What were you thinking it’d be less painful than? It’s pretty painful for me, but not the worst thing I’ve ever felt. Somewhere in the neighborhood of touching a hot stove and stubbing a toe. I’ve heard it compared to getting snapped by a rubber band, and that’s not too far off either. Some areas are worse than others, like above the lip or around the jawline. Fortunately, it subsides a few seconds after each zap, and my technician goes pretty slowly.

I think it’ll be worth it, but it takes a while. I did 1 session per month for about 5 months at one place, didn’t see much change, took a break for about a year, and then resumed at a new place. 2 more sessions later, and I’ve finally started noticing some obvious clear areas. But they don’t last longer than a week or so before new hair starts growing in, so I’ve still got some sessions to go.