Tanjong Pagar / CBD
SBF Center
Dr Plus Aesthetics Clinic Singapore (Tanjong Pagar)
160 Robinson Road #03-10
Singapore 068914
About a three-minute walk from Tanjong Pagar MRT (East–West Line); the building has a carpark.
Doctor-Led Clinic
DrPlus Singapore · Laser Hair Removal
Underarm Laser Hair Removal in Singapore
A course of short laser sessions to reduce underarm hair over time, with settings chosen for your skin and hair. Fewer ingrown hairs and less shaving irritation often follow. Doctor-supervised at Tanjong Pagar, East Coast or Novena. Results vary by individual.
- Doctor-supervised settings
- Short sessions
- Realistic course plan
Medically reviewed by Dr Kenneth Lee, Medical DirectorLast reviewed October 2026Last updated 19 October 2026MBBCh (Cardiff University), GDipFP Dermatology (NUS)
— Who this page is for
Who this page is for
Underarms are one of the most common areas for laser hair removal. These are the usual reasons people ask about it.
Tired of shaving every day
Stubble returns within a day or two, and you want hair to grow back finer and less often.
Ingrown hairs and razor bumps
Shaving or waxing leaves red bumps, ingrown hairs or irritation in the underarm.
Shadow from stubble
Dark hair under the skin makes the underarm look shadowed even after shaving.
Planning for sleeveless clothes
You want to start early, since a course takes months to complete.
— What this involves
How underarm laser hair removal works
Laser light is absorbed by the pigment in the hair and turns into heat, which damages the follicle and reduces its ability to grow hair. The surrounding skin is protected by cooling and by settings matched to your skin tone.
Only hairs in the active growth phase respond at each visit, and underarm hairs cycle at different times. That is why a course of sessions, several weeks apart, is needed, and why results build gradually.
Underarm hair is usually dark and coarse, which absorbs laser energy well. Very light, grey or red hair has little pigment and responds poorly. The aim is long-term reduction; some fine regrowth and occasional maintenance sessions are normal.
Shaving friction and ingrown hairs are common causes of underarm irritation and darkening. Reducing the need to shave often helps the skin settle, although laser hair removal is not a whitening treatment.
— What to expect on the day
Your underarm laser session, step by step
Underarm sessions are short. The first visit includes an assessment; later visits are mostly treatment.
— What to expect
Downtime and aftercare
There is no real downtime; most people go straight back to work. A little care in the first days protects the skin.
First 24 hours
Mild redness and small bumps around the follicles are common and settle within hours to a day. Skip deodorant if the skin stings.
First few days
Avoid hot showers, saunas, heavy exercise and tight clothing that rubs. Do not scratch.
Between sessions
Shave if needed, but do not wax, pluck or use epilators, because the follicle needs the hair root for the next session.
Shedding
Treated hairs often fall out over one to three weeks. This is expected and is not new growth.
How results usually build
After 1–2 sessions
Some hairs shed and regrowth starts to look patchier.
Mid-course
Regrowth is slower, finer and sparser. Shaving is needed less often.
After the course
Most people see a clear long-term reduction. Occasional maintenance sessions may be suggested for regrowth.
The number of sessions varies with hair colour and thickness, skin type and hormones. Your doctor gives you an estimate at the first assessment.
— Who it suits
Does underarm laser hair removal suit your hair and skin?
Laser works by targeting pigment in the hair, so hair colour matters most. Skin tone decides how settings are chosen.
| Hair or skin | How it usually responds | Points to know |
|---|---|---|
| Dark, coarse hair | Responds well | The most common underarm hair type |
| Fine or lighter brown hair | Responds more slowly | May need more sessions |
| Grey, white, blonde or red hair | Responds poorly | Laser is often not suitable; other options are discussed |
| Light to medium skin | Most laser types can be used | Settings still matched to the individual |
| Darker or tanned skin | Can be treated with suitable settings | More care to avoid pigment changes; recent tanning may delay treatment |
— Risks & side effects
Risks of underarm laser hair removal
Laser hair removal is generally well tolerated when settings are chosen for your skin. Your doctor explains the risks before your first session.
- Common and short-lived: redness, warmth and small bumps around the follicles.
- Temporary darkening or lightening of the skin, more likely on darker or recently tanned skin.
- Rare: blistering or burns, usually linked to settings that are too high for the skin or to recent tanning.
- Occasionally, finer hair can grow in nearby areas after treatment (paradoxical growth).
- Not suitable over broken or infected skin, during pregnancy, or with some light-sensitising medicines; tell your doctor about your health and medicines.
— Choosing a clinic
How to choose a clinic for underarm laser hair removal in Singapore
These questions are reasonable to ask at any clinic, including ours.
- Is the treatment supervised by a registered doctor? Any doctor can be looked up on the Singapore Medical Council's online register.
- Which laser is used, and is it suited to your skin tone?
- Is your skin and hair assessed before the first session, with a test area if needed?
- Are the risks explained, including pigment changes on darker skin?
- Do you receive a realistic estimate of sessions and a clear plan for maintenance?
— Compared with alternatives
Underarm laser compared with other hair removal methods
Every method has trade-offs. The table compares the common options.
| Method | How long it lasts | Points to know |
|---|---|---|
| Shaving | A day or two | Quick and cheap; stubble, shadow and ingrown hairs are common |
| Waxing or epilating | A few weeks | Painful for some; ingrown hairs and irritation can occur |
| Hair removal creams | A few days | Can irritate sensitive underarm skin |
| Home IPL devices | Gradual reduction with regular use | Lower power than clinic devices; results vary |
| Clinic laser | Long-term reduction after a course | Several sessions; suited to dark hair, less so to light hair |
| Electrolysis | Permanent for treated hairs | Treats one hair at a time; works on light hair; slow for large areas |
— Why DrPlus
How DrPlus approaches underarm laser
Short sessions, settings matched to your skin, and an honest estimate of how many you need.
Doctor-supervised
Settings and suitability are overseen by a doctor, which matters most for darker or sensitive skin.
Skin assessed first
Skin type, hair colour, medicines and recent sun exposure are checked before the first session.
Realistic expectations
You hear how many sessions are likely and what maintenance may involve before you start.
Three Singapore clinics
Tanjong Pagar, East Coast and Novena, with the same doctor-led standard at each.
Ready to discuss your skin?
Book a doctor-led assessment tailored to your concerns.
— Related treatments
Related treatments and guides
Underarm concerns are often assessed together in one consultation.
01
Laser Hair Removal
Suited to: Face, legs, bikini & moreThe full laser hair removal service for every area.
Learn More02
Underarm Whitening
Suited to: Darkened underarm skinFor underarm darkening, which laser hair removal does not treat directly.
Learn More03
Dark Underarms: Causes and Treatment
Suited to: Understanding darkeningWhy shaving, friction and hormones darken underarm skin, and what helps.
Learn More04
Chemical Peels for Dark Underarms
Suited to: Underarm pigmentationHow peels are used for underarm pigmentation, often after a hair removal course.
Learn More05
Underarm Sweating Treatment
Suited to: Heavy sweatingHow injections are used for excessive underarm sweating, a different concern from hair.
Learn More— Our Singapore clinics
Three Singapore clinics, one doctor-led standard
Consultations and treatments are available at all three clinics — choose whichever is more convenient: the Tanjong Pagar CBD, Katong on the East Coast, or the Novena medical district.
East Coast / Katong
The Flow Mall
Dr Plus Aesthetics Clinic (East Coast)
66 East Coast Road #03-05
Singapore 428778
A short walk from Marine Parade MRT (Thomson–East Coast Line); The Flow Mall has a carpark.
Novena
Novena Medical Centre
Dr Plus Aesthetics Clinic (Novena)
10 Sinaran Drive #10-30
Singapore 307506
A short sheltered walk from Novena MRT (North–South Line); Novena Medical Centre has a carpark.
— FAQ
Common questions
Commonly around six to eight sessions spaced several weeks apart, depending on your hair colour and thickness, skin type and hormones. Your doctor gives you an estimate at the first visit and adjusts it as the hair responds.
It gives long-term hair reduction rather than permanent removal of every hair. Most people see far less regrowth after a course, and any hair that returns is usually finer. Occasional maintenance sessions may be suggested.
Most people describe quick snaps with warmth. The underarm is more sensitive than the legs, but sessions take only minutes per side and cooling keeps it manageable.
Yes. Shave the day before so the laser targets the follicle rather than hair above the skin. Do not wax, pluck or epilate between sessions, because the hair root needs to be present for treatment.
Wipe off deodorant before the session. Afterwards, wait until any stinging or redness settles, often by the next day, and choose a gentle, fragrance-free product if your skin is sensitive.
Not directly. Laser hair removal reduces hair, which reduces shaving, stubble shadow and ingrown hairs that can contribute to darkening. Darkened skin itself is treated separately, for example with underarm whitening treatments.
It does not treat sweat glands. Some people feel fresher with less hair, but heavy sweating is a separate medical concern with its own treatments.
Often yes, with settings chosen for darker skin and extra care to avoid pigment changes. Recent tanning may mean waiting before treatment. Your doctor assesses this at the first visit.
We see patients at SBF Center, 160 Robinson Road #03-10, in the Tanjong Pagar CBD (call +65 8851 9547), The Flow Mall, 66 East Coast Road #03-05, in Katong on the East Coast (call +65 8857 4917), and Novena Medical Centre, 10 Sinaran Drive #10-30, in Novena (call +65 8851 9505). All three clinics offer the same doctor-led consultations, so you can choose whichever location is more convenient.
SBF Center on Robinson Road is about a three-minute walk from Tanjong Pagar MRT (East–West Line) in the CBD, The Flow Mall on East Coast Road in Katong is a short walk from Marine Parade MRT on the Thomson–East Coast Line, and Novena Medical Centre on Sinaran Drive is a short sheltered walk from Novena MRT on the North–South Line. If you drive, all three buildings have carparks, with further public parking nearby.
— Request a Consultation
Start your underarm laser plan
WhatsApp us to book an assessment at Tanjong Pagar, East Coast or Novena. You receive a realistic course plan, with no obligation to proceed.
- Doctor-led assessment and recommendations
- Singapore clinics at Tanjong Pagar, East Coast and Novena
- Reviewed personally — not auto-routed
- Reply via WhatsApp, typically within one business day
Doctor-Led
Personalised Plans
Reply within 24 hrs
— Skin Education
Related Skin Education
Doctor-led guides written to help you understand your options before consultation. Each article links back to the relevant treatment pages.
Diode vs IPL vs Nd:YAG: Laser Hair Removal Types Compared
Diode, alexandrite, Nd:YAG and IPL all target hair pigment, but they behave differently on different skin. A doctor explains the differences in plain English.
7 min readRead article
Underarm WhiteningDark Underarms: Causes and How to Treat Them
Dark underarms are usually a pigment response to irritation, not poor hygiene. Understanding the cause is the first step to lightening them.
8 min readRead article
Chemical Peels for Dark Underarms: How They Actually Work
Dark underarms are usually pigment produced by everyday friction, shaving and irritation — which is why controlled peels, not scrubbing, are the clinical answer.
7 min readRead article
InjectablesBotulinum Toxin for Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis)
Beyond wrinkles, botulinum toxin has a well-established medical use: reducing excessive sweating. This guide explains how underarm (and other) hyperhidrosis treatment works.
6 min readRead article
Medical disclaimer
Information on this page is for general education only and does not replace a consultation with a qualified medical practitioner. Suitability, downtime, risks, and results vary by individual. Please consult your doctor before deciding on any treatment. Read the full medical disclosure.
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