Does Laser Hair Removal Hurt?

People have a lot of questions about laser hair removal, but does laser hair removal hurt? is one of the most common. In fact, it’s so common that we put it right in our website address!

The truth is, there is some pain and discomfort involved with laser hair removal. This should be no surprise, as the procedure involves using an intense beam of light on your skin. The laser’s job is to blast hair follicles, damaging them enough so they don’t grow hair in the future. It sounds like it would hurt, and it does. A little.

How Much, Exactly?

During the procedure, you can expect a stinging sensation. How much it stings depends on the area of the body. Fortunately the more sensitive areas where you might need hair removal, such as your upper lip, are smaller so the procedure is over with quickly. Larger areas such as your back may take a lot longer to cover with the laser, but the sensitivity of that part of the body is much less.

In the days after the procedure, it’s normal to have some discomfort. The treated area may be red and swollen, and the stinging sensation may persist (in a duller form) for a couple of days. There may even be some blistering and discoloration.

Making Yourself More Comfortable

Stay out of the sun before and after your appointment, and avoid tanning beds like the plague. Having a tan increases the potential for blistering and other uncomfortable side effects.

Ask the person performing the procedure to apply a topical anesthetic and/or a cooling gel to your skin. The technician or doctor is likely already planning to do this – but if not, don’t be afraid to ask why.

After the procedure, leave the area alone. The more you rub or pick at it, the longer it will take to heal and the more uncomfortable you will be.

Final Thoughts/Pep Talk

A big part of pain’s effect on us is psychological. If wethink something is going to hurt really bad, it will hurt really bad. To combat negative thoughts like these, it might help you to remind yourself during the procedure that, in this case, pain does not equal damage.