Did you know that most people report a 90% permanent reduction in hair growth in their treated laser hair removal areas? This is great news for people looking at this treatment to get rid of unwanted hair.

Before scheduling a consultation, there are important questions that must get answered about this process. Read on to learn the answers to important questions such as “does laser hair removal hurt?”

What Is Laser Hair Removal?

Many consider laser hair removal because it delays the growth of hair longer than shaving or waxing does. Although it does not result in permanent removal of the hair, it is a great option for those tired of removing hair on their own each day.

This process of removing the hair with lasers takes multiple treatments. After the initial treatments get done, maintenance treatments may also be necessary.

People with light skin and dark hair benefit the most from laser hair removal. However, any skin type can successfully do laser hair removal.

Why Do People Get Laser Hair Removal?

Basically, people get laser hair removal to get rid of the hair they don’t want. Most commonly, this treatment gets done on the armpits, legs, bikini line, chin, and upper lip. Although these are the most common areas, laser hair removal can get done in almost any area of the body.

The only place where laser hair removal should not get done in the area around the eye, including the eyelid. It is also not recommended for people with tattoos to try laser hair removal on the area with ink.

The success rate of the treatment is based on hair color and skin type. Light gets absorbed by the pigment of the hair, not the skin. This means the laser will focus on the hair follicles without damaging the skin.

This ultimately means that the contrast between skin and hair color results in better outcomes. When there is little contrast between the skin and hair color, there is a risk of damage to the skin. However, technology has advanced to lessen the risk for people with darker skin.

When hair colors cannot absorb light, laser hair removal is less effective. Colors that don’t absorb light well include red, blonde, white, and gray. There are laser treatment options being developed for those with light-colored hair.

What Are the Risks?

With any type of treatment, there are risks. Depending on the skin type and hair color you have, the risks vary. There are also different treatment plans that can affect risks.

The two most common side effects of laser hair removal include skin irritation and pigment changes. When you suffer from skin irritation due to the treatment, you will experience discomfort, redness, and swelling temporarily. After a few hours, these symptoms tend to disappear.

It is also possible that you could have pigment changes because the laser may lighten or darken the skin that is affected. These changes could be permanent or only temporary. Those who have darker skin or those who go into the sun after treatment is the ones who experience skin lightening.

Laser hair removal can also cause less common side effects like crusting, blistering, scarring, or other skin texture changes. Rarely, treated hair can begin graying. You could also experience excessive hair growth if you have darker skin.

Does Laser Hair Removal Hurt?

The biggest question surrounding this treatment is does laser hair removal hurt? On a scale of shaving to waxing, this treatment falls somewhere in the middle. This means there is mild pain when you get laser hair removal.

Technicians will use ice to numb the areas before and after the process. As the treatment progresses, it gets less painful. This is because the hair gets finer.

Typically, the longer the hair is, the more the treatment will hurt. Although the process is not painless like shaving, it hurts less than waxing while providing better removal.

After the treatment, you may experience some pain depending on what side effects you have. As mentioned, skin irritation is possible but will only last for some hours. However, if you experience less common side effects, you could experience more pain.

The answer to does laser hair removal hurt largely depends on a number of factors. Most will experience mild pain during the procedure, but the side effects differ from person to person. The pain you feel will also depend on how you take care of yourself once the treatment is finished.

How to Prepare for Laser Hair Removal?

Before getting treatment for laser hair removal, you should schedule a consultation. During this time, you can find out if this procedure is an option for you.

At a consultation, treatment plans and costs will be discussed. Once you have decided on a treatment, you will have to follow specific instructions.

Preparing for laser hair removal includes the following:

  • Staying out of the sun before and after treatment
  • Lightening your skin
  • Avoiding different hair removal methods
  • Don’t take blood-thinning medications
  • Trim and shave the treatment area

These preparation steps are important to ensure the treatment goes smoothly.

How Many Treatments Do I Need?

The amount of laser hair removal treatments you need could be anywhere from two to six. The number of treatments you need depends on the location of the hair removal on the body.

Treatment may need to be repeated after four to eight weeks on areas where hair quickly grows. Treatment areas with slow hair growth could be repeated every 12 to 16 weeks.

During every treatment, you will protect your eyes with goggles. Some places provide a topical anesthetic to reduce discomfort during the process.

Is Laser Hair Removal Right for You?

Laser hair removal has major benefits for people who want to remove hair for a longer period of time. If your biggest question when considering getting this treatment is, “does laser hair removal hurt?”, you don’t have to worry about the pain too much. With low risks and mild pain, laser hair removal could be a great option for you.

For serious inquiries about laser hair removal, book a consultation today.