Laser hair removal has been all the rage in recent years. Indeed, it must be said, hair is a real scourge!

The laser process now eliminates 95% of hair quickly, easily and permanently. For these reasons, permanent laser hair removal is of great interest.

Despite the expensive treatment, it can also be said that in the long term, laser hair removal is a cost-effective method. Laser hair removal offers advantages, in addition, the laser improves the skin which becomes smoother, softer and firmer. However, there is one question that comes up again and again: Does laser hair removal hurt?

Pain is indeed a recurring question for all people considering this treatment. What is the reality?

We will try to reassure you.

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Is laser hair removal painful?

In terms of laser hair removal , you should know that three options are available:

  • Laser hair removal,
  • Electrolysis electric hair removal
  • Pulsed light.

The laser emits a powerful and very precise wavelength. Pulsed light emits a light beam that is not as powerful and effective as the laser for eradicating hair.

Thus, pulsed light requires more sessions than laser in a permanent hair removal treatment. Pulsed hair removal also carries a greater risk of burns than laser hair removal.

Based on this information, you should know that laser hair removal produces intense heat emitted by the laser. It is this heat that burns the hair bulb at its root.

SO, does laser hair removal hurt? Does the laser hurt?

How could we decipher this painful pulsed light hair removal?

Although it can cause discomfort or inconvenience for some people, permanent laser hair removal is not painful. It is even less and less so with cutting-edge equipment that is now equipped with the best cooling systems.

Of course, it must be considered that each person reacts differently to treatment.

It must be taken into account that over the course of the sessions, the person gets used to the treatment, so the pain becomes more and more moderate. But, overall, rather than talking about pain, we should rather say that these are unpleasant sensations. It would be more accurate to talk about feelings of discomfort. Generally speaking, the pain felt during laser hair removal is well tolerated.

According to various testimonies and various descriptions of these sensations of pain during permanent laser hair removal, we can cite:

  • Light tingling,
  • Feeling like receiving little elastic bands on the skin
  • A feeling of intense heat.

Knowing that the laser flash fire is very fast, the sensations only last a fraction of a second.

On the longer areas to be treated, inevitably, these sensations are felt more. At the beginning of the treatment, you are also more sensitive but this diminishes over the course of the sessions.

Overall, the treatment is bearable and even described by many as painless.

With the use of the latest innovations such as the Diode laser which is a high-performance cutting-edge technology, equipped with a very efficient cooling system, the sensations become almost non-existent.

For information, The sssKin institute uses this diode laser in different models and intensities for a treatment that is therefore suitable for all skin types.

What factors can influence pain in laser hair removal treatment?

Among the factors that can influence the intensity of pain, we naturally find:

  • Skin type :

Generally speaking, you should know that dark skin is more sensitive to pain than light skin, this is explained by the different amount of melanin from one skin to another. The sensation is an intense heat and some small irritations.

  • The treated area :

Indeed, and we will see these areas in more detail in the following paragraph, some areas are much more sensitive than others to pain.

  • The intensity of the laser used:

This factor is mainly related to the settings made by your technician and the type of laser used. The higher the intensity of the laser, the more intense the heat generated and the higher the risk of discomfort and side effects. Of course, a high laser energy is more effective in destroying unwanted hair at the root. However, the professional must take into account the skin type and sensitivity of each person to ensure a comfortable and painless treatment.

  • The sensitivity of each person:

Some people always tolerate pain better than others.

What are the most sensitive areas for laser hair removal treatment?

The most sensitive areas are: the face , the swimsuit , intergluteal cleft, scrotum and armpits.

These are areas where the skin is very thin and where there are many nerve endings. In addition, they are also areas where there is generally a high density of hair.

It's no wonder these areas are much more delicate!

What are the techniques that minimize pain during laser hair removal treatment?

As we explained just before, rather than pain, these are rather uncomfortable sensations which must therefore be alleviated.

It is also necessary to refer to the precautions to take before a hair removal session .

Then, you should know that any intense sporting activity, sauna, very hot shower, anything that can raise body temperature is not recommended before a permanent laser hair removal session, also avoid doing your session just before your period, at this time sensitivity is higher.

To minimize unpleasant sensations you have three options:

  • The use of anesthetic creams :

An hour before your hair removal session, you can apply a numbing gel or cream to the area that will be treated with the laser. These products have active ingredients that can numb the area and make it less sensitive. Check with your therapist to obtain these products.

  • Device Settings :

Proper adjustment and perfect handling of the laser by a trained person considerably reduces the risk of discomfort and painful sensations.

For your permanent laser hair removal treatment, choose establishments, institutes or clinics that have the best laser technologies, latest generation lasers such as Diode lasers.

  • Breathing and relaxation techniques :

Among a tip that allows you to relax before, during and after a laser hair removal session, you have the practice of a breathing technique. This limits stress or anxiety.

Breathing exercise : You inhale through your nose very slowly, counting 4 beats in your head, then you hold your breath for another 4 beats, you exhale slowly through your nose, still for 4 beats, and hold your breath again for 4 beats, do this 4 times in a row.

What are the advanced technologies to reduce pain?

When it comes to laser hair removal, the latest laser technology is Diode lasers which are now at the forefront of laser processes.

For permanent laser hair removal, there are different types of lasers. Some have different wavelengths, powers, fluences and pulse times.

This also means that some lasers are not suitable for all skin types and are therefore not always ultra-efficient. Some produce more side effects such as small burns, other lasers do not absorb enough melanin, especially on dark skin, which lengthens treatment sessions.

In conclusion, depending on the type of skin, depending on the level of hairiness, all lasers will not produce the same result or it will be necessary to have more sessions to hope for the expected result.

All of this is now obsolete with the latest, cutting-edge technology, namely: the Diode laser.

In fact, this laser is the latest advance that is revolutionizing permanent laser hair removal methods.

Diodes have high penetration levels allowing them to effectively treat all skin types, even the darkest.

The Diode laser treats all hair sizes, from the finest to the densest, it offers effective and complete hair removal on all areas of the body. It is versatile and very effective and it has an ultra-efficient cooling system, which offers comfortable use for everyone. Several wavelengths in a single device, different absorption levels, perfect for light skin, ideal for dark skin, suitable for black skin, the Diode laser thus meets all needs.

Furthermore, since the pulse time is greatly reduced with this type of laser, laser hair removal treatments even on larger areas, such as the legs, become faster and, above all, almost painless.

Comparison of Laser with other hair removal methods

Laser hair removal and waxing : if we compare laser hair removal and other hair removal methods such as waxing, we can say that wax has been used for centuries, conversely laser technology is much more recent.

Each technique has its advantages and disadvantages:

  • Waxing is a quick and effective way to remove hair from the root. It can be done in salons or at home with the right equipment.

It is a little painful on the most sensitive areas, it can cause redness, skin irritation, sometimes infections and often strawberry skin, a side effect of hair removal in some people.

The hair grows back a few weeks later.

  • Laser hair removal, on the other hand, uses a technology that targets hair follicles at their roots, so over the course of the sessions, hair growth is slowed down or even eradicated; one or two touch-up sessions per year will be sufficient, at the end of the complete treatment.

This technique is practiced in beauty institutes or clinics, or even in beauty centers. The laser manipulation must be carried out by a certified person.

This method is less painful, it causes tingling or heat sensations. The results are more durable and in the longer term, the hairs are eradicated at 95%, this is the case with the brand new Diode laser which revolutionizes laser hair removal treatment. These types of laser treat all skin types.

Conclusion

Until now, you only had one question in mind: laser hair removal unbearable pain?

Now you have a clearer idea about this issue of laser hair removal pain.

As you will have understood, it is more accurate to talk about side effects than about pain itself. In addition, you now know about the existence of the latest cutting-edge technologies that are Diode lasers, so you just need to choose the right therapist, the one who uses these cutting-edge materials. In addition, you now know that laser hair removal mainly causes unpleasant sensations that also fade very quickly, so there is no need to fear unbearable pain, this is not the case!

In this respect, sssKin institute is an address to remember. Permanent laser hair removal is one of their specialties but above all, they have the latest technologies for all skin types.

Always choose a trusted beauty institute or clinic and during an interview prior to a possible permanent laser hair removal treatment, find out about the techniques used, such as diode laser, so you will be sure and reassured!

Frequently Asked Questions​

How long should I wait between two laser hair removal sessions?

Laser hair removal sessions should be spaced so as to follow the hair cycle. For the body, the interval between sessions is 4 to 8 weeks, while for the face , sessions should be spaced 4 weeks apart. But as treatments progress, the waiting time between sessions may be longer, because laser-treated hair grows back more slowly.

What is the most effective permanent hair removal?

In practice, between laser and pulsed light, the most effective method is laser. Lasers have better penetration and absorption of melanin. Diode lasers represent the cutting-edge technology in terms of permanent laser hair removal treatment.

Why can laser be unpleasant?

During laser hair removal treatment, the laser may cause unpleasant sensations such as intense heat or tingling. This is related to the thermal input of the laser light. On certain sensitive areas, these sensations are more intense.

What are the disadvantages of laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal in some cases, especially those that do not follow the recommendations and contraindications, can cause collateral damage such as burns or skin pigmentation problems. It should be noted that melanin, present in the hair, is also the pigment responsible for tanning.

How to anesthetize your skin before hair removal?

Before hair removal, it is advisable to thoroughly clean the skin on the area that will be treated. Apply an anesthetic cream or gel one hour before the session, in a thick layer while respecting the recommended dosage. In case of wounds or cuts, do not apply the cream.

Book a free consultation at SSSKIN

If you would like to know which permanent hair removal is best for you, our certified therapists are ready to receive you during a free initial consultation at SSSKIN.

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