Laser hair removal is an efficient, long-lasting way to remove unwanted facial and body hair. According to information from Market Data Forecast, the laser hair removal industry is slated to bring an estimated $833.4 million in market value by 2027.
If you’re considering this procedure, you might ask, does laser hair removal hurt?
We’re here to talk about the different pain perspectives and how to manage any discomfort you might feel, so read on to learn more.
Laser Hair Removal in a Nutshell
Before we discuss laser hair removal pain, let’s go over what the procedure is and what it entails. The hair removal process targets the hair follicles using tiny laser beams that produce high levels of heat.
You likely won’t feel any heat during your laser hair removal session. However, some people equate the feeling with having your skin gently snapped with a rubber band. Some claim that it’s a much less painful hair removal process than waxing or plucking.
Most patients don’t feel any pain during the laser hair removal process. Some may experience mild discomfort like a bit of redness or irritation that can be compared to a very minor sunburn. This mild irritation typically lasts just 24 to 48 hours after the session is complete.
You should feel minimal side effects after your laser hair removal session. It’s important to note that your skin will be more vulnerable to sunburn for a few weeks after treatment.
The amount or level of pain you might feel may be associated with different laser hair removal treatment areas, which we’ll talk about later. Overall, it’s a generally painless process and you may ask for numbing cream that is applied to the skin before the procedure begins. Some patients don’t need any numbing cream at all.
Preparation Tips
There are a few simple things you can do before your laser hair removal treatment to prep and protect the skin. Try to avoid plucking or waxing any of the areas you’re getting laser hair removal for around six weeks before your scheduled appointment.
Since our lasers target the pigment in the roots of the hair, waxing or plucking can cause the treatment to be ineffective. There won’t be any roots to treat if you remove the hair before your session.
It’s also advised that you stay out of the sun and avoid sunburn before your laser hair removal appointment. Sunburned skin could affect the laser’s effectiveness and could also make your pain level more intense.
Does Laser Hair Removal Hurt on the Face?
As we start asking, does laser hair removal hurt, let’s start with the face. Any hair removal on the upper lip will be a bit more painful than in other places since the skin is thinner here than in any other area.
Even so, it should still only feel like a light rubber band snapping against your lip. Areas like the chin, cheeks, eyebrows, or side of the face should be virtually painless. That’s because the skin in these areas is much thicker and can manage the effects of the laser beams a bit easier.
Laser Hair Removal Pain: Underarms
The underarms are one of the most sensitive laser hair removal treatment areas. The process should feel similar to being poked with a deep needle, but the intensity should be fairly brief. In most cases, any pain you feel should only last for a few seconds.
Many clients still book laser hair removal of the underarms because it’s much easier to have this hair removed permanently than to shave it every week or so. However, many people say that laser hair removal on the underarms is still one of the most painful areas of all.
Bikini Line and Legs
If you have waxed your bikini line in the past, then you should have no problem getting laser hair removal treatment in this area. Many clients claim that the treatment is much easier than waxing, but it does take a lot longer. Although this area tends to be more painful than others, patients say that the long-term results are worth it.
As for the legs, this is one of the most pain-free areas to treat. You may feel a slight sting every once in a while, but it’s generally just a gentle snapping feeling on the skin. The shins, calves, and upper thighs have fairly thick skin, so removing hair here is usually a painless process.
Laser Hair Removal on the Arms, Stomach, and Back
If you’re getting hair removal on the arms, it should also feel like a rubber band snapping on the skin. The skin on your arms is relatively thick, so it should do a good job of withstanding most pain. Many clients prefer to describe the feeling as mild discomfort rather than actual pain.
As for laser hair removal on the stomach, it feels more like a light tickle than a sharp, intense pain. A lot of patients tend to fidget during the treatment because it creates a tickling sensation, but it’s overall generally painless.
For those who want to get laser hair removal on the back, you might be surprised to learn that this area can be painful, The density of hairs on the back area can make the process more intense and time-consuming. Applying a numbing cream can help to make the pain in this area much more manageable.
One of the perks of getting laser hair removal on the body is that you’ll get results that last for years. If any hair grows back, it tends to be thinner and much lighter than before.
Go Hair-Free Today
So, does laser hair removal hurt? Your pain level will largely depend on where you’re getting the treatment. Most clients say that the process is painless, but you can ask for numbing cream if you are concerned.
If you’re ready to start your laser hair removal journey, contact Derm Aesthetics of Northern Kentucky today. You can also click here to schedule your appointment or to find out more about our services.
