In the salon
Underarm hair removal: how many sessions and how long
In short
How many sessions does underarm hair removal take?
A course. According to Innovatione, a lasting effect with IPLASER takes 6–8 treatments on dark hair and 8–10 on light hair, at intervals of 6–8 weeks. Underarm hair is usually dark and dense, so it holds a lot of melanin and responds well to light. One session takes only 5–10 minutes, which makes the underarms one of the quickest areas. The same course logic applies to laser and IPL devices: each session reaches only the hair in the active growth phase. The skin here is thin and sensitive, and the area is felt more than the legs or back, so the protocol uses gentle settings: on iPRO MINI, level 1 is for delicate areas such as the underarms and bikini. Before the session, the client shaves and comes without deodorant on the area. The underarms usually stay covered, so a course can often continue in summer, if the protocol allows.
How many sessions, and how often?
Underarm hair is usually dark and dense. It holds a lot of melanin, so it absorbs the light well. As on any area, each session reaches only the hair in the active growth phase, and the rest is reached in the next sessions. This is why a course is planned.
| Hair | Treatments | Interval |
|---|---|---|
| Dark | 6–8 | 6–8 weeks |
| Light | 8–10 | 6–8 weeks |
Why the interval cannot be shortened is explained in the article on sessions and intervals.
How long does a session take?
According to Innovatione, the underarms take 5–10 minutes with IPLASER. They are often combined with other areas in one visit, for example with the bikini. Times for other areas are in the article how long a session takes.
Does it hurt?
The underarms are one of the areas that are felt more: the hair is dense and dark, and the skin is thin and sensitive. Several short pulses with pauses let the skin cool between them, and contact cooling keeps the surface cool, so the sensation is milder. More in the article does hair removal hurt.
Before and after the session
- Before: shave the area as the specialist says. Do not wax, pluck or use an epilator before and during the course.
- Before: come with clean skin, without deodorant or cream on the area.
- After: do not scrub or irritate the area in the first days, and follow the specialist’s instructions on deodorant.
- After: avoid hot baths, saunas and intense sport for as long as the specialist recommends.
- After: contact the specialist if anything unusual appears or does not pass.
The underarms usually stay covered, so a course on this area can often continue in summer, if the area is not tanned and the protocol allows. More in the article on sun and tan.
What result to expect
The result builds up from session to session over the course. How the underarms look after one, two, three and more treatments is shown in the underarm section of the before and after photos.
The honest wording for the client is a long-lasting reduction of hair growth, with possible maintenance treatments later.
For the salon
- Book the underarms as a short slot, or add them to a longer visit for other areas.
- Offer them together with the bikini: this combination is common in salon price lists.
- Explain at the first visit how many sessions the protocol plans, and why.
- Take before photos, so that progress can be shown honestly.
- Book the next session at the interval set by the protocol.
Questions and answers
How many sessions does underarm hair removal take?
According to Innovatione, 6–8 treatments on dark hair and 8–10 on light hair, at intervals of 6–8 weeks.
How long does an underarm session take?
According to Innovatione, 5–10 minutes with IPLASER.
Can I wear deodorant before the session?
Come with clean skin, without deodorant or cream on the area. After the session, follow the specialist’s instructions.
Does underarm hair removal hurt?
The underarms are felt more than most areas. Short pulses with pauses and contact cooling make the sensation milder.
Can the underarms be treated in summer?
Often yes, because the area usually stays covered, if it is not tanned and the protocol allows. The specialist decides.
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.
