Is Laser Hair Removal Painful?

Well, the short answer to that is maybe. Of course, every laser hair removal clinic will describe the procedure as virtually painless, or slightly uncomfortable, or use words like “minimal discomfort”; it has even been described as being like being twanged with an elastic band!

With many laser hair removal systems, a cooling gel is applied to the area under treatment. 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.

Bear in mind 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.

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.

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.