
Laser hair removal is one of the most effective treatments for removing unwanted body hair. It can be safely used on the arms, legs, underarms, face, and bikini line to free you from the hassles of shaving or waxing.
One concern many potential clients have is whether laser hair removal is painful. While some people experience mild pain during treatment, it doesn’t last, and there are things you can do to minimize the discomfort.
Is Laser Hair Removal Painful?
During laser hair removal, your technician will pass a laser wand that emits short bursts of energy across the skin in the treatment area. These energy bursts heat the pigments in your hair follicles, which then destroy the individual hairs.
You’ll feel the bursts from the wand as it passes across your skin. Each burst feels like a quick snap or sting, like a rubber band snapping on your skin. The sensation can be painful, particularly on sensitive areas like the underarms or bikini line. At Laser by Monica, our advanced laser hair removal system incorporates cooling into the treatment to reduce discomfort.
Each person has their own perception of laser hair removal pain levels. Some people don’t think laser treatment hurts at all, while others find it more uncomfortable. It helps to discuss your personal pain tolerance with your technician so they can help you stay as comfortable as possible during the process.
How To Minimize Laser Hair Removal Pain
You can do a few simple things to make sure you are as comfortable as possible before, during, and after your laser hair removal treatment. Let’s take a closer look.
Before the Session
One way to reduce pain from laser hair removal is to use a numbing cream on the area being treated. You can pick up the cream the day before your appointment or arrive early to apply it in the office. Apply a thin layer of the cream to the treated area about an hour before your session. The effects wear off within a few hours.
In some cases, your laser hair removal professional may provide numbing cream for you and apply it before the session begins.
You can also premedicate with an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Take a dose about 45 minutes or an hour before your appointment so it’s fully effective when treatment begins.
During the Session
As cliche as it sounds, one way to make laser hair removal easier is to relax and keep your mind off the treatment as it’s going on. Our technicians are happy to talk about the latest Netflix series or viral TikTok trends to distract you. If you prefer, you can listen to music or play games on your phone.
One of the most important things you can do to make laser hair removal less painful is to communicate with your technician. Let them know if you are anxious about discomfort. Tell them if you’re having significant discomfort during treatment. They will do their best to give you as pain-free a laser hair removal experience as possible.
After the Session
You can expect that any laser hair removal pain you experience will stop as soon as the treatment is over. Some people have minor redness, and the skin in the treatment area may feel slightly sore. Most people find that it feels like a mild sunburn. The redness and soreness usually go away within a day.
You can use cool compresses or ice packs to ease any pain and redness after treatment. You shouldn’t expose the treated skin to direct sunlight, as it will be susceptible to sunburn. Also, to prevent irritation to the treated skin, avoid skin care products with fragrances and don’t use body scrubs for a few days.
If you need multiple laser hair removal treatments, space them about four to six weeks apart. Some people find that laser hair removal gets less painful with each treatment.
Find the Best Professional Laser Hair Removal in Manhattan
Laser by Monica offers expert laser hair removal services from an experienced technician. We work with each client to design a personalized treatment best suited to your skin type, goals, and comfort level.
To make an appointment for a consultation, call Laser by Monica at 646-493-0835. You can also complete our web form, and we’ll get back to you soon to discuss your laser hair removal needs. We look forward to offering you the best laser hair removal treatment in NYC!