Is it possible to get rid of underarm hair using an IPL epilator? Absolutely! The process can be easily carried out at a beauty salon or at home with the right device. After about four regular sessions, you can achieve the removal of more than 80% of your hair.
Here, discover how pulsed light works on underarms and the instructions needed to carry it out correctly at home.
This technology also has certain risks you should know about so you can avoid them. We suggest four top-of-the-line IPL epilators that already cut the likelihood of unwanted effects in half.
How does pulsed light work for underarms?
IPL devices work by delivering high-intensity flashes of light beneath the skin. When these light waves are applied to the underarm area, they are absorbed by the melanin in the hairs. The melanin then converts the light into heat, effectively burning the hair bulb. This halts hair growth for a while because the gland responsible for regrowth is destroyed.
The treatment is repeated every two weeks for three to four months before achieving optimal results. This is needed so that the light can act on every hair during its anagen growth phase. Note that IPL has no effect during the catagen or telogen phases of the hair cycle. You can perform the treatment at home or at a salon, depending on your preference.
Why permanently remove underarm hair?
Epilation in this part of your body is important for the following reasons:
- Smooth underarms are aesthetically appealing.
- Hair in this area can trap odors.
- Regrowth after a traditional shave is frequent.
With pulsed light sessions, you simplify your personal care routines by eliminating the need for frequent shaving and the associated discomfort. It also boosts self-confidence, especially in situations where your underarms are visible, such as during sports.
Unfortunately, the technology is only suitable for certain skin and hair types. Even if you meet this requirement, you should consult a specialist before using it.
Who can benefit from at-home IPL underarm hair removal?
Intense pulsed light treatment is effective on fair skin with dark, coarse hair. This way, the light specifically targets the melanin in the hair without harming the surrounding tissue, which contains less melanin.
Who should avoid pulsed light hair removal?
If your skin is dark or tanned, and your hair is white, red, or gray, it’s best to avoid this method of hair removal. However, there are epilators with skin sensors that adjust the light intensity to your skin type. In that case, results vary from one user to another.
Moreover, manufacturers advise against using these machines in the following situations:
- Very young age: for IPL use, children before puberty and women in particular should wait 1 to 2 years after their first period.
- Presence of scars, tattoos, or other skin lesions on the area to be treated.
- Active skin infections such as herpes, eczema, etc.
- Pigmentation disorders or autoimmune diseases.
Be sure to follow all IPL usage instructions or you risk undesirable consequences.
Pre-epilation tips
Before your first session with a home device, follow these precautions:
- Shave the underarm area 24 hours before epilation so that hair is very short, allowing better absorption of the pulsed light.
- Do not use scented products, antiperspirant deodorants, or moisturizers on the day of the session.
- Do not expose the treated area to sunlight or artificial UV rays for at least one month before starting the treatment.
- Avoid any medication other than aspirin, acetaminophen, or contraceptive pills for one week prior to epilation.
Pulsed light therapy is off-limits for pregnant women, people with epilepsy, and those with a pacemaker. Once these criteria are met, you can proceed with your session.
How to remove underarm hair
The procedure takes between fifteen and thirty minutes, whether done at home or in a salon. You’ll settle into a well-lit, comfortable space and follow these steps:
- Adjust the epilator settings: head attachment, cooling system, light intensity.
- Wear your IPL protective glasses.
- Place the device window against the skin of your underarms.
- Press the trigger button to emit the pulses.
- Move from one point to another without overlapping.
The procedure is painless and odorless compared to other methods. At the end of the session, there are additional key steps to take for the best results.
Post-epilation tips
To achieve smooth, soft underarms after three sessions, be sure to apply these recommendations each time:
- Use a high-level sunscreen.
- Avoid direct sun exposure for 2–3 weeks.
- Soften the area with a moisturizing cream.
- Avoid intense activities and exfoliation for 48 hours.
Between sessions, maintain your epilation by performing standard shaves. Clean the device with a dry, clean cloth after each use to ensure proper hygiene. Misusing pulsed light exposes you to potential risks that shouldn’t be overlooked.
What are the risks of using IPL at home?
IPL devices can cause side effects, including burns or skin injuries if the intensity is incorrectly set. You might also experience irritation, redness, or pigmentation changes, such as hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, or even paradoxical regrowth. Finally, some pain or discomfort may occur, especially on sensitive or poorly prepared skin.
These reactions vary depending on your skin’s sensitivity and your handling of the device. Choosing the right IPL epilator significantly increases your chances of protecting your skin.
Which IPL epilator should you use for underarms?
Below is a list of IPL devices commonly available on the market that offer good epilation results:
Philips Lumea IPL 9000 Series
The Philips Lumea IPL 9000 Series is a top-of-the-line device designed for home use. It features technology that automatically adjusts light intensity based on your skin tone, ensuring safe and effective operation.
The device comes with multiple attachments for different body areas, including the face, underarms, and bikini line. Its rechargeable battery allows cordless use for added flexibility. Users report seeing visible results after just two sessions.
Braun Silk Expert Pro 5
The Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 is renowned for its speed, effectiveness, and long-lasting results, with minimal upkeep sessions. It can treat both legs in under five minutes at the lowest intensity setting.
Its ergonomic design, automatic skin sensor, and multiple attachments make it comfortable to handle.
SmoothSkin Bare Fit IPL
This pulsed light hair removal device is designed for home use. SmoothSkin Bare Fit IPL is the safest and fastest device on the market, able to treat the entire body in just 10 minutes with 100 flashes per minute.
Its unique detection technology checks your skin tone before each flash, ensuring safe operation, and its one-touch control delivers effective and long-lasting treatment.
Does it really work?
Pulsed light effectively reduces underarm hair regrowth after six to eight sessions at home, with optimal results in about 12 weeks that can last up to six months.
This treatment is especially successful on fair skin with dark hair, as it destroys the follicles responsible for rapid, unsightly hair growth. For reliable, long-term results, be sure to follow the device’s operating instructions and choose a model that is safe, dependable, and suited to your needs.
FAQ:
How much does IPL underarm hair removal cost at a salon?
The price for IPL underarm hair removal ranges from 35 to 50 euros per session. Factors such as the salon’s reputation, its location, and the practitioner’s expertise influence the cost.
Some clinics offer packages with multiple sessions at a discounted rate. The total number of sessions needed to achieve the desired results also affects overall cost. A home device runs between 50 and 300 euros and lasts about a decade.
Is IPL underarm hair removal permanent?
The method is semi-permanent but delivers a significant, long-lasting reduction in hair growth. IPL damages the hair follicles, slowing regrowth and reducing hair density. Maintenance sessions are needed to prolong results. These results vary according to your hair color and skin tone, as well as the device used.
What are the alternatives to IPL for removing underarm hair?
A popular alternative to IPL is laser hair removal, which uses a similar but often more powerful and precise technology. Laser devices also target the melanin in the hair, delivering long-lasting results and a significant reduction in hair.
Other methods include waxing, which pulls hairs out at the root, and shaving, which cuts them at the skin’s surface. Depilatory creams dissolve the hair chemically but require frequent reapplications.
