Does Brazilian hurt more than laser?

Ready for a little TMI? I've been getting bikini waxes since I was in high school. (Remember when I tried at-home waxing?). And lately, every time I go, my waxer tells me I should just bite the bullet and try laser hair removal, but I resisted because I was totally freaked out by it. After a summer of wincing over waxing, I finally called the folks at Completely Bare (my fave wax spot) and asked if I could give laser hair removal a try. Here's how it compared to waxing:

1. Laser hair removal does not remove hair right away. It's only about 10 percent every appointment and you can't wax while you do it. So, if you decide to do it, you'll be shaving down there (or going au natural) for about a year. But, if you start now, you'll be totally done by next summer. A summer without waxing? OMG, yes please!

2. Laser hair removal does not hurt as much as waxing and is way quicker. Yes. You read that right. It feels either like a cat sneezing or like tiny pin pricks, depending on the area being waxed. It only took ten minutes after my initial consultation and if you're a big baby like me, the technician can turn the machine down. Waxing just hurts. No matter how good your waxer is or how long you've been doing it. I don't care what anyone says.

3. Laser hair removal is way more expensive than waxing. WAY more. A full series of Brazilian laser hair removal sessions is $2,000 (Apparently, you need to go in every four weeks for at least six months to get full results.). A Brazilian wax tops out around $80. So why would you drop $2K? Well, do the math: $2,000 of laser hair removal over one year (and one year only) equals about three years of waxing every six weeks. If you're like me and have been waxing regularly for way more than three years, it's worth it in the long run.

4. You don't have to have pale skin and dark hair to do it. There are new lasers now that work on darker skin. The technician, who had dark skin, said it hurts a little more but works just as well.

So is there any reason I wouldn't like it?

Well, there's three: First, the price is way more than anything I should be spending up front. Second, I don't love idea of shaving for a full year. And third, it's pretty much permanent! What if one day I decide I don't want a perma-Brazilian?

The verdict: Price aside, I really do like it and have already made my next Completely Bare appointment!

What about you guys - have you tried it? Do you like it?

Check out Completely Bare.

More from SELF:

  • Best At-Home Waxing Kits
  • 5 Simple Steps To Cellulite-Free Skin
  • 8 Steps To Your Perfect Faux Glow

Having laser hair removal on the Brazilian area should not hurt any more than any other area of the body.  Treatment on this area should be taken slowly and regular breaks should be taken over areas of heavy growth on the bikini area. A Brazilian is an extended version of a bikini line shape. All hair is removed from the sides, labia, bum and a small piece of hair is left at the front of the bikini.

We are experts – but you are in control

You should feel a slightly warm bearable pinch. If you are feeling anything more than this please let your therapist know so that they can adjust the laser settings accordingly. It is important that you feel in control of the pace of your treatment. Our rule of thumb is on a pain scale of 1-10 you should feel about a 5.

Sections of hair on the top, labia and bum area may be thicker so it is important that the setting of the laser be decreased, especially on the first few sessions to compensate for this. Laser settings can be increased on subsequent sessions but only when it feels comfortable for you. If you are finding your session of laser hair removal does hurt, don’t continue tell your therapist.

Pulsing slowly over the more sensitive areas ie. labia and perianal areas of the bikini is recommended to allow for a more comfortable session. Request mini breaks in between pulses if you need more time to work over these areas.

The vast majority of people say it’s the anticipation and thought of it which is the worst part, the actual treatment itself is fine. If you have had a bikini wax or used an epilator in the past then the feeling of laser will be familiar to you as they are slightly similar in ways. If Brazilian laser hair removal does hurt speak to your therapist.

How does laser actually feel on the Brazilian area?

The sensation of laser varies greatly from person to person. There are a number of different factors that affect how laser feels; hair colour, hair density, skin type and pain threshold all influence how treatment will feel for each individual. The sensation of laser does decrease after each session as hair growth is becoming finer and lighter after each treatment. If treatment on your Brazilian does hurt during your session ask for settings to be adjusted.

‘You should feel a slightly warm bearable pinch’

Advancements in laser technology over the years has provided us with far superior cooling systems to help minimise any discomfort during your session.

Laser feels like a series of small hot pulses of energy over the skin. When the laser session begins the first few pulses may feel a little sharp but over the duration of your session they do get easier to manage. This is because your body becomes accustomed to the feeling over time. The more treatments you have the more the heat sensation will decrease as a finer, lighter hair will absorb less energy than a thicker, stronger one. Throughout your session it is important that you feel comfortable, if you are feeling too much heat from the laser it is important that you let your therapist know so that the laser can be adjusted for you. Laser hair removal on the Brazilian area should not hurt and you should feel comfortable throughout your treatment.

How long does a session of laser hair removal take on the Brazilian area?

A session of laser on the Brazilian or Hollywood bikini area takes approx. 20 minutes to complete.

Is there anything that I can do to make Brazilian laser hair removal hurt less?

  • Shave the day/night before your session
  • Ensure you have removed ALL excess hair from the labia and bum sections of your bikini
  • Avoid Caffeine before your treatment
  • Take a mild pain reliever (Not Ibuprofen)
  • Try to schedule treatment the week before or the week after your period
  • Most importantly, Relax, you’re in safe hands.

See our ‘How do I prepare for Brazilian laser hair removal?’ blog post here.

It is normal to be nervous before starting a course of laser treatment in this area. It is a very sensitive part of your body so it is essential that treatments are comfortable, safe and discreet. If you are unsure about any aspects of this treatment please book a free 30 minute consultation . Our dedicated laser hair removal specialists will talk you through the process.

We treat 100’s of bikini lines on a weekly basis so please feel comfortable to talk to us. Feel free to chat through any reservations you may have. We are here to help guide you through.

What hurts more laser or Brazilian wax?

When it comes to removing unwanted hair, laser treatment is the best method. It's a long-term solution that's far less painful than waxing. If you're prone to ingrown hairs, it's the only method you should choose, as it completely destroys the hair follicle.

What hurts more waxing or lasering?

Yes, laser removal does cause discomfort, but it typically causes much less discomfort than other forms of hair removal, especially waxing. Many individuals describe laser hair removal as akin to the feeling of a rubber band snapping against your skin.

How painful is laser Brazilian?

During Your Brazilian Laser Hair Removal Treatment: If you have ever had your bikini area waxed, then you can expect less pain than you have felt during any waxing treatment. Most of our clients' say that laser hair removal feels like a slight pinch on the treatment area.