Does Laser Hair Removal Hurts?
Are you considering laser hair removal but concerned it will hurt? Our specialists at My Laser Hair Co understand that 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, our therapists will provide you with a 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.
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.
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 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.
