Is Laser Hair Removal Painful?

Laser hair removal is becoming an increasingly popular method for men and women to deal with the frustrating problem of unwanted or excess body hair. While the treatment itself is fairly straightforward, it is still vital to ensure that the practitioner is reputable and experienced. Before using the lasers, the hair should be shaved and cleaned and an anaesthetic cream applied to minimise any pain. Discomfort caused by laser hair removal varies from person to person; some patients report no pain at all, others describe a feeling similar to a rubber band snapping against the skin. It is generally agreed however that laser hair removal is much less painless than the needles used in electrolysis. People with dark, coarse hair may feel more pain as the hair absorbs more of the light but in return, they are more likely to have better results than those with very light body hair. 

Naturally, the size of the area to be treated can also be a factor in the amount of pain felt – a small patch of hair needs a less lengthy procedure so the pain may seem more tolerable. In addition, certain parts of the body are more sensitive than others, the bikini line for example, and therefore greater discomfort may be felt in this region.

The pain caused by laser hair removal should fade rapidly after the procedure and this can be aided by applying cooling creams or taking painkillers. While laser hair removal does require multiple treatments to achieve effective results, most patients find that the level of discomfort diminishes each time.

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