Like other removal procedures, laser hair removal offers a long-lasting solution for taming unwanted hair, but it is not pain-free. The level of discomfort is subjective, and factors like hair thickness, skin sensitivity, and the area undergoing treatment plays a role. Some parts of the body hurt more than others due to their location, skin thickness, nerve density or being closer to bones.
Individuals who are wary of this type of treatment, ‘snapping’ and ‘stinging’ is how laser hair removal tends to get described, comparable to a rubber band being flicked at someone’s skin. Pain level is subjective and varies due to technology used, cooling systems, or numbing creams. For some people, while the pain is manageable, for a few it can get quite unbearable.
If you’ve made a decision to go forward with laser hair removal, you must ensure you are ready for what is in store. In the following sections of this article, we clear the doubts regarding the most painful areas of the body to get laser hair removal done and the reasons that lie beneath it.
1. Bikini Area
Bikini line and Brazilian waxes, especially, are considered to be most troublesome as the skin is delicate and easily irritated. There is a high density of nerve endings in this region which makes this area more sensitive.
2. Upper Lip
The face, particularly the upper lip area is extremely tender because of how thin the skin is, and how many nerve endings are there. The quick zaps from the laser can feel like a rubber band snapping against the skin.
3. Underarms
Due to the soft and delicate skin in the region coupled with the closeness of lymph nodes, the underarms pose some sensitivity. However, the procedure is fairly short which reduces the pain.
4. Ankles and Shins
Ankles and shins are some of the distinct areas where minimal fat exists, making such areas prone to greater levels of pain. The energy from the laser is absorbed more strongly in these areas.
5. Chest and Nipples
Men in particular find chest laser hair removal to be very uncomfortable, especially near the nipples where skin is very delicate and sensitive.
6. Shoulders and Back
Some people say that targets with a relatively greater amount of hair follicles and nerve endings are more uncomfortable to treat. However, other areas are relatively less painful compared to the rest.
Conclusion
Pain is relative and while some may find that laser hair removal offers discomfort, others might have a different experience altogether. The bikini line, upper lip, underarms, and shins have thin skin which has a lot of nerve endings and is close to bone, so it tends to be the most uncomfortable. It is typically tolerable, but numbing creams, cooling techniques, and proper aftercare make it easier especially when you are getting a full body laser hair removal treatment.
Smooth and hairless skin for extended periods of time makes the temporary pain worth it for many people. Preparing for the procedure can become easier when you know which sensitive areas require more attention. If you’re not too sure about how to go about it, it is recommended that you speak to an expert who will best assist for optimum pain management.
