In the salon
Leg and arm hair removal: how many sessions and how long
In short
How long does hair removal on the legs and arms take?
According to Innovatione, with IPLASER the lower legs take 30 minutes and full legs 40–50 minutes per session. Innovatione does not give a figure for the arms: the specialist estimates the time at the consultation, depending on the area and the hair. A course takes 6–8 treatments on dark hair and 8–10 on light hair, at intervals of 6–8 weeks, and the same course logic applies to laser and IPL devices. Legs and arms are large areas, so the spot size matters: the IPLASER 755 handpiece has a spot of 6.24 cm². The skin here is thicker and the hair more spread out than on the bikini or underarms, so these areas are usually felt less. On iPRO MINI, level 3 is the main mode for arms and legs, and level 4 is for dense hair. Legs and arms are in the sun in summer, so a new course on them is best started in autumn, when most sessions fall in the darker months.
How long does a session take?
| Area | Treatment time |
|---|---|
| Lower legs | 30 min |
| Full legs | 40–50 min |
| Arms | Estimated at the consultation |
The arms are not in Innovatione’s table, because the area varies a lot: forearms only or the full arm, fine hair or dense hair. The specialist estimates the time at the consultation. A common combination of underarms, bikini and full legs adds up to about 65–85 minutes, see the article how long a session takes.
Why the spot size matters here
On large areas, the number of flashes decides the time. The larger the working window of the handpiece, the fewer flashes are needed to cover the area evenly. The IPLASER 755 handpiece has a spot of 6.24 cm².
How many sessions?
As on any area, each session reaches only the hair in the active growth phase, so a course is needed. Hair on the legs and arms is often finer and lighter than on the bikini or underarms, and light hair needs more treatments.
| Hair | Treatments | Interval |
|---|---|---|
| Dark | 6–8 | 6–8 weeks |
| Light | 8–10 | 6–8 weeks |
More about hair colour in the article on dark skin and light hair, and about intervals in the article on sessions and intervals.
Does it hurt?
Legs and arms are usually felt less than the bikini, underarms or face: the skin is thicker and the hair is spread out. The sensation also depends on how the energy is delivered and on the cooling. More in the article does hair removal hurt.
When to start: legs, arms and the sun
Legs and arms are the areas most exposed to the sun in summer. A fresh or intense tan is a reason to postpone a session, because tanned skin absorbs more of the light meant for the hair. So new courses on the legs and arms are best started in autumn, when most sessions fall in the darker months. More in the article on the best time to start.
Before and after the session
- Shave the legs or arms before the session, as the specialist says. Do not wax, pluck or use an epilator during the course.
- Avoid a fresh tan, sunbeds and self-tanner on the areas to be treated.
- After the session, protect the treated skin from the sun, and avoid hot baths, saunas and intense sport for as long as the specialist recommends.
- Contact the specialist if anything unusual appears or does not pass.
Examples on the legs and lower legs are in the before and after photos.
Questions and answers
How long does leg hair removal take?
According to Innovatione, 30 minutes for the lower legs and 40–50 minutes for full legs with IPLASER.
How long does arm hair removal take?
Innovatione does not give a single figure for the arms. The specialist estimates the time at the consultation, depending on the area and the hair.
How many sessions do the legs need?
According to Innovatione, 6–8 treatments on dark hair and 8–10 on light hair, at intervals of 6–8 weeks.
Is IPL suitable for the legs?
Yes, with a suitable handpiece and protocol. A large spot matters on large areas: the IPLASER 755 handpiece has a spot of 6.24 cm².
When is the best time to start leg hair removal?
In autumn, so that most sessions fall in the darker months and the legs are not tanned between sessions.
This material is for general information and is not medical advice. The treatment decision is made by a specialist at consultation. Checked on 11 November 2026.
