Despite how long laser hair removal has been around now, there is still a lot that many people don't know about the process. When I signed up for a course of laser treatments for my underarms at sk:n, a UK-based skin clinic, I threw out all my razors, shaving creams, and at-home-waxing kits because I just knew it was the savior I'd been waiting for. Still, even though I loved the end results, there are a few things I wish I had known before my first appointment. (Especially how it compares to other hair removal options out there.)
If you're considering underarm laser hair removal, read on for the things I wish I'd known before I started the treatment. Female Hair Removal
A round of six to eight treatments is usually recommended for the best results, with top-up sessions prescribed as needed. After six treatments, I found my coarser underarm hairs growing back and needing to be shaved more and more, so while the follicles attached to the finer hairs in my underarms appear to be permanently defunct, the ones attached to my coarser ones don't appear to have been affected at all. That being said, I currently only shave them every seven to 10 days, which is better than the twice weekly shaves I had to endure before.
As the saying goes, beauty is pain, and if you consider being hairless a beautiful thing, then you'd better be prepared for the pain of laser hair removal. Despite how quick and uncomplicated the sessions are, laser hair removal isn't exactly painless. The zap of the laser is comparable to someone repeatedly flicking rubber bands into your underarm skin for about 10 minutes, and when that's done, you can expect to be tender for up to 24 hours after. You're always advised to shave the night before a laser session to avoid the laser burning any hair as it blitzes over the area being treated.
Although results vary depending on each person, I started seeing a difference in the fine texture of my regrowth after the second session. The growth was fine enough that I didn't feel the need to shave in the six weeks between that session and the next. After the first session, though, you may start noticing hairs growing as normal and then quickly falling out as the follicles slowly die. This is completely normal.
For underarm treatments in particular, you're required to get six to eight treatments with six weeks in between each session to allow for each follicle to be targeted in the right stage of its growth cycle. The sessions themselves take five to 10 minutes of actual laser zapping. So, if you thought it was a one-and-done scenario like I did, you're sorely mistaken, because you'll be getting treatments for up to eight months. Keep in mind that any direct sun exposure that occurs on the area being treated will mean you have to wait two weeks to ensure the laser doesn't cause further damage.
After you have laser hair removal on your underarms for the first time, you may experience swelling, irritation, or redness. You may also experience blisters or scarring, although these side effects are less common. Laser hair removal in general can also cause your skin to be more sensitive to the sun. Pigmentation of the skin is also a possible side effect, although it typically affects those with darker skin tones more commonly.
If you experience any redness, swelling, or irritation after your treatment, you can apply ice to the affected area to relieve some of the tenderness.
Following the treatment, you can take a cool shower and wash your underarm area; however, you should avoid applying any heavily scented soaps or body washes for the first day. You should also avoid applying deodorant.
You should not wax, shave, exfoliate, or take a hot shower or bath immediately following laser hair removal. You should also do your best to avoid sun exposure.
Although the exact cost of underarm laser hair removal will depend on the area you live in as well as the business you choose to complete the treatment, you can expect to pay anywhere between $300-$500 per session. Since you will need multiple sessions, laser hair removal can become quite costly. Laser hair removal is an elective cosmetic procedure that is not covered by insurance.
Eyebrow Machine Amazon Depending on what your expectations are, laser hair removal might fall on either side of the fence when it comes to whether it's worth it. As someone with coarse hair that is more prone to ingrown hairs, I developed sensitive, blemished underarm skin because of constant abrasion from shaving and exfoliating, so the break I got from my normal grooming routine was more than worth it, sore underarms and all.