Is laser hair removal painful?

Laser hair removal: how does the epilation process work?

The laser targets melanin – the pigment that colors the hair. Melanin heats up, and the blood vessels supplying the hair coagulate (tissue clotting occurs) due to the heat. As a result, the follicle does not provide the necessary growth substances, and the hair falls out.

Laser hair removal uses a specific energy flow with a selected power and wavelength to heat the follicle, and the wavelength determines the depth of penetration. There is also a parameter that characterizes the pulse frequency. All these parameters differ across various laser devices, which affects whether the procedure is painful or not.

For each combination of skin phototype and hair color, there are “specific” parameters needed for effective impact on the hair follicle.

What affects sensations suring epilation and why does pain occur?

Almost any thermal procedure is a stress for the skin to some extent. When the laser beam heats the hair, it also affects the surrounding tissues. While the impact of the beam on the hair papilla is necessary to stop hair growth, for the skin, the laser hair removal procedure can be painful and cause side effects, such as temporary swelling and erythema (redness).
The most severe outcome on some laser devices is a skin burn. This may occur if the moles on the treated area are not covered or if inappropriate settings for the skin are used.

At the same time, if the intensity and power of the beam are low, the effectiveness of the procedure decreases because the beam does not reach the required depth and the follicle is not heated properly. The skill of the specialist, who knows the equipment and has experience, is crucial here.

A professional accurately determines the skin phototype and condition, hair color. These individual characteristics are used to select the protocol – the settings of the laser device.

Our hair removal specialists at our Center have medical education and have completed several specialized courses in laser hair removal. They know how to make the procedure effective.

Another reason for painful sensations is a poor cooling system or its complete absence. It is advisable to cool the skin during and after the procedure.

Pain threshold is also a factor to consider. Some people can tolerate the procedure without cooling and pain relief even in the most sensitive – bikini area.

For others, such manipulations are equivalent to medieval torture.

Ways to reduce pain during laser hair removal

To minimize unpleasant sensations, anesthetics are used, and various cooling methods are applied before, during, and after the epilation.
Some specialists set the laser to minimal parameters, which makes the procedure less painful but also less effective. As a result, follicles at greater depths remain unaffected, and most of the client’s hair continues to grow. Therefore, we often hear from visitors that they are willing to endure pain just to achieve smooth skin.

Modern laser devices, such as the Alexandrite laser Motus AX from DEKA, come with built-in cooling systems.

Therefore, we confidently state that the procedure on this epilator is absolutely painless. This is not due to minimal power but thanks to the sapphire tip, which cools the skin to 15°C.

Is laser hair removal painful on such a device? The answer is unequivocal – NO. We invite you to experience the effectiveness of the Motus AX laser at the LaserVille salons.

Find out how much it costs to give your skin smoothness on our pricing page.

What other factors affect comfort during laser hair removal?

Comfort during the session depends not only on whether laser hair removal is painful. One key element is the psychological comfort of the client. It’s important for the person to feel relaxed and confident throughout the entire procedure. In LaserVille salons, this is a top priority. For example, our specialists conduct treatments on intimate areas delicately and professionally, minimizing any possible discomfort.

In addition, clients are offered sweets and drinks, including champagne and cocktails, which help create a light and relaxing atmosphere. During bikini area laser hair removal, to overcome embarrassment, clients are provided with a disposable robe, which avoids the feeling of complete exposure. This is an important aspect since many people not only wonder if deep bikini hair removal is painful but also feel embarrassment and anxiety before such procedures.

Equally important is the surrounding environment. LaserVille salons provide a setting that promotes relaxation: dim lighting, pleasant music, and comfortable couches all help clients relax and enjoy the procedure. As a result, combined with the professionalism of the specialists, these details create an atmosphere of care and attention, making the salon experience pleasant and comfortable.

Laser hair removal without anesthesia – is it painful?

Many people worry about how painful laser hair removal can be without anesthesia. It’s important to understand that the sensations during the session can vary depending on several factors, including skin and hair type, pain threshold, and the equipment used. In most cases, laser hair removal without anesthetics can be quite painful, especially in sensitive areas like the bikini zone, face, or underarms.

At LaserVille salons, we use the advanced Motus AX alexandrite laser with the unique Moveo handpiece. Thanks to this innovative technology, the procedure becomes painless, eliminating the need for anesthetics. The Moveo technology works by gradually increasing the temperature of the hair follicle to the necessary level without causing sharp pain or discomfort. This is achieved through a cooling system and the fact that laser energy is gradually and evenly transferred to the skin, preventing overheating. Therefore, at LaserVille salons, anesthetics are simply not required.

Laser hair removal pain by body area

Pain during laser hair removal varies significantly depending on the area of the body being treated. This is due to several factors such as skin thickness, hair density, and the sensitivity of nerve endings.

Why does laser hair removal hurt? The primary source of pain during laser hair removal is the heating of the hair follicles by the laser beam. When energy is absorbed by the melanin in the hair, heat spreads to the surrounding tissues, causing pain. Examples of pain by area:

1. Laser hair removal of the upper lip or chin can be quite painful due to the high sensitivity of the skin and the proximity of nerve endings to the surface.
2. The underarm area can also be uncomfortable during the session due to thin skin and dense hair growth.
3. The deep bikini area is considered the most painful for laser hair removal due to its anatomical features and heightened sensitivity.
4. Arms and legs are generally considered less painful, especially in areas with thicker skin and less sensitivity.

A particularly challenging area for hair removal is the scrotum. Hair removal in this zone with a diode laser is so painful that many specialists simply refuse to perform the procedure. Fortunately, thanks to the Motus AX alexandrite laser with Moveo technology, the procedure is so gentle and delicate that patients do not experience pain even in the most sensitive areas. This makes even difficult procedures, such as scrotum hair removal, absolutely painless.

Post-laser hair removal: does it hurt?

After laser hair removal, many clients wonder: does it hurt during the recovery period? The answer to this question depends on several factors, including skin type, sensitivity, the equipment used, and the body’s individual reaction. In general, after laser hair removal, various sensations and side effects may occur, causing physical discomfort:

• redness and swelling;
• mild burning or itching;
• burns.

However, it is worth noting that at LaserVille salons, the likelihood of serious side effects is significantly lower compared to other places. Usually, after laser hair removal in our salons, there is only minor irritation, which passes within a few hours or at most two days. This is due to the use of advanced technology, as well as the high qualification of the specialists. If you have doubts about the possibility of a pain-free experience after laser hair removal, the reviews on our website or Google Maps will convincingly prove it.