What You'll Find in This Article
We get the same question from most of our clients: “Will it hurt?”You’re not alone in this.It’s natural to feel anxious, especially during your first session. At BeautyLab, however, we use theCandela GentleLase Pro,the most effective alexandrite laser with built-in Zimmer cooling, which continuously cools the skin during each pulse. The result?Minimal discomfort—most people feel onlya brief, gentle pinch, without any unpleasant burning sensation on the skin’s surface.
We get the same question from most of our clients: “Will it hurt?”
In this article, we’ll explain in a calm and easy-to-understand waywhat Zimmer cooling is,exactly how the treatmentwiththe Candela GentleLase Proworks step by step,what you’ll feel during the procedureon different areas of your body, andhow to prepare so that the sensation is as gentle as possible. You’ll also get practical tipsfor beforeandafterthe procedure, so you can enjoy the most comfortable, nearlypain-free laser hair removal possible.
Why "painless laser hair removal" (and what it actually feels like)
Let's be real: what does "painless" mean in practice?
When we say“painless laser hair removal,”we don’t mean zero sensation—rather, thatyou shouldn’t expect any pain. Most clients describe the procedure asbrief, gentle pinchesor a warm sensation at the moment of the pulse. Thanks to the built-in Zimmer cooling system, the skin’s surface is continuously cooled, so instead of a burning sensation, you’ll feel only a quick, tolerable sensation that subsides immediately. You can imagine the sensation as a light flick with a rubber band—short and quick.
What affects perception: location, hair density, cycle, hydration
Not all areas are equally sensitive.The bikini line and underarmshave more nerve endings, so you may feel the pricks a bit more intensely there.The legs and armstend to be more comfortable.The density and thickness of the hair also play a role; the darker and denser the hair, the more “pronounced” the sensation—though it’s still brief.
For women, sensitivity can vary depending onthe day of the menstrual cycle(we’re often more sensitive to pain right before our period).Well-hydrated skinand staying properly hydrated also help; well-hydrated skin reacts more pleasantly and evenly.
The Role of Cooling: Why Zimmer Significantly Reduces Thermal Discomfort
The key difference lies in the Zimmer cooling system built intothe Candela GentleLase Pro. During each pulse,a continuous stream of cool air is directed at the skin,immediately cooling the surface while the laser energy is directedinward toward the follicle, not into the top layer of the skin.
The result?Less heat on the surface = less burning; the sensations arebrief and tolerable, and thanks to the consistent cooling, the treatment is uniform even on more sensitive areas. In practice, this means that “pain-free” isn’t just a marketing promise, but a combination of the right technology, cooling, and individually adjusted parameters to ensure the procedure feels asgentle as possible.
What Is Zimmer Cooling and How Does It Work?
Zimmer isan intelligentairflow cooling system that deliversa continuous stream of cool air to the skin during laser treatment. In the Candela GentleLase Pro , this cooling system is integrated to cool the skin’s surfacebefore, during, and immediately after each pulse. This reduces the sensation of heat on the surface, so you feela brief, gentle pinch rather than a burning sensation.
Why not ice or gel: stability, hygiene, precision, speed
Ice packs or cooling gels can only cool the areafor a short timeanddo so unevenly. Zimmer maintainsa constant temperature throughout the entire treatment—no fluctuations, no warmer spots. It’s alsomore hygienic(no contact with reusable pads) andmore precise: the airflow is directed exactly where the laser pulse is applied. Plus, it speeds up the process— there’s no needto constantly apply and remove compresses, so the treatment proceedssmoothly and quickly.
Skin Safety: Less heat on the surface, more energy at the root
As the skin’s surface cools,less heat remains on the surface, and more energy from the pulse can be safely directedto the hair root (follicle), where we need it. The result?Greater comfort(minimal discomfort even in more sensitive areas), better skin tolerance after the procedure, andconsistent resultsacross the entire treatment area. This is exactly why clients describe hair removal withthe GentleLase Pro + Zimmeras surprisingly gentle.
Step-by-Step Treatment Process (with Zimmer)
1) Consultation and Zone Test
We’ll start with a short conversation, calmly go over your expectations and health information, and assessyour skin phototypeandhair type. If this is your first session, we’ll performa small teston a small area of skin. This will help us adjust the energy level so that the treatment iseffective and as gentle as possible. We’ll explain everything to you in plain language, without using technical jargon.
2) Preparing the skin
We’ll prepare the skin to ensure the surface is clean and the laser targets exactly where it’s supposed to. Both you and the therapist will wearprotective eyewear—safety is a priority. We’ll check that the area is smoothly shaved (ideally 12–24 hours in advance), and then we can begin.
3) Zimmer cooling – before and during the pulse
With Candela GentleLase Pro , we usethe built-in Zimmer cooling system. We direct a continuous streamof cool aironto the treatment area evenbefore the first pulse, so that the skin is pleasantly cooled. The cooling runscontinuously throughout the procedure, so you don’t feel the heat from the pulse on the surface—it remains where it’s needed, at the hair follicle.
4) Laser pulse + simultaneous cooling
This is followed byshort, rapid pulsesat a rhythm that’s comfortable for you. In practice, most clients describe this asa gentle pinch that quickly subsides thanks to the cooling effect. We proceed systematically, row by row, to ensure the treatment isprecise and even. If you need a break or want to slow down, just let us know and we’ll adjust the pace. The goal is clear:minimal discomfort, maximum results.
5) Calming Down After Treatment
After the final pulse, we letthe cooling process run for a little while longer, wipe the skin dry, and check for any reaction. You’ll receivesimple recommendations for home care: SPF 50, and no saunas, hot baths, or intense workouts for 24–48 hours. Mild redness or a warm sensation are common andusually subside quickly. You’ll leave with a clear plan for your next session and the feeling that everything wentsmoothly, safely, and at your own pace.
How it feels during the procedure (honestly and clearly)
How most female clients see it
The most common description we hear is:“a brief, gentle twinge”at the moment of the pulse, and then it’s gone. Thanks to Zimmer cooling , the skin’s surface is continuously cooled, so you don’t feel any burning; it feels more likea quicksnap from a rubber band. The sensations arepredictable, quick, and tolerable, with no unpleasant aftereffects.
Sensitive Areas vs. "Less Sensitive" Areas
Not all areas react the same way, and that’s perfectly fine.The bikini line and underarmstend to be more sensitive (more nerve endings, denser hair), so the stinging sensation may be a bit more pronounced there. The legs and arms, on the other hand, are usually more comfortable; the sensations are milder, and the treatment feels very tolerable. In every area, however,continuous coolingsignificantly reduces discomfort and keeps the entire process pleasantly stable.
What if I'm very sensitive?
We take this into account from the very beginning. We can incorporateshort breaks, adjustthe rhythm of the pulses, andreduce the intensity as needed.A simplebreathing technique also works great: a slow inhale through the nose, followed by a longer exhale through the mouth; this relaxes the body and reduces sensitivity to stimuli. And our main tool?Zimmer cooling—it keeps the skin’s surface cool and subjectively dampens each pulse. If you have any specific concerns, please let us know in advance.We’ll tailor the procedure to make it as gentle as possible so that you can go through the entire process with a sense of confidence and control.
Tips for before and after to make it as gentle as possible
Before the procedure (24–48 hours)
To make the hair removal experience as gentle as possible, give your skin a little prep.Avoid sun exposure(including tanning beds) andskip creams containing AHA/BHA acids and retinoids—your skin will be calmer and less reactive. Shave the area 12–24 hours in advance(not right before your appointment) so that the hair is short and the laser energy targets the root rather than the surface.Don’t drink alcohol, and come withclean, unmoisturized skin—free of perfumes, oils, and deodorants—directly on the treatment area. If you have sensitive skin, schedule your appointment on a day other than those when you typically experience heightened sensitivity.
After the procedure (24–48 hours)
Your skin will appreciate a “wellness regimen.” UseSPF 50 dailyand stay out of direct sunlight.Avoid hot showers, saunas, and intense workouts—the heat would unnecessarily irritate the treated area. Opt forgentle moisturizers(free of acids, retinoids, menthol, or alcohol), anddo not apply perfumed products or deodorantdirectly to the freshly treated area. Mild redness or a warm sensation are common and usually subside quickly; Zimmer cooling also helps after the procedure, making reactions shorter and milder.
When to Get in Touch
If, in rare cases, you experiencepersistent severe redness, stinging, a blister, or any reaction that makes you feel uneasy,please text or call us. We’re here for you—we’ll advise you on what to apply, what to avoid, and, if necessary, quickly schedule a follow-up appointment for you. Our goal is to ensure that the entire experience isgentle, safe, and causes minimal discomfort.
When Zimmer Really “Makes a Difference”
Sensitive areas and areas with dense hair growth: bikini line, underarms, face
This is exactly where the laser is felt the most—more nerve endings, denser hair, and more sensitive skin. WithZimmer cooling, however, the sensation remains surprisingly gentle. The cold aircools the surface even before the pulseand keeps it stable throughout the treatment, so you don’t feel a burning sensation, but rathera brief tingle. In practice, this means that even the areas clients fear the most (bikini line, underarms, fine facial hair) are handled by most with a smile,minimal discomfort, and a consistent sensation throughout the entire procedure.
Seating Series: Comfort That Lasts from Start to Finish
Laser hair removal is a series of treatments, not a one-time sprint. The goal is for youto feel comfortable at every session, not just the first one.Zimmerkeeps the skin’s reactionmild and predictable, so you can return for treatments without stress. The treatment proceedsquickly and smoothly(without delays caused by cooling pads), your skincalms down fasterafter the procedure, and the entire session feels “easier.” The result?A more pleasant experience and better consistencythroughout the entire series—exactly what we want for a gentle path to smooth skin.
Why BeautyLab
At BeautyLab,we consider comfort a standard, not an “extra.” WeautomaticallyuseZimmer coolingduring laser hair removal andadjustthe settingsindividuallybased on your skin type, hair density, and skin sensitivity. Before the procedure, we’ll clearly explain everything—fromhow to prepare at home to what to expect in the first 24–48 hours after treatment. You’ll receivespecific pre- and post-treatment instructions to ensure the experience is as gentle as possible and the results are consistent.
At the same time, we approach the treatmentwith compassion and openness. We’ll explainwhen and why you might feel more sensation(e.g., more sensitive areas, your menstrual cycle, thicker hair) andwhat we’ll do to ensure your comfort: shorter breaks, adjusting the pulse rhythm, gentler settings, mindful breathing, and consistent cooling. We want you to feelsafe, informed, and in control throughout the entire process, at a pace that’s comfortable for you.
Would you like to experience laser hair removal with “minimal discomfort”?Contact us or book a consultation atBeautyLab on Dunajská Street.