Does Underarm Laser Hair Removal Change Sweat or Odor?
Odor & SweatArticleSome women notice their underarms smell or sweat differently after laser hair removal. The research is small and points both ways. In a Lebanese clinic review, 11% of patients reported more sweating and 4% stronger odor after treatment. In an Iranian study of 30 women, sweat odor improved by about 63% and skin bacteria fell. A pilot of one laser type reduced heavy sweating. Here is what the studies show.
In this article
Laser hair removal is popular for underarms, and some women notice their sweat or smell seems different afterward. The research is thin and doesn’t agree.
Reports of more sweat and odor
A clinic in Beirut reviewed patients who’d had underarm laser hair removal:1
| After laser | Share of patients |
|---|---|
| More sweating | 11%1 |
| Stronger odor | 4%1 |
| White hairs | 2%1 |
More sweating was more common when two types of laser were combined.1 The authors described these as possible new side effects.1 It was a look back at records, which can’t prove the laser caused the changes.
Reports of less odor
In Tehran, 30 women having underarm laser with an alexandrite laser were compared with 30 women attending the same clinic for other reasons.2
- Their sense of sweat smell improved by about 63% after the last session.2
- Most types of underarm bacteria decreased.2
The study was small, and the improvement was in how the smell was perceived.2
Less sweating with one laser type
A pilot treated one underarm in 6 people with heavy sweating using a different laser (Nd:YAG) at hair-removal settings, leaving the other side as a comparison.3 Sweating improved on the treated side, for up to nine months in some.3
What this means for you
- Laser isn’t a proven odor or sweat treatment. The evidence is small and mixed.123
- Ask about side effects before booking, including changes in sweat and odor.1
- Track changes in where and when you sweat or smell before and after sessions.
- For heavy sweating, see what hyperhidrosis is and underarm sweat treatments.
See also why you still smell after showering.
Try: “I’m thinking about laser hair removal for my underarms. Could it change how much I sweat or smell, and which laser would you use?”
Arms Up covers treatment options in Chapter 10, “Hot Under Pressure,” in a section called “The Step-Up Ladder.” Its Fresh Log tracks where and when you notice sweat or smell, so you can compare before and after any change. See the book.
This article is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It isn't a substitute for diagnosis or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional who knows your health history. Choose a qualified practitioner for laser treatment. See a doctor for a sudden change in body odor, heavy sweating at rest, or a lump or rash in the armpit. Girl Playbook does not endorse any specific product, test, or provider.
Girl Playbook sells this book. It provides education and worksheets, not individualized medical care.
Sources
The research behind this article, in the order it’s cited. How we source our articles.
- Annales de Dermatologie et de Vénéréologie (abstract via PubMed), 2009Novel adverse effects of laser-assisted axillary hair removal (opens in a new tab)abcdefgh
- Journal of Lasers in Medical Sciences (via PubMed Central), 2020Using the Hair Removal Laser in the Axillary Region and its Effect on Normal Microbial Flora (opens in a new tab)abcde
- Journal of Drugs in Dermatology (abstract via PubMed), 2012Treatment of focal axillary hyperhidrosis using a long-pulsed Nd:YAG 1064 nm laser at hair reduction settings (opens in a new tab)abc
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