How bad does laser hair removal hurt?

[danoneveeva]

I have my first session tomorrow and I'm very scared.

[Curmudgeon]

I see people posting about waxing rather than laser, but anyway... I went to one to get rid of "Mr. Harry Manback". (Any other places I may need to groom I can reach). And the honest answer is: it depends upon the body part and skin tone/type. There was a creepy burnt smell and a *very slight* sting, but I soon got used to that and very quickly I told the laser technicians / estheticians / registered nurses (legal requirement to be an RN in my state) to "turn it up to the max" and zap Mr. Harry Manback to oblivion.

Now I bet your genital or underarm regions are more sensitive, but just start out low, and have the lady doing it (it almost always is a lady) turn up the power as you get used to it. You will feel heat and a slight rash right after your zapping, but that ends fairly quickly. (Disclaimer: It was just my back and not other body parts, and I am a big/tall guy, so your mileage may vary, as the automakers say.)

[Anonymous]

Not very, in my experience. Less than I thought it would, in fact. But it depends on the person, the body part, the color of the hair, and the skin tone.

Dark hair and light skin is the best combination for this procedure. Light hair requires higher laser power for the same effect, and dark skin absorbs more of the laser light, potentially making it more painful. Because the genital and anal regions sometimes have darker skin and are naturally sensitive, they can also hurt a bit more.

Tell your technician that you are nervous. These people are usually compassionate and know how to do their job. If it starts to hurt, they can slow down or give you a break. Some lasers also have a blast of cold air after each pulse, making it sting much much less. There's a chance it won't hurt at all.

I think you have nothing to worry about.

[danoneveeva]

My skin color is not very white, but it is not dark either. Yes, I went to my first session and I was very excited at first, I felt dizzy but I'm glad I went, and it didn't hurt at all because she applied a numbing cream to my genital area. I just felt so much pain in my legs and screamed a little haha, but still I'm so glad I went,

[PrettyCrumblBb]

Why did u get your hair removed Mr anonymous?

[Opinion Owner]

@PrettyCrumblBb I got the back of my thighs and butt done. It was partly for cosmetic reasons, partly to make everything easier to clean and manage, and partly to deal with ingrown hairs.

The hair came back eventually, but it's thinner, so I'm glad I had it done. Will probably it again once I can afford to drop a thousand bucks.

[PrettyCrumblBb]

You had hair on your butt cheeks?

[Opinion Owner]

@PrettyCrumblBb Most men do. Personally, I have very little hair on my upper body, but everything below the belt decided to fully embrace puberty.

[PrettyCrumblBb]

Oof I want to ask u a question but I can't message u

[Opinion Owner]

@PrettyCrumblBb I can PM you if you don't want to ask it here.

[Curmudgeon]

I get you anon guy. Butt hairs make you less clean when having to do a #2. You would think we humans would have evolved better over the millennia, but oh well...

[jennifer_bloom]

if you live in America or Europe, I do not believe high risk procedures are legal so your risk of injury or severe pain are very low. But if you want to 100% eliminate all risk, you could cancel the appointment and get a wax job instead. I used to talk to a local beauty salon worker who told me if you wax often enough, the hair stops growing back naturally. It might be slower than laser hair and cost more money when you consider the waiting phase for this to happen, but it's a more natural strategy because it's not done with external lasers. But be comforted that the risk of side effects is very very low or it would not be legally permitted in your country.

[laurieluvsit]

I did waxing the first time last summer and found it very painful.

Please post an update to this post and let us know how it went with laser, I am curious :)

[danoneveeva]

Okay I will update 🥹

[danoneveeva]

I went to my first session today, the machine they used was alexandrite. It started on my legs first and frankly, I felt unbearable pain at first, but then I got used to it, the armpits were done very easily and quickly, the arms were done very painlessly, I felt a little warmth and pain on my lips, he gave me a cream for my genital area to make it hurt less before the laser. After applying that cream, I felt almost no pain in my genital area, the most comfortable part was the genital area, it is definitely better than waxing and shaving, I strongly recommend you to go for laser

[danoneveeva]

She*

[laurieluvsit]

Nice.

It sounds like she gave you a 'desensitizing' cream for your vulva to numb any pain that you might experience.

I am so happy that it was a positive experience for you. I will consider it for the future.

Thank you so much for sharing!

[danoneveeva]

Yes, it really numbed me and I didn't feel any pain, you're welcome🥹

[Curmudgeon]

@laurieluvsit WARNING: it is much harder for blond haired people and the lasers are better at sapping dark haired follicles. So if "the carpet matches the drapes" exactly, you might be in for some hurt, and they might recommend Electrolysis instead, which is also more painful I am told.

[laurieluvsit]

@Curmudgeon
I'll stick with shaving :)

[EmmaMary]

@danoneveeva

For the past twelve years or so I've been having a full Brazilian wax every six weeks or so.

I'm now seriously still trying to pluck up the courage to go for this laser treatment next year.

Sending you much love and very best wishes for your first session, and please do let us know how it's all gone for you. 🤞❤

[danoneveeva]

Thank u aww 🥰

[Kimchi_doll]

I don't know but let us know how it goes please

[danoneveeva]

I went to my first session today, the machine they used was alexandrite. It started on my legs first and frankly, I felt unbearable pain at first, but then I got used to it, the armpits were done very easily and quickly, the arms were done very painlessly, I felt a little warmth and pain on my lips, she gave me a cream for my… [+]

[danoneveeva]

I went to my first session today, the machine they used was alexandrite. It started on my legs first and frankly, I felt unbearable pain at first, but then I got used to it, the armpits were done very easily and quickly, the arms were done very painlessly, I felt a little warmth and pain on my lips, she gave me a cream for my genital area to make it hurt less before the laser. After applying that cream, I felt almost no pain in my genital area, the most comfortable part was the genital area, it is definitely better than waxing and shaving, I strongly recommend you to go for laser

[Kimchi_doll]

Thank you

[Likes2drive]

I heard it doesn’t really hurt, just discomfort because of the burning especially on darker hair

[Curmudgeon]

But if it's burning, it's working. In fact, laser hair removal doesn't work well on blond people

[Likes2drive]

@Curmudgeon Yeah I’ve heard that because the light doesn’t absorb much since it’s light and won’t burn much of it

[exitseven]

I had it done last summer except I had the haircut the inside of my urethra removed and I was unconscious when the doctor did it. I felt no pain.

[LaFemmeFatale_1]

It has hurt first time but not so much after.

[LazerBean]

Depends on where it is. Armpits and legs don't hurt much, if at all

[Dinklex3]

I usually wax so I have no clue. Did you do it yet? & Did it hurt?

[Anonymous]

It depends on your skin really if your skin is thick and dry it would be just like tickeling. But sensitive smooth skin in certain areas will hurt. But nothing untolerable really. I dont know how even some women do that bikini shyt

[RavVid]

A girl told it felt like a little sunburn.

[Anonymous]

I don't know but I'm sure waxing hurts more

[jahaims]

Pain is subjective

[danoneveeva]

I feel very nervous