Does Laser Hair Removal Hurt?

You’ve already graduated from shaving to waxing, but now you want even longer-lasting results. Laser hair removal sounds intriguing, but is it more painful than a shaving nick or a wax strip? Find out more about laser hair removal, its potential side effects, and what you can do to make your experience as comfortable as possible.

Does Laser Hair Removal Hurt?

Laser hair removal can be uncomfortable, but it isn’t as painful as it seems. Most clients report a tingling sensation like tiny rubber bands snapping against their skin and a pain level much lower than that of waxing.

Laser hair treatment uses lasers, but you won’t feel a burning sensation. Lasers send pulses of light into a targeted area, then convert them to heat energy to damage the hair follicles beneath, prompting a delay or stopping hair growth in that follicle.

After laser hair removal, you may feel some discomfort and sensitivity. However, laser hair removal performed by laser specialists typically results in mild side effects, even milder than a waxing session.

What Type of Hair is More Painful to Remove?

Clients with dark hair tend to experience more discomfort during treatment, as hair and skin with more pigment require and absorb more heat from the lasers. This is especially true for clients with lighter skin and darker hair. Their skin may react more strongly to the increased heat to penetrate their hairs.

However, that may only be the case for a short time. Advancing laser hair removal technology includes adjustable pulse lengths and cooling mechanisms, allowing laser specialists to fine-tune treatment for each patient’s needs and comfort levels. At European Wax Center, we use GentleMax Pro Plus® Laser, a top-of-the-line treatment system that results in faster treatment times and minimal discomfort.

Is Laser Hair Removal Painful Everywhere on the Body?

Based on client feedback, laser hair removal is more uncomfortable on some body parts than others. It depends on the skin thickness and sensitivity in those areas, similar to waxing.

Areas with minimal discomfort during laser hair treatment include:
- shins
- outside arms
- stomach and chest
- cheeks and forehead

The discomfort increases slightly for laser hair treatment on:
- inner thighs
- Inside arms
- back
- chin and jawline

According to clients, the most sensitive places to have laser hair removal are:
- underarms
- upper lip
- bikini line or full bikini

Results vary by hair type, skin type, and pain tolerance. Fortunately, side effects in more painful areas typically don’t last longer than in others. If you have a low tolerance for pain, consider asking your technician for a test spot in the area you’d like treated before you sign up for an entire procedure.

How To Reduce Discomfort

The most effective way to reduce discomfort during laser hair removal is to choose a reputable salon with experienced laser estheticians or technicians. Not only will their skill pay off during your procedure, but they’ll also know all the tips and tricks for making your sessions as pain-free as possible.

Once you’ve chosen the salon, follow our recommendations to prepare for and recover from laser hair treatment so you can enjoy your new, smooth skin.

Before Treatment

Start preparing for your laser hair removal before entering the salon. Clients use these recommendations to prevent pain during and after laser hair removal procedures:

- Avoid sun exposure for two weeks before treatment (and use SPF 30 sunscreen).

- Don’t tan or use self-tanner for several weeks beforehand.

- Ask for a test spot before your appointment, especially if you have darker skin.

- Shave 24 hours before treatment since the laser may burn skin with even slight stubble.

- Use an FDA-approved numbing cream, which your salon typically provides.

Your salon wants you to have the best experience possible. Consult the experts to see if they have additional tips or recommendations for before-care.

After Treatment

After your laser hair procedure, you can do several things to minimize additional discomfort as your skin recovers:

- Avoid sun for two weeks, as your skin will be more susceptible to sunburn.

- Keep an ice pack on treated areas to reduce swelling.

- Apply aloe vera to both soothe and moisturize the affected skin.

- Wear loose clothes to keep friction away from the skin.

- Avoid hot water, including hot baths, showers, hot tubs, and saunas.

- Wait a few days before shaving the treated area.

- Hold off on massages for at least a week, especially deep tissue massages.

Laser hair removal sessions typically occur every 4 to 6 weeks, so you may not have much time between the recovery stage of one session and the preparation stage of another. Plan to spend less time in the sun throughout your treatment, and wear sunscreen outdoors.

Is Laser Hair Removal Worth the Pain?

Most clients find the temporary discomfort associated with laser hair removal worth it, especially regarding the long-term results. Successful laser hair removal treatments can last months or even years, making the short-lived side effects an investment in your future comfort.

Laser hair treatments can be better for your skin than shaving or waxing. Laser hair treatments target hair follicles without pulling or cutting your skin, reducing the risk of folliculitis and preventing ingrown hairs before they get a chance to grow.

Are Home Lasers Less Painful Than Professional Lasers?

Some clients like home lasers' convenience and price tag and even report less pain than a professional laser hair removal experience. But there’s a caveat — home lasers typically use a lower energy setting than professional lasers, resulting in less heat directed to the skin and hair follicles.

While each session may be slightly less painful, it’s also less effective. You’ll need more sessions to get the same results as a professional treatment.

Not every home laser is the same. Using a non-approved home laser — or an approved laser on the wrong settings — may result in side effects like burning, scarring, and other skin injuries. Getting laser hair treatment at a salon gives you access to experts who can choose the correct settings for your hair and skin type and guide you through the process.

For Comfort and Class, Choose EWC

At European Wax Center, we don’t believe that “beauty is pain.” Long-term beauty comes from investing in yourself now — and enjoying the results every day.

Ready to invest in laser hair removal at EWC? Book now for a consultation, and check out our cost guide (just like the pain level, it’s not as bad as you think!).