Yes. Some people find laser hair removal treatments to be painful, especially when they are first done. In fact, this is the most common concern among people considering laser hair removal. Some people require numbing creams beforehand or even sedation in order to feel comfortable during their treatments. But once they find out how successful it is and how long-lasting the results are, they’re happy they went through with it!
During a laser hair removal treatment, your doctor will use either a carbon dioxide or an Alexandrite laser to target dark-colored hairs on your face or body. The light from the laser targets these pigmented hairs and damages their roots, preventing them from growing back as thickly or quickly as normal. A typical treatment session lasts about 15 minutes and involves anywhere from one to 10 passes over the area being treated. Most treatments require several sessions before results are visible, so you’ll likely have six weeks between appointments if you schedule them every four weeks.
Read on to learn more about Is Laser For Hair Removal Painful AND Does Laser Hair Removal Hurt More Than Waxing
Is Laser For Hair Removal Painful
Are you considering laser hair removal but concerned it will hurt? Our specialists at Laser Bar and Spa 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, 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.
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.
Ready to experience the perks of laser hair removal for yourself? Contact us to schedule a consultation and learn more about the process. Our spa is conveniently located in Midtown Manhattan’s Herald Square in New York City, New York.
Does Laser Hair Removal Hurt More Than Waxing
Laser hair removal is a safe and effective way to get rid of unwanted hair. The procedure uses a laser to heat up the hair follicle, causing it to slowly die and eventually fall out. Laser hair removal can be used on many areas of the body, including the face, underarms and bikini line.
Laser treatments are often less painful than waxing or sugaring because they remove hair at the root, rather than just above the skin’s surface. Although some people experience mild discomfort during laser treatments, others find that they’re virtually painless.
Despite its advantages over other methods of removing unwanted hair, laser hair removal costs more than many other options — especially if you have more than one area where you’d like to remove hair. However, if you have time for multiple treatments needed for complete removal of your unwanted hair, then it may be worth it for you.
Waxing involves removing the top layer of skin with hot wax before pulling out the unwanted hairs below with strips or tweezers. Waxing can be done quickly in most cases but some people do experience red bumps after waxing their face or bikini area which can last anywhere between two days up to a week or longer depending