In all my years working as an esthetician, where I often found myself elbow-deep in pubes for the purpose of “no pain, no gain” beautification, clients continually asked me the same question: What’s the best way to get rid of unwanted hair for good?
When it comes to professional hair removal, there are two types of clients you’ll find at the salon. Client number one is the diehard waxer. She has been going to the same esthetician for years. She has her Brazilian wax down to a seven-minute art. She will never give up waxing because it’s easy, inexpensive and almost painless, now that she’s gotten used to the rip.
Eva Scrivo, master colorist and owner of Eva Scrivo Salons, is a prime example. She explains, “Personally, I much prefer wax. Laser can be very painful, especially where there is less fat close to the bone… Wax is quick, easy and over time makes the hair seem much finer.”
More: 8 Ways to groom your bikini line without wax
That’s a good place to be. But what about client number two? She’s willing to put her money where her vagina is. She understands the principle of a good hair removal investment. This savvy gal knows that long-term waxing is a waste — unless you’re the type that has a thing for having your hair ripped out by the root every six weeks.
There are a few compelling reasons why it pays to be client number two:
1. Laser is permanent
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Dr. Jill Waibel, M.D., board-certified dermatologist who specializes in cutaneous laser surgery and medical director and owner of Miami Dermatology and Laser Institute, was eager to weigh in on the wax versus laser debate, saying: “The main reason laser hair removal is infinitely better than waxing or any other alternative is because the results are permanent. Waxing temporarily removes the hairs’ root, while the heat of the laser destroys it entirely. Laser hair removal is a very precise procedure where the pulses delivered from the laser take only a fraction of a second and target problem areas while leaving the rest of the skin undamaged.”
2. Laser is cheaper
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At the outset, laser hair removal costs more than waxing. That’s why so many clients go for a $75 Brazilian wax compared to a $200 Brazilian laser treatment that may require anywhere from 6 to 12 plus follow-up visits to see results.
More: 10 Things your esthetician want you to know before your bikini wax
Dr. Waibel emphasizes, “Laser hair removal is a fairly quick procedure that can be done in a matter of minutes depending on the area of the body, while waxing can be a long and painful procedure. Waxing can also be very costly if you choose to undergo treatments every few months. Choosing laser hair removal can actually save you money in the long run as it takes only a few treatments until the hair follicle is destroyed entirely, permanently prohibiting any more hair growth.”
3. Laser is gentler
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Leah Chavie of the Leah Chavie Skincare Boutique in Chicago calls the laser hair removal services at her salon a “life-changing treatment.” More and more clients are requesting permanent laser hair removal with inspiration from celebrities like Lilly Ghalichi, Khloe and Kim Kardashian and Hoda Kotb.
Chavie says, “[Laser] is not only infinitely better than waxing due to convenience, but it is also better for the skin in certain areas. It causes no damage to the dermis, while plucking and waxing can lead to ingrown hairs and damage the skin. Over time, investing in laser hair will remove the hair follicle altogether, and it is more precise with where you want the hair removed. One might spend the same amount of money, if not more, over a longer period of time on waxing products.”
4. Laser is faster
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As Dr. Waibel noted, you have to think of the big picture. Depending on the coarseness of your pubic hair, your skin type and how well your body responds, laser hair removal could cost you a month’s rent to obliterate unwanted hair forever. The operative word here is “forever.” As Scrivo pointed out, waxing can thin hair and make it more manageable with consistent appointments — but with laser, there is an end in sight.
In the immortal words of Taylor Swift, just think how good it will feel when you finally tell your waxer that you are never, ever, ever getting back together.
