Laser hair removal is a common cosmetic procedure done to get rid of hair on a long-term basis. It works by temporarily disabling hair follicles from producing new strands of hair.
While this hair removal method isn’t completely permanent, the results of laser treatments can last for several weeks. This treatment may also be ideal for areas of the body that are difficult to shave or wax.
Still, the benefits of laser hair removal can’t be achieved without some level of discomfort. The treatment can be painful based on what area you’re having treated, as well as your own tolerance to pain. Discuss any concerns with your provider.
Are you considering laser hair removal but concerned it will hurt? the thought of laser hair removal can be intimidating if you’ve never had laser treatments before, but we also know that the benefits of laser hair removal are nothing short of luxurious. That’s why we always offer topical numbing cream to keep you as comfortable as possible, whether you’re opting for a Brazilian laser treatment, an arm treatment, or a leg treatment.
Below, we answer the most common questions, including how much laser treatments hurt and which treatment areas hurt the most.
Does laser hair removal hurt?
Yes, laser removal does cause discomfort, but it typically causes much less discomfort than other forms of hair removal, especially waxing. Many individuals describe laser hair removal as akin to the feeling of a rubber band snapping against your skin.
Not all people experience pain the same way, so be sure to temper your expectations if a friend or family swears that it “doesn’t hurt at all” or “hurts tremendously.” A few factors that can influence your personal pain tolerance include:
- If you’ve had a sufficient amount of sleep
- If you’re hydrated
- The current phase of your menstrual cycle (fun fact: You perceive less pain during your luteal phase.)
Because a lack of sleep and dehydration can increase pain sensitivity, try to stay hydrated and get a good night of sleep before your laser hair removal session. To further reduce discomfort, your Laser Bar and Spa provider may rub topical numbing cream onto your skin before your session. Depending on your personal pain tolerance and which area you are treating, you may not need the cream.
Laser hair removal can cause some discomfort, but most people find the procedure tolerable. The level of pain or discomfort can vary depending on several factors, including the person’s pain tolerance, the area being treated, and the type of laser being used.
During the procedure, you may feel a sensation of heat or a slight snapping or stinging feeling on the skin. Some people describe the sensation as similar to the snap of a rubber band against the skin. However, many laser hair removal devices use a cooling mechanism that can help minimize discomfort.
Before the procedure, your doctor or technician may apply a topical numbing cream to the area being treated to help reduce any discomfort. They may also recommend taking a pain reliever before the procedure to further minimize any discomfort.
Overall, laser hair removal is considered a safe and effective way to remove unwanted hair. If you’re considering laser hair removal, it’s important to talk to a qualified provider to discuss any concerns you may have and to determine if it’s the right option for you.
How much does laser hair removal hurt?
Laser hair removal is designed to target hair follicles with tiny high-heat laser beams. While you may not feel the heat, you may feel like your skin is being snapped with a rubber band.
You may also experience mild discomfort after the procedure, such as redness and irritation similar to a mild sunburn.
The procedure may also feel painful to some degree. How painful depends on the part of the body that’s undergoing laser hair removal. The more sensitive the skin is to begin with, the more painful it’ll likely be.
To minimize pain, your provider may rub a numbing cream into your skin prior to the procedure. Depending on the body part and your pain tolerance, you may not need any numbing cream at all.
Which treatment areas hurt the worst?
In addition to the aforementioned factors, the area being treated by the laser also influences the level of discomfort you may feel. Some treatment areas are not as painful as others. Areas with thinner skin tend to be more sensitive, while areas with thicker skin tend to create less discomfort. Some of the more moderate areas include:
- Legs
- Stomach
- Cheeks
Some of the more sensitive areas include:
- Your back
- Your upper lip
- Your underarms
- Your bikini line
You may find, however, that the discomfort is worth the long-term freedom from shaving and waxing.
Does laser hair removal hurt on the legs?
Laser hair removal hurts moderately on the legs compared to other areas of the body. This is because the skin tends to be thicker than more sensitive areas, such as your face or bikini line.
Still, there are portions of the legs that may hurt more during the procedure depending on sensitivity, such as your inner thighs compared to your shins.
Laser hair removal on the legs can cause some discomfort, but most people find it to be tolerable. The level of pain or discomfort can vary depending on several factors, including the person’s pain tolerance, the area being treated, and the type of laser being used.
The legs tend to be less sensitive than other areas of the body, which can make the procedure less painful. However, certain areas of the legs, such as the shins and ankles, may be more sensitive and cause more discomfort.
During the procedure, you may feel a sensation of heat or a slight snapping or stinging feeling on the skin. Some people describe the sensation as similar to the snap of a rubber band against the skin. However, many laser hair removal devices use a cooling mechanism that can help minimize discomfort.
Before the procedure, your doctor or technician may apply a topical numbing cream to the area being treated to help reduce any discomfort. They may also recommend taking a pain reliever before the procedure to further minimize any discomfort.
Overall, laser hair removal on the legs is considered a safe and effective way to remove unwanted hair. If you’re considering laser hair removal on your legs, it’s important to talk to a qualified provider to discuss any concerns you may have and to determine if it’s the right option for you.
Does laser hair removal hurt on arms and underarms?
The underarms are among the most painful areas of the body to undergo laser hair removal because the skin is so thin. This isn’t necessarily the case for the rest of your arms, though, where the pain is much milder.
What does it feel like after your session?
Laser hair removal is effective because it heats up your hair follicle. The heat damages your follicle, which prohibits hair growth. Because of the heat generated by the laser, you may notice that the treatment area is red afterward, and it may feel similar to a mild sunburn. Most side effects are mild and dissipate within 24 hours.
After your session, we provide you with post-care instructions that laser hair removal
may include:
- Staying out of the sun (your skin is more sensitive to UV rays after laser treatments)
- Using sunscreen or covering up the treated area with clothing if you can’t avoid sun exposure
- Exfoliate treated areas to reduce ingrown hairs
With laser hair removal, you feel flawless all the time. Other benefits of laser hair removal include increased self-confidence, freedom from razor burn and ingrown hairs, and no more painful waxing sessions.
Another perk: Unlike waxing, you don’t have to let your hair grow out between laser sessions.
Do laser removes hair permanently?
Most people experience hair removal that lasts several months, and it might last for years. But laser hair removal doesn't guarantee permanent hair removal. When hair regrows, it's usually finer and lighter in color. You might need maintenance laser treatments for long-term hair reduction.
How painful is laser hair removal?
In most cases, laser hair removal causes minimal pain, especially when you compare it to other treatments like waxing. Many patients state that it feels like being snapped by a rubber band. Of course, the area being lasered and your personal pain tolerance will dictate the pain level associated with laser hair removal
