Should I Get Laser Hair Removal on My Pubic Area?

Deciding whether to laser your pubic hair isn’t just about looks-it’s about comfort, convenience, and knowing what you’re really signing up for. If you’ve been thinking about it, you’re not alone. Thousands of people in New Zealand and around the world choose laser hair removal for their bikini line and surrounding areas every year. But it’s not a simple yes or no decision. There are real pros, real cons, and some myths that need clearing up before you book your first session.

What Happens During Laser Pubic Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal works by targeting the pigment in your hair follicles. The laser emits a pulse of light that gets absorbed by the melanin in your hair, heating up the follicle enough to damage it and slow down future growth. It doesn’t zap every hair in one go-hair grows in cycles, so you’ll need multiple sessions, usually 6 to 8, spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart.

The treatment area includes the mons pubis, labia, perineum, and sometimes the inner thighs, depending on how much coverage you want. Most clinics use a cooling device or gel to reduce discomfort. You’ll feel a quick snap, like a rubber band flicking your skin, followed by a warm sensation. It’s not pain-free, but most people tolerate it well.

After the session, you might notice redness or mild swelling for a few hours. Some people see hair shedding over the next 1-2 weeks. That’s normal. The hair doesn’t just disappear-it falls out gradually as your skin renews itself.

Why People Choose Laser for Pubic Hair

People don’t just do it for aesthetics. Many find it improves daily comfort. If you’ve ever dealt with ingrown hairs from shaving or waxing, you know how irritating they can be. Laser reduces those significantly. A 2023 study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that 89% of women who underwent laser hair removal in the bikini area reported fewer ingrown hairs within three months.

There’s also the convenience factor. No more weekly shaving routines. No more waxing appointments every 4-6 weeks. Once the full course is done, most people experience 80-90% permanent hair reduction. That means you might only need a touch-up once a year-or never again.

Some choose it for hygiene reasons. While pubic hair isn’t unclean, it can trap sweat and bacteria, especially during exercise or hot weather. Removing it can make cleaning easier and reduce odor concerns.

What Are the Real Risks?

Laser hair removal is safe when done by a trained professional using the right equipment. But it’s not risk-free. The biggest concern is skin irritation. If your skin is sensitive, you might get redness, blistering, or temporary pigment changes-darkening or lightening of the skin. This is more common in people with darker skin tones if the wrong laser type is used.

That’s why clinic choice matters. Not all lasers are created equal. The Alexandrite and Nd:YAG lasers are most effective for pubic hair removal. Nd:YAG is safer for darker skin. A good technician will test a small patch first and adjust settings based on your skin and hair color.

Another risk? Doing it yourself. At-home laser devices exist, but they’re weaker and less precise. Using them on sensitive areas like the bikini line increases the chance of burns or uneven results. Most dermatologists advise against DIY laser for pubic areas.

There’s also the chance of temporary side effects: itching, dryness, or folliculitis (inflamed hair follicles). These usually clear up in a few days with proper aftercare-cool compresses, fragrance-free moisturizers, and avoiding sun exposure.

Who Should Avoid It?

Laser hair removal isn’t for everyone. If you have active skin infections, open sores, or recent sunburns in the area, wait until your skin heals. People with certain medical conditions-like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or hormonal imbalances-may see faster regrowth because their bodies produce more hair.

If you’re pregnant, most clinics won’t treat you. While there’s no evidence laser harms a fetus, the hormonal changes during pregnancy can alter hair growth patterns, making results unpredictable. It’s better to wait until after childbirth.

Also, if your pubic hair is very light-blonde, gray, or red-you might not be a good candidate. Lasers target dark pigment. Light hair doesn’t absorb enough energy to damage the follicle. In those cases, electrolysis might be a better option.

How Much Does It Cost in New Zealand?

Prices vary depending on the clinic, location, and how much area you’re treating. In Wellington, a full bikini laser session typically costs between $120 and $200 per treatment. A full Brazilian (including the butt crack) might run $180-$300. Most clinics offer package deals-buy 6 sessions and save 20-30%.

That might sound expensive upfront, but when you compare it to years of waxing ($50-$80 every 4-6 weeks), laser pays for itself. Over five years, waxing could cost you $1,500-$2,500. Laser, even at $1,200 for a full package, is cheaper in the long run.

Make sure the quote includes everything: consultation, patch test, aftercare products, and follow-ups. Some clinics charge extra for numbing cream or extra sessions if regrowth occurs.

What to Expect After Your First Session

Right after treatment, your skin will feel warm and look slightly flushed. Avoid hot showers, saunas, or intense exercise for 24 hours. Don’t pick or scratch the area-this can cause infection or scarring.

Shaving is fine between sessions. In fact, it’s recommended. Don’t wax or pluck-that removes the hair root the laser needs to target. Just keep the area clean and moisturized with a simple, fragrance-free lotion.

After 2-3 sessions, you’ll notice hair growing back slower and finer. By session 5, you might go weeks without needing to groom at all. The results aren’t instant, but they build up. Patience is key.

Is It Worth It?

Ask yourself: Do you hate shaving? Do ingrown hairs make you uncomfortable? Do you want to save time and money over the next 5-10 years? If you answered yes to any of those, laser hair removal is likely worth it.

It’s not magic. It takes commitment. You need to show up for all your sessions and follow aftercare rules. But the payoff is real: smoother skin, less irritation, and freedom from constant grooming.

Many women in New Zealand who’ve done it say the same thing: "I wish I’d done it sooner."

Alternatives to Laser

If you’re unsure about laser, here are your other options:

• Waxing: Removes hair from the root. Lasts 3-6 weeks. Painful, can cause ingrowns, and gets more expensive over time.
• Shaving: Quick and cheap, but hair grows back in 1-3 days. Can cause razor burn and stubble.
• Depilatory creams: Dissolve hair at the surface. Risk of chemical burns on sensitive skin.
• Electrolysis: The only FDA-approved permanent hair removal method. Works on all hair colors. But it’s slower, more painful, and costs more per session than laser.

Laser is the best middle ground: effective, long-lasting, and less painful than electrolysis. It’s faster than waxing and doesn’t require daily upkeep like shaving.

How to Choose a Clinic

Not all laser clinics are equal. Here’s what to look for:

• Ask if they use Alexandrite or Nd:YAG lasers-these are the gold standard.
• Make sure the technician is certified and has experience with bikini area treatments.
• Request a patch test before committing to a full package.
• Check reviews specifically mentioning pubic hair removal-not just underarms or legs.
• Avoid places that push you into a package deal on your first visit. A good clinic will give you time to think.

In Wellington, clinics like Epilaser Wellington and Skin & Laser Centre have solid reputations for safety and results. Always ask about their success rates and how many sessions their clients typically need.

Next Steps

If you’re still unsure, start with a consultation. Most clinics offer free, no-obligation appointments. Bring your questions. Ask to see before-and-after photos of clients with similar skin and hair types. Take notes. Don’t rush.

Think about your lifestyle. Do you swim often? Work out regularly? Hate the feel of stubble? Those are the clues that tell you whether laser is right for you.

There’s no rush. But if you’ve been thinking about it for months, it’s probably time to take the next step. Your future self-smooth, irritation-free, and done with constant grooming-will thank you.