How Painful is Laser Hair Removal?
by Noah Cooter
Technology has come a long way, and skin care is no exception. We’re living in a futuristic world of astonishing technological advances. In this paradigm of comfort and convenience, nobody wants to deal with monthly waxing appointments or the endless cycle of shaving. That’s why laser hair removal is so popular. But has technology advanced us beyond the pain of hair removal? Does laser hair removal hurt more than waxing? It’s natural to have questions. The truth is, the level of discomfort varies depending on the device used for treatments, the body area being treated, and your own level of sensitivity. If that’s not a satisfying answer, worry not. This article will dive deep into the details so you can make an informed decision and proceed on your laser journey with confidence.
Pain Levels by Device Type
If you’re concerned about pain, you’re not alone. Most of us have a natural aversion to discomfort. It’s the most discussed of all the potential side effects associated with this hair removal method. So, how bad does laser hair removal hurt? For starters, it depends on the device you’re using. You see, there are many types of lasers available, and not all laser hair removal devices are created equal.
The strongest—and therefore most painful—type of laser currently in use for hair removal is Nd:YAG. This laser type efficiently disables hair follicles but causes notable pain in the process. On the gentler side of laser hair removal are a variety of at-home devices. These are often less painful than professional laser hair removal devices, but there’s a tradeoff in efficacy. If you’ve shopped for laser hair removal devices, you’ve probably noticed there are many different types sold for home use, including a variety of IPL devices.
It’s important to know that IPLs are not true laser technology. They do not target hair follicles. Instead, they bathe the skin in intense pulsed light, which can irritate and damage skin, resulting in prolonged discomfort after treatments. But don’t worry, there is a better way to minimize discomfort and achieve the smooth skin you’ve always wanted. If you’re especially sensitive to pain, be sure to read this article to the end. We’ll offer some insider information on how to achieve laser hair removal with minimal discomfort.
How Laser Hair Removal Feels on Every Part of Your Body
Laser hair removal works by delivering concentrated light energy to the hair follicle. The heat generated by this energy causes the hair to fall out and inhibits future hair growth. Any pain felt during the process is a result of the interaction of this heat with the pain receptors in skin. It can feel like a prickling sensation, a mild stinging, or a rubber band snapping against your skin. Since darker hair absorbs more light energy, the sensation can increase for people with darker hair colors. Areas with denser hair will also absorb more laser energy, potentially increasing the sensation of pain.
In addition to the type of device you’re using, the discomfort of laser hair removal also depends on the treatment area. You may find, for example, that treating your underarms hurts more than treating your legs. This is because each part of the body varies in the density of pain receptors and the way the nervous system processes pain signals. Though each body is unique, and we all have our own individual pain tolerance, there are some general similarities worth mentioning. Let’s break down each part of the body and discuss the average pain intensity generally associated with traditional laser hair removal methods.

Back
The back is generally considered the least painful hair removal area to treat. Most people rate the pain of treating this area at 1 or 2 on a scale to 10. For this reason, the back may be a good place to start your laser journey. Do keep in mind, you may experience more pain if your back hair is thick and coarse.
Arms
The arms are another relatively easy area to treat, with most people rating the pain level at 2 out of 10. Keep in mind, the insides of the arm, such as the wrists and the ditch on the inner elbow, can be more sensitive than the outer arm. You may feel mild discomfort treating these areas.
Hands
As you move down to your hands, discomfort will likely increase. This is because the hands, our primary tactile organ, are loaded with nerve endings. On the upside, the hands represent a small treatment area, so hair removal treatments go quicky.
Legs
Laser hair removal for legs is another great place to start. Most people rate the pain at 2 or 3 out of 10. The legs do represent a larger area, so be prepared to invest some time here. Keep in mind, the inner thighs tend to be more sensitive than the calves and shins.
Chest
Many people wish for a permanently smooth chest without constant shaving or painful waxing. Laser hair removal on the chest is a great option. Be aware, this area is more sensitive than arms or legs. Most people rate the chest at 3 or 4 out of 10.
Stomach
Much like the chest, most people report laser hair removal on the stomach at 3 or 4 on the pain scale. If you don’t have too much hair on your stomach, permanent results can be achieved easily, despite the sensitivity of this region. It’s not uncommon to see notable progress after a single hair removal treatment.
Neck
If we’re talking about the back of the neck, most people rate laser hair removal pain at 2 or 3 out of 10. The throat, on the other hand, is much more sensitive. Many people report laser hair removal on the throat at 4 or 5 out of 10 on the pain scale.
Face
The face makes the first impression, so it’s very common for people to seek out laser hair removal on this area. Though treatments on the face can be quick and easy, it is a sensitive area and is often considered one of the more painful areas to treat. Most people report a pain level of 5 or 6 out of 10.
Chin
Chin hair removal can be slightly less painful than the upper lip, cheeks and forehead, with most people describing the pain as 3 or 4 out of 10. However, chin hair can be particularly dense, so you might experience greater discomfort during laser depending on the coarseness of your facial hair.
Underarms
People are willing to put up with a little more pain to permanently get rid of armpit hair. The small surface area makes permanent underarm hair removal an attractive option to many. Though most people rate this area at 6 or 7 on the pain scale, the small area is easily treatable and relatively few sessions are required for long-term results.
Bikini Line and Brazilian
Does laser hair removal hurt down there? Well, it’s no walk in the park. The bikini area is one of the most sensitive zones on the body. Most people rate laser hair removal around the bikini line at 6 or 7 on the pain scale. Does Brazilian laser hair removal hurt even more? We’re talking about your most intimate areas, so yes. Brazilian laser hair removal is typically considered the most sensitive area for laser, with most people rating it at 7 or 8 out of 10. The things we put ourselves through to look good…
But don’t fret; there is a way to achieve luxuriously smooth skin without the pain, hassle or side effects. A dedicated team of scientists and engineers have developed a hair removal method that hyper-targets follicles while leaving the surrounding skin fresh and healthy. Read on to learn more.
How to Reduce Discomfort
Keep in mind, everything we’ve discussed so far ultimately depends on your own hair type, skin type, personal sensitivity and pain tolerance. Factors like sleep, hydration, and stress levels can influence how we perceive pain. Whenever possible, be calm and well-rested during each laser treatment. It’s important to prioritize self-care to ensure you are as comfortable as possible during any hair removal treatment.
If you have a low pain threshold, there are a few tools to help alleviate pain. Topical numbing cream can be used to reduce pain on sensitive skin. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be taken (as directed by your physician) before treatments to mitigate discomfort, or after treatment to relieve aftereffects. If you experience redness and swelling after laser treatments, cooling gels and cooling mechanisms such as ice packs can help.
Why Home Lasers Are Better Than In-Clinic
Returning the topic of device type, it’s important to understand that the medical-grade lasers used in clinical hair removal procedures are stronger than many at-home devices. For years, people who wished to get rid of unwanted hair were forced to choose between clinical treatments (more efficient but more painful), or treatments with an at-home device (less painful but less efficacious). Thankfully, this is no longer the case. Epilaser laser hair removal delivers clinical strength hair removal treatments in the comfort of home, without the pain associated with medical-grade lasers. Though the diode lasers inside Epilaser are just as strong as clinical lasers, Epilaser uses patented SPOT™ technology to eliminate the pain traditionally associated with laser hair removal. Smart Precise Optical Targeting automatically identifies and targets hair follicles with ultra-focused precision, leaving skin untouched. Since the surrounding skin isn’t affected, there’s little to no pain during treatment, zero irritation after treatment, no need for cooling devices, and no need to avoid sun exposure. Most users describe Epilaser as feeling like a gentle pulse. Best of all, Epilaser offers a model that operates at the 980 nm wavelength, ideal for laser hair removal on darker skin tones. Say goodbye to shaving and waxing. Discover the beauty of precision and achieve permanent full body hair removal without the pain.
Share:
Laser Hair Removal Side Effects and How to Avoid Them
Is Laser Hair Removal Safe?