Does Laser Hair Removal Hurt? Here’s What You Should Know
Key takeaways:
Laser hair removal is a popular option for reducing unwanted body and facial hair.
The procedure can cause temporary discomfort, but pain levels vary by person and treatment area.
With preparation and realistic expectations, many people find the benefits of laser hair removal outweigh the pain.
Removing unwanted hair can be a hassle. Whether you shave, wax, or pluck, the process can take time and effort. Laser hair removal offers a longer-term solution. It’s designed to make hair grow back finer, thinner, and less often.
While the idea of a laser removing your facial or body hair might sound intimidating, understanding the process can ease concerns. Here’s how three people describe their experience with laser hair removal.
The temporary pain is manageable
Morgan Motsinger, a 40-year-old mom, student, and podcaster from Tillamook, Oregon, started getting laser hair removal on her upper lip and chin to reduce her dark, coarse hair.
One Prescription + One Pump + Once a Day
Introducing CABTREO: the treatment that has clindamycin phosphate, adapalene, and benzoyl peroxide all in one topical application. Now cash pay patients pay no more than $100 using GoodRx.
“It’s been decades of doing all the different things — the bleaching, the waxing, the plucking,” Morgan says.
She spaced her laser hair removal sessions 4 to 5 weeks apart for a total of 10 treatments. While the first session wasn’t too painful — “like a quick static shock” — the intensity increased with stubborn hairs near the end of her treatments.
Morgan found the upper lip to be the most sensitive area.
“It feels like when you have a filling and you bite on aluminum foil,” she says. “That kind of ‘zing’ is what it felt like all along the front of my teeth.”
Morgan credits speaking up during sessions about her discomfort as key to being able to continue the treatments. And, she says, the pain is temporary. “My entire appointment takes like 2 minutes,” she says. “So it’s very manageable.”
It’s ‘less painful than waxing’
Christina Jimenez, a 24-year-old social media professional from Las Vegas, decided to try laser hair removal on her underarms after years of waxing.
“My underarms were really dark because of shaving,” Christina says, explaining that the hyperpigmentation in pictures made her self-conscious.
Although she was nervous, Christina found the pain tolerable. “It feels like a pinch or a constant flick on your skin,” she says.
After just one session, she noticed her hair growing back thinner, which motivated her to have other areas treated. But she concentrates on areas that bother her the most since insurance typically doesn’t cover laser hair removal and she’s found the treatments to be pricey.
How much does laser hair removal cost? Here’s an overview of the typical expenses associated with laser hair removal.
Avoiding ingrown hairs: This piece offers practical tips to prevent ingrown hairs.
How do you get rid of razor bumps fast? Find out about effective strategies to alleviate razor bumps.
While the process gets more intense during certain hair growth cycles, Christina says, adjusting the laser level helps.
“I think laser is less painful than waxing,” she says, adding that her advice for others is to start small. “You can get a feel for it and your body can get used to it.”
It doesn’t get rid of hair completely, but ‘it’s a time-saver’
Joanne Lahip, a 29-year-old San Francisco Bay Area aesthetic nurse, tried laser hair removal on her legs 5 years ago.
Read more like this
Explore these related articles, suggested for readers like you.
“It was something I’ve always wanted to do,” Joanne says, explaining that she wanted to be able to skip shaving.
Joanne did eight laser hair removal sessions. And for her, the results — smooth legs and less time using a razor — were worth it.
“I would describe it like that classic hot rubber band snap,” she says. “It really does feel like that.”
As a nurse, Joanne emphasizes managing expectations. “It’s a beauty treatment but it’s also a medical treatment,” she says, pointing out that the results of laser hair removal vary from person to person, and you have to consider the maintenance.
“Sometimes, patients go into it thinking, ‘I’m gonna get 100% removal, permanent, for the rest of my life,’” she says.
While laser hair removal doesn’t get rid of hair completely, Joanne enjoys not having to grab a razor every time she’s in the shower. “The biggest reason I would recommend it is it’s a time-saver, honestly,” she says.
What does the doctor say?
Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH
Senior Medical Editor
Laser hair removal is a more permanent form of hair removal than shaving or waxing. But, as these stories show, laser hair removal isn’t a permanent solution. Laser hair removal works by absorbing pigment from the hair and damaging the follicles. This limits hair growth and usually causes the hair that does grow back to be finer, lighter, and less noticeable. But it may take several sessions to see results, and it’s not uncommon to need follow-up sessions in the months and years following the initial treatment.
In the past, laser hair removal was only available to people with dark hair and light skin. But there have been recent advancements in laser technology. Now, almost everyone can have laser hair removal, regardless of their hair color or skin tone.
Laser hair removal can cause permanent damage to your skin if it’s not done correctly. You can develop scarring, burns, and skin discoloration, so it’s important to work with a well-trained and experienced provider. Working with a dermatologist is the safest option, especially if you have the Fitzpatrick skin type I, II, V, or VI. People with one of these Fitzpatrick skin types need to have specialized laser treatments that are done very carefully to prevent skin damage.
A dermatologist can also guide you on how to best protect your skin during and after laser hair removal, including helping you choose the best sunscreen option and other methods to keep your skin safe from the sun. They can also help guide you on whether you should continue using prescription or over-the-counter skin care products like retinols. And if you can’t use your regular products, they can recommend safe alternatives.
Why trust our experts?
