Does Laser Hair Removal Hurt? An Honest Answer
Yes, a little. Anyone who tells you it is completely painless has either never had it or is not being straight with you.
But the honest version is more useful than either the scare stories or the reassurance, so here is what it actually feels like, which areas are worse, and what makes a real difference to how comfortable it is.
What it feels like
Just a small heat sensation with the diode laser.
Which areas are worse
| Area | Typical discomfort | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Legs, arms, back | Mild | More fat and muscle between skin and bone |
| Underarms | Moderate | Thin skin, coarse hair, close to bone |
| Bikini and Brazilian | Moderate to high | Thin sensitive skin, dense coarse hair |
| Upper lip | Moderate to high | Very thin skin directly over bone |
| Chin and jawline | Moderate | Coarse hair, bony area |
Two things drive it: how thin the skin is, and how coarse the hair is. Coarse dark hair absorbs more energy, which is exactly why it responds so well — the areas that are most uncomfortable are often the ones that get the best results.
It gets easier — this is the part worth knowing
The first session is the worst one you will have
As the course progresses there is less hair, and the remaining hair is finer. Less pigment means less heat, which means less discomfort.
By session four or five most people describe it as barely noticeable, including on areas they found difficult at the start.
If you are putting off booking because of the first session, you are putting off the hardest one for the sake of avoiding it once.
What makes it more comfortable
- Shave the night before or that morning. Hair left above the skin burns at the surface and that is genuinely sore, as well as being less effective.
- Avoid caffeine beforehand. It heightens sensitivity in most people, and the difference is noticeable.
- Avoid scheduling around your period if you can. Skin sensitivity is commonly higher in the days before and during menstruation.
- Never arrive with sunburn or a fresh tan. Beyond comfort, it is a safety issue and the session will be rescheduled.
- Ask about the cooling settings. Devices vary and so do people. A small adjustment often makes a large difference.
- Breathe out as the pulse lands, and tell your practitioner if an area is difficult. Settings can be adjusted.
How it compares to waxing
- Most people who have waxed regularly find laser easier. Waxing pulls hair from the follicle across a whole strip at once. Laser is a series of brief snaps.
- Laser discomfort decreases session by session. Waxing does not — it is much the same every six weeks, indefinitely
- There is no ingrown hair phase afterwards, which for many people is the worse part of waxing
Afterwards
- Redness and slight swelling around the follicles for a few hours, sometimes up to a day. It looks a little like mild heat rash
- A warm sunburn-like sensation for a few hours. A cool compress helps
- No real downtime. People go back to work directly afterwards
- Avoid hot showers, saunas, swimming and gym for 24 hours, and avoid sun exposure on the area
Contact your clinic if blistering occurs, if redness worsens rather than settles after a day, or if the area becomes painful rather than tender. These are uncommon and worth checking rather than waiting out.
Common questions
Can I use numbing cream?
No.
Is it more painful than a tattoo?
No, by almost every account, and far shorter.
Will I need to take painkillers?
Almost nobody does. If you are particularly anxious about a sensitive area, mention it at consultation and we will plan around it.
Does the practitioner mind if I flinch?
Not at all. Tell us when something is difficult — we would rather adjust than have you dread the next appointment.
Book a free consultation
If discomfort is the thing holding you back, come in and talk to us. A consultation is free, and you will know exactly what to expect before you commit to a course. Available at all four clinics.
This article is for general information and does not constitute medical advice. Individual results vary. Suitability for any treatment is determined at consultation.