Does laser hair removal hurt? Sensation by body area and what helps
By the Ice Laser team · · 3 min read
Contents
Fear of pain stops many people from even trying laser hair removal – often because they have heard about treatments with older devices. Here we explain honestly, without sugar-coating, what the treatment feels like today, where you feel it more and what helps.
In short: With modern devices such as the Soprano Titanium, most people describe the treatment as warm with a slight tingling – much more comfortable than waxing. You feel it most on the upper lip and intimate area, and least on the legs and back. It becomes more comfortable with every session because there are fewer hairs.
Why you can feel the laser at all
The laser heats the hair root. You feel this warmth – especially where there are lots of dense, dark hairs and the skin is thin and sensitive. The more hairs there are in the area, the more energy is absorbed and the more noticeable the sensation. This also explains why the first session is usually the most intense.
Older lasers versus modern technology
Older lasers deliver single, very powerful pulses. Each pulse feels like a rubber band snapping against the skin. The Soprano Titanium, on the other hand, works with In-Motion technology (also known as SHR): the handpiece glides over the skin and delivers many weaker pulses that gradually warm the hair root. At the same time, the handpiece cools the surface of the skin. The result is a fairly even feeling of warmth rather than individual stings.
How strongly do you feel it on each area?
| Area | Sensation | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Legs, arms, back | Low | Skin less sensitive, hair less dense |
| Underarms | Moderate | Dense hair, but a very short treatment |
| Chest, stomach (men) | Moderate | Dense, coarse hair |
| Bikini, intimate area | More noticeable | Thin, sensitive skin, very dense hair |
| Upper lip | More noticeable | Many nerve endings, skin lies directly on the bone |
| Neck, beard line (men) | More noticeable | Very dense, coarse hair |
Everyone feels it differently. If you are familiar with waxing, you will usually find the laser much more comfortable. You can read more about individual areas on our pages about bikini and intimate hair removal and facial hair removal.
What influences the sensation
- Shaving: Long hairs above the skin heat up unnecessarily. If you are well shaved (1 to 2 days beforehand), the treatment is more comfortable.
- Your cycle: Many women are more sensitive to pain shortly before and during their period. If possible, schedule sensitive areas for the middle of your cycle.
- Tan: Tanned skin absorbs more energy and reacts more strongly. Freshly tanned skin is therefore not treated.
- Tiredness and stress: You feel less when you are well rested.
- Caffeine: Some people find the sensation more intense after a lot of coffee.
What helps if you are sensitive?
- Tell us: We can take short breaks and adjust the settings.
- Breathe calmly: Many people find that breathing out steadily during the treatment helps.
- Start with a small area: The free trial treatment shows you what it feels like for you – with no obligation.
- Numbing cream: Please do not use it on your own initiative. If you are particularly sensitive to pain, talk to us beforehand.
And after the treatment?
Straight afterwards, the skin feels as if it has a mild sunburn – warm and slightly red. This usually subsides within a few hours. We will explain at your appointment what to bear in mind in the days that follow.
The best way is to try it for yourself: The trial treatment is free – in Cologne-Rondorf and Düsseldorf city centre. Book your appointment now.
