Some people may imagine that light-based hair removal is “painful,” but in fact, that notion is changing dramatically thanks to the latest technology. With 12 years of experience in hair-removal procedures—many of them at major clinics—I believe it is a waste to fear light hair removal.

 

Light hair removal causes little pain and still delivers hair-removal results

Light hair removal irradiates the skin with light of multiple wavelengths. The melanin in the hair roots absorbs that light and converts it into heat energy, weakening the hair follicle.

 

In recent years, in addition to conventional flash systems, the latest machines—featuring heat-storage modes and rapid-fire capabilities—have emerged. These devices inflict reliable damage on the follicle while keeping output low.

 

As a result, both pain reduction and hair-removal efficacy have been achieved. By dispersing heat during irradiation and adjusting the duration of exposure, it is now possible to perform treatments that are far less painful.

 

Types of pain felt during irradiation

The pain experienced during light hair-removal treatments varies according to personal sensitivity and the characteristics of the equipment used. Sensations also differ depending on the device type, treatment area, and each person’s skin and hair conditions, so even the same procedure can feel different.

 

Type of sensation	Description
Sudden jolt	A momentary sting similar to being snapped with a rubber band; it usually subsides quickly.
Gentle warmth	A mild heat that spreads across the skin and may linger as a steady warmth.
Unpleasant stimulus	In areas where hair is dense, concentrated light energy can cause strong discomfort on particularly sensitive skin.

 

Pain ratings for each body area

To convey pain levels, we present “pain ratings by area,” which combine local characteristics such as nerve density, skin thickness, and hair quality. This is an original scale, but feel free to use it as a reference when comparing discomfort.

 

Area	Rating (points)	Description
VIO area	80–90	Extremely thin skin with dense nerves and blood vessels causes intense pain.
Underarms	60–70	Thick, dark hair produces localized heat damage, but proper care can moderate the discomfort.
Female face	30–40	Mainly fine vellus hair and relatively thick skin mean only mild pain.
Male beard area	70–80	Coarse, dark hair and shaving-related skin changes heighten pain.
Back, abdomen, upper arms	20–30	Thick skin and mostly vellus hair disperse heat, so pain is relatively light.
Knees & inner thighs	70–80	Skin is thin and close to bone, so energy is transmitted directly and pain is stronger.
Backs of hands & fingers	50	Varies by individual; localized stimuli are perceived as moderate pain.

 

Evaluation of the VIO area

Because the skin is extremely thin and packed with nerves and vessels, the VIO area feels intense stimulation. Thick, dense hair magnifies localized heat damage, so strong pain is common. Ample cooling, output adjustment, and thorough counseling are necessary before treatment.

 

Evaluation of the underarms

Underarms have many thick, dark hairs, yet the skin is less sensitive than in the VIO area, so pain is often moderate. Factors such as the stratum corneum and everyday friction also play roles, but proper care can keep discomfort under control.

 

Evaluation of face & beard areas

Pain during full-face hair removal varies greatly by gender and the specific part treated. Women typically experience lighter pain because facial hair is mostly fine and the skin relatively thick, making sessions more comfortable.

 

By contrast, male beard areas contain coarse, dense hair, and changes from frequent shaving amplify pain. Differences in hair type, skin condition, and nerve distribution must be considered for each area.

 

▼For more details on men’s hair removal, click here
Epilage Men’s Hair Removal

 

Evaluation of upper and lower body

Skin thickness and hair characteristics differ greatly by body part. For instance, the back, abdomen, and upper arms have thick skin and mostly vellus hair, so heat is dispersed and pain is relatively mild.

 

Conversely, areas near bone, such as the knees and inner thighs, have thin skin that transmits light energy directly, making pain more intense. The backs of hands and fingers vary by individual, but localized stimuli are often felt as moderate pain.

 

Factors that influence pain in light hair removal

Perceived pain in light hair removal is shaped by multiple interacting factors, not merely the treatment method.

 

Effects of hair type and quantity

Hair thickness, density, and melanin concentration directly affect how much energy the hair absorbs. Thicker, darker hair absorbs more energy, producing greater heat and thus more pain.

 

Factor	Details
Hair thickness	Thicker hair concentrates light energy, intensifying heat damage.
Hair density	Dense areas transmit energy to many hairs at once, raising local temperatures.
Melanin content	Hair with more melanin absorbs light more efficiently, which can increase pain.

 

Characteristics of the treatment area and skin condition

Pain and effectiveness vary widely by area, since skin thickness, hair distribution, blood flow, and nerve density differ. Thin, delicate skin often feels more pain even at the same output.

 

Area	Characteristics / Cautions
VIO area	Very thin skin with abundant nerves and vessels; pain and stimulation are intense.
Underarms	Often thick, dark hair and a thinner stratum corneum; pain tends to be moderate to high.
Face & beard	Women feel lighter pain due to vellus hair; men feel stronger pain from coarse beard hair.
Upper & lower body	Varies by part; back/abdomen feel little pain, while knees and bony areas hurt more.

 

Individual differences and skin condition

Even under identical treatment conditions, pain differs greatly by skin type and constitution. Sensitive or allergy-prone skin reacts more strongly. Skin tone, dryness, and hormonal fluctuations also play important roles.

 

Factor	Description
Skin type	Sensitive or atopic skin may over-react to light energy, intensifying pain.
Skin dryness	When hydration is poor, barrier function drops and pain can increase.
Hormonal balance	Around menstruation or other hormonal shifts, skin becomes sensitive and pain is amplified.

 

Comparison of light hair removal with other methods

Light hair removal is characterized by relatively low output and milder pain, yet differences emerge when compared with other methods in terms of pain, effectiveness, and risk. Below, we detail differences with medical laser hair removal and needle hair removal, as well as innovations from the latest technology.

 

Comparison with medical laser hair removal

Medical laser hair removal uses a single-wavelength laser to deliver strong heat damage to the hair root. Because the output is high, the pain is stronger than in light hair removal, but high efficacy can be achieved in a short time.

 

Item	Light hair removal	Medical laser
Output	Lower (about 60–70 °C)	Higher (up to about 250 °C)
Pain level	Relatively mild but varies greatly by area and hair type.	High output often causes strong pain in a short time.
Efficacy	Gradual results over multiple sessions.	High results in fewer sessions but requires pain management.
Safety	Performed in salons; relatively safe.	Performed in medical facilities under professional supervision.

 

▼For more details on the differences between medical and salon hair removal, click here
Differences Between Medical and Salon Hair Removal: How to Choose Correctly

 

Comparison with needle hair removal

Needle hair removal inserts a fine needle into each follicle and applies a minute electric current. Because each hair is treated individually, permanent results are very high, but the process often involves intense pain and is unsuitable for large areas.

 

Item	Light hair removal	Needle hair removal
Method	Irradiates multiple hairs simultaneously, covering wide areas.	Inserts a needle into each follicle to destroy it with electricity.
Pain level	Relatively mild but varies.	Often very painful because each hair is treated individually.
Efficacy	Hair gradually thins and results appear.	Highly permanent but requires many sessions and effort.
Target areas	Suitable for wide-area treatment.	Good for pinpoint areas; wide-area treatment is difficult.

 

Pain reduction through the latest technologies

Technological innovations such as heat-storage mode, SHR (Super Hair Removal), and THR have replaced traditional flash systems. By emitting low-energy light continuously, these methods minimize irritation to the follicle while remaining effective.

 

Technology	Features	Pain-reduction effect
Heat-storage method	Accumulates gentle light in the follicle, avoiding sudden heat damage.	Immediate effect is lower, but pain and skin damage are greatly reduced.
SHR	Gradually warms the bulge area to suppress regrowth.	Uniform irradiation via rapid firing relieves pain.
THR	Overcomes SHR’s drawbacks by providing stable output in continuous shots.	Eliminates missed spots and output instability for a more comfortable experience.

 

▼For more on SHR hair removal, click here
Epilage’s Painless, Heat-Free SHR Hair Removal

 

Care to reduce pain in light hair removal

Pre- and post-treatment care is critical for easing discomfort. Below, we detail preparation, after-care, and daily precautions.

 

Pre-treatment care: cooling and output adjustment

Cooling the skin beforehand mitigates sudden heat and reduces pain. Most modern devices feature cooling systems that lower skin temperature before irradiation.

 

Proper output settings also help. If pain is strong, consult the practitioner to adjust output without compromising results. Key measures are summarized below.

 

Measure	Details
Skin cooling	Use dedicated cooling devices or gels to lower surface temperature before treatment.
Output adjustment	Temporarily lower output when pain is strong, tailoring settings to the individual.
Pre-counseling	Assess skin and hair thoroughly beforehand to set an optimal irradiation plan.

 

Post-treatment care: moisturization and UV protection

After treatment, skin tends to dry out and its barrier weakens, so ample moisturization is indispensable to relieve pain and prevent trouble.

 

Use products rich in moisturizing ingredients—such as ceramide lotions or gels—to retain water and shield against irritation. Recommended care is listed below.

 

Care item	Recommended approach
Moisturizing	Apply lotion, gel, or ceramide cream to reinforce hydration and barrier function.
Cooling after-care	Use cooling sheets or packs to dissipate residual heat and curb inflammation.
UV care	Be meticulous with sunscreen, hats, or umbrellas to prevent UV damage.

 

Daily precautions

Lifestyle habits also matter. By following the advice below, you can maximize results and prevent pain or skin issues.

 

Item	Details
Sun protection	Always use sunscreen, hats, or umbrellas outdoors to shield skin from UV damage.
Caffeine restriction	Limit coffee or energy drinks before and after sessions, as caffeine can heighten nerve sensitivity.
Avoid pre-menstrual sessions	Hormonal changes make skin sensitive; adjust timing if near menstruation.
Consistent moisturization	Keep skin well-hydrated daily to strengthen its barrier.

 

Summary

This article has explained in detail the pain mechanism of light hair removal, factors that influence pain, pain ratings by area, comparisons with other methods, and specific measures—before, after, and in daily life—to alleviate discomfort.

 

By understanding the differences among body areas and the benefits brought by cutting-edge technology, you can dispel anxiety about light hair removal and undergo treatment with confidence.

 

■If you are troubled by hair removal, consult Arai, who has treated 20,000 clients

If you are interested in salon hair removal but worry about effectiveness, pain, or cost—or simply don’t know which salon to choose—please feel free to consult us.

At our salon, drawing on 12 years and over 20,000 medical-grade treatments, we aim to make clients’ skin smooth in roughly 10 sessions over six months. We propose a unique hair-removal plan tailored to each person’s skin and hair while minimizing pain.

 

▼Recommended for these people

• You don’t want to choose the wrong salon and wish to grasp cost and duration clearly.
• You worry about pain or skin trouble and prefer advice from an experienced specialist.
• You prefer male or female staff and value privacy.
• You have an upcoming wedding or event and want to start hair removal.

 

If your skin condition permits, you can even try a sample treatment on the day of counseling.

We also welcome those who “just want to hear more first.” Rest assured—there is absolutely no hard sell.

Let’s solve your concerns together and start your ideal hair-removal journey at your own pace. Feel free to contact us.

Click here to book counseling with director Arai