Factors that affect hair removal pain Everyone experiences pain differently. For some, hair removal
causes almost no sensation. For most, it's painful at times, but
basically bearable. Most clients can get effective treatment on
all but the most sensitive areas by taking no more than a couple
of Tylenol. For an unlucky few, it's the most excruciating thing
they've ever experienced.
Just because it hurts doesn't mean you're a wimp. Recent data
indicates that certain genes are predictors of low pain tolerance.
It can actually cause psychological trauma for some-- those with
a low tolerance to pain sometimes discontinue hair removal, which
leaves them with a feeling of frustration and despair, which tends
to make them much more obsessive of their condition.
Here are the main factors that will affect how hair removal feels
for you:
 Your pain threshold
Not only is every person's pain threshold different, your own
threshold will vary from day to day, minute to minute, and from
one body area to another.
What method of hair removal you
use
Each method feels different, and
one may be easier for you than another. It varies by person.
What methods of pain reduction
you use
From cheap and easy options to highly
effective topical anesthetics,
there is a solution to make hair removal tolerable.
Your choice of practitioner
Electrologist, waxing, and laser technician skill plays a tremendous
role in how it feels. I have had simultaneous treatment from
two electrologists where one's method caused no pain, and the
other's had me jumping off the table. See my tips on choosing an electrologist
and choosing a laser
practitioner.
How long you have been getting
treatment
Some clients feel they get more sensitive to the pain over
time, while others feel the opposite.
Your stress level
Adrenaline and tension can exacerbate the pain. Try to be calm
and relaxed when you go to treatment.
Your comfort level during treatment
Take off your shoes, your belt, empty your pockets, wear loose
clothes. The more comfortable you are, the more relaxed you'll
be. If you're too hot or cold, it may also have an effect.
Amount of energy needed to remove
your hairs
More energy often means more pain.
Whether you are on medications
Certain medications affect the pain of hair removal, either
positively or negatively.
Modality of electrolysis or type
of laser used
With electrolysis some people can't take galvanic at all, some
can't stand thermolysis. With light-based methods, some find
flash lamp unbearable, while others prefer it to lasers.
Time of day
Some people prefer treatment in the morning when they're not
very awake; others prefer at night when they're tired. For some
reason I find it helps to do it tired. I get much more relaxed.
Keep in mind that a practitioner might be fresher in the morning,
too, which can affect performance.
Time of month
Many women find hair removal more painful just before or during
their periods.
Your diet
Stimulants (especially caffeine) and sugar may make you more
sensitive to pain. Try to avoid them. Also, many people find
doing hair removal right after a meal helps manage the pain.
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