If you’ve decided to ditch the razor and toss the tweezers, you’re looking for a better way of hair removal. Today, we’re going to compare two of the most popular hair removal methods: laser hair removal and waxing.
We’ll compare:
- How each hair removal method works
- The pain level involved
- How long a treatment will leave your skin smooth and hair-free
- Side effects, if any
- The initial and long-term costs
How Does Waxing Work?
Waxing for hair removal is done by applying warm wax to your skin, and then applying a strip of fabric. The technician then quickly rips the strip of fabric off in the opposite direction of hair growth. When it’s done right, waxing provides immediately smooth skin with no stubble.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
The laser targets the hair follicles with light, which heats the follicles and damages them, preventing future hair growth. Because your hair grows in stages, you will need laser treatments (usually 6) to achieve the best results. These treatments are spaced a month apart. After that, you will need minimal touch-up appointments.
Does Waxing Hurt?
Yes, indeed, waxing hurts. How much that bothers you will depend on your pain tolerance, how much hair is being removed, and what area of your body is being treated.
Does Laser Hair Removal Hurt?
Most of our clients would say no. Laser hair removal is described as feeling like a rubber band snapping against the skin – more of a slight discomfort rather than the quick pain associated with waxing.
How Long Does Waxing Last?
In general, you will notice that a waxing treatment lasts about 2-3 weeks before you start noticing stubble or new hair. This is especially true with facial hair, which grows faster than the hair on other parts of your body.
How Long Does Laser Hair Removal Last?
When performed by a trained professional, laser hair removal can last 1-2 years without noticeable hair growth after the initial 6 treatments. Any hair that does regrow will be finer and lighter and can be easily removed with a yearly maintenance treatment or as needed..
Related Reading: Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent?
Does Waxing Have Side Effects?
Unfortunately, yes. A common side effect of waxing is ingrown hairs, because the method of removing the hair bends the follicle. These ingrown hairs can cause painful bumps on your skin. In addition, if the wax is too hot, it can burn the skin, or cause damage if it isn’t pulled exactly right. When hair regrows, it will result in stubble.
Does Laser Hair Removal Have Side Effects?
A short-term side effect of laser removal is that your skin might feel hot and be slightly red after a treatment. This will subside in a couple of hours. When it’s performed by a trained aesthetician, laser hair removal will not damage your skin.
How Does the Cost of Laser Hair Removal vs Waxing Compare?
Laser hair removal treatments cost much more than a waxing appointment. But when you take into consideration that after 6 laser hair removal treatments, you don’t need anything except an occasional maintenance appointment, laser hair removal is the more cost-effective of the two treatments in the long term.
That’s because, for best results, you may need to wax as often as every 2-3 weeks. Those frequent waxing appointments can really add up by the end of the year.
Why We Generally Recommend Laser Hair Removal
For the majority of our clients seeking an effective, long-term hair removal solution without the pain of waxing, we recommend laser hair removal. That being said, we do offer other hair removal treatments for our clients who aren’t ready to take the plunge. These include facial waxing and electrolysis. The way to find out the best solution for your individual needs is to schedule a consultation.
Schedule a Complimentary Consultation
If you have hair in unwanted places, and you’re tired of shaving and waxing, laser hair removal may be a good solution. And you’re in experienced hands when you visit Aesthetics at Cima Health.
From the initial consultation to the treatment room, we offer the highest quality care, individualized to your needs. We are more than clinicians; we understand how hard it can be to carve out time for yourself to look and feel your best. We help you make the most of your time by offering the best hair removal solutions.
Book an appointment today.
