotions or creams, then you put on your safety goggles, sit back and let the magic happen.
Is there any down-time after a laser hair removal treatment?
Like none. I couldn’t believe it.
Other than avoiding tanning beds, suntanning, tanning lotions, tweezing and waxing for about two weeks, you’re good to go. I expected my armpits to be red and sore, and they weren’t for the first three treatments. I did have a little bit of soreness after my fourth treatment, and that’s because the lasers do get more intense the further you get into your treatment.`
Because I only got my armpits done, I wore a tank top to my treatments under a jacket, got my treatment, then put my jacket back on and went on about my day. So easy!
What does a typical laser hair removal session entail?
You arrive at your laser hair removal location, you sign in, you head into the treatment room, you clean the area being treated, you put on your safety goggles and you lie back on the treatment table.
Be ready to grit your teeth during the pulses, and also be ready for a somewhat loud buzzing sound and the smell of sizzling burnt hair. The laser makes a buzz each time it emits a pulse, and you can smell the remnants of stubble that get burnt off. Call me a total weirdo, but I don’t mind that part. It’s like that feeling when you use a vacuum cleaner and vacuum up hard stuff that makes a noise. Anyone with me?
When your treatment is done, you can apply an ice pack to the area, then get dressed and hit the road.
How much does laser hair removal cost?
As far as pricing, it’s not that easy to share.
Most laser hair removal places ask you to do a free consultation before they give you the cost. Basic Google research tells me a small area is around $500-600 to treat and a larger area is around $1,000-$1,500 to treat. But it depends on your city, where you go, which area of the body you choose to laser away and how many sessions you’ll likely need.
It’s not cheap. However, if you think of the time it will save you in the long run of shaving, waxing or tweezing an area, it’s actually not a crazy trade-off.
What has my laser hair removal experience been like?
Now here’s why I wanted to write this post …
My laser hair removal of the underarms experience has been so very good.
I’ve not had an ingrown hair or razor bumps in my underarms since I started treatment in August. And this is huge for me. I noticed a significant decline in underarm hair after just one treatment. And what does grow back now, grows back slower and thinner. There’s not much left after four treatments, and I do plan to go a few more times to finish up this area completely (and hopefully for the long haul).
When I lift my arms, my underarms are smooth, light and clear, with no visible follicles, and they stay that way. It’s actually really cool.
Here’s a literal statement I said to a girlfriend a few weeks ago, “I’ve got several current complaints with my body and appearance, but my underarms are on point.” 🙂 (And even though I’m sure you want to see a before/after picture, I’m drawing the line at putting close-ups of my armpits on the internet. You can learn all you need from my descriptions.)
Now here’s the most amazing thing: I don’t have to worry about shaving my underarms each day any longer, I don’t have to worry about underarm razor bumps, and I don’t have to worry about how my underarms look — at all. That’s just awesome.
And based on how well this laser hair removal of the underarms has worked for me (and I’m not fully done yet), I may actually consider getting another area of the body. I’d have to pay for the next body part, and I’m going to price out some packages, probably staying with Ideal Image, because they’ve been good to me. I honestly don’t know if I ever would have tried laser hair removal if they hadn’t reached out.
In conclusion …
I’m so happy I accepted an invite to try laser hair removal! Embarrassingly enough, I’ve told so many people about my armpits, and I’m very pleased with them. I know it’s such a silly thing, but it’s made a big difference for me. Worth the pinch and the spice!
While an elective cosmetic procedure like this is totally a “nice to have” not a “have to have,” I’m all about sharing what I do with you, with some real-life commentary. If you’ve ever thought about trying laser hair removal, now you’re armed with some more knowledge to help you make your decision.
(Old picture from my first visit in August 2024, thus the summer clothes.)
Thank you so much for reading my post on what it’s like to get laser hair removal of the underarms. I hope you have an amazing day!
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Questions of the day for you
Have you ever had laser hair removal? What did you think of it?
What’s one cosmetic or aesthetic procedure you want to try one day?
