Is Laser Hair Removal Painful?

Some laser hair removal clinics describe laser hair removal as being "painless", but is it really painless?

Well, the short answer to that it maybe painless for some, but not for others. Usually, laser hair removal clinics describe the procedure as being virtually painless, or slightly uncomfortable, or use words like "minimal discomfort"; it has been described as being like being snapped with an elastic band or having your skin pinched.

Remember that with laser hair removal, the laser is selectively heating the hair follicles: if you have pale skin and dark hair, more of the lasers energy will be absorbed by the hair follicles rather than by the skin, conversely, if you have darker skin, it's going to absorb more of the lasers energy and so get hotter. So the amount of discomfort you feel will differ from person to person.

With many laser hair removal systems, a cooling system is employed to further reduce discomfort from the heat produced by the laser. In some cases, a cooling gel is applied to the area under treatment, while other systems have a cooling system built into the part of the unit that is in contact with the skin.

Sometimes an anaesthetic gel is applied if the person cannot stand the stinging feeling. If this is the case, you should make sure that anyone who is giving you any form of medication - even externally applied - is suitably qualified.

The vast majority of people have no problem at all with the amount of discomfort from laser hair removal, but you should also bear in mind that some areas of the body are more sensitive than others. Also, men can tend to experience more discomfort has the hairs tend to be thicker and so absorb more heat energy.

Within several minutes of treatment, the treated area may become pink and slightly puffy; discomfort similar to a mild sunburn may be experienced over the first 24 hours.