Shaving, plucking, using depilatory creams …
There are lots of ways to remove unwanted body hair, and every method is different. But which is the most effective? Which is the easiest? Which one is the least painful?
Today, we’re comparing two of the most popular hair removal methods:
Waxing and laser hair removal.
Both are highly effective methods for hair removal, but the process, pain level, and results of each vary greatly. Keep reading for our full comparison of laser vs. waxing to determine which hair removal method is right for you.
Table of Contents
- How Does Waxing Work?
- How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
- The Pros and Cons of Waxing
- The Pros and Cons of Laser Hair Removal
- Why Laser Hair Removal Is Better Than Waxing
How Does Waxing Work?
The process of waxing hair is rather simple. With some hot wax, an applicator, and a fabric strip, you can remove hair from anywhere on your body in seconds.
An applicator is used to apply the wax to the skin in the direction of the hair growth. Then, a strip of fabric, such as muslin, is applied on top and smoothed down in the same direction as the hair growth. The final step involves pulling the muslin strip off the skin in the opposite direction of the hair growth.
With the proper technique, waxing pulls the hair from the follicle. The result is smooth skin without visible hair on the surface. The follicle, however, remains intact in the dermis layer of the skin.
Waxing typically leaves the skin smooth for several weeks, at which point you’ll need to wax the same area again to remove any new hair growth.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Compared to waxing, laser hair removal treatment is a bit more complex. It involves the use of a high-powered laser that attacks the root of the hair and destroys the follicle so that hair cannot grow back.
The process usually begins by numbing and cooling the skin. A laser technician then applies the laser to the skin in the area targeted for hair removal.
Several treatments are required, regardless of the area of the body, but results can last for months or even years. Some people need a quick touch up from time to time.
We offer laser hair removal in Colorado! Contact us today!
The Pros and Cons of Waxing
There are pros and cons to every hair removal method. It’s important to weigh these carefully before deciding if waxing is the right method for you:
Pros
For a single session, waxing is much less expensive than laser hair removal. However, if you get wax treatments regularly for years, it can end up costing you even more than laser treatment.
Waxing is effective for all hair types, skin types, and skin tones. Regardless of the color or texture of your skin or hair, waxing is a good option for those who might not be great candidates for laser removal.
Another benefit of waxing is that it can be done at home. However, it is always best to have a professional do it for you (and that can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars over time).
Cons
If you’ve ever waxed any part of your body, you know one thing:
It hurts!
It can be especially painful in sensitive areas of the body, such as the ears, bikini line, and underarms.
Waxing can also cause ingrown hairs. It does not destroy the root of the hair; it simply pulls the hair from the follicle. The hair will grow back, and when it does, it could become ingrown.
If you want smooth, hair-free skin at all times, waxing is not the best option.
Why?
Because you need at least a quarter-inch of hair growth so that the wax has something to grip onto. You’ll have to endure some stubble here and there, as you’ll need some regrowth in between waxes.
Waxing can be time consuming. For the best results, you’ll need to wax the same area every few weeks.
It can also cause damage to the skin, especially sensitive skin. If you have sensitive skin, you should never apply wax to any area of your face, including your eyebrows or upper lip.
The Pros and Cons of Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removalmost people
Pros
Laser hair removalpermanent results
If you’re trying to save time, laser hair removal is the way to go. The sessions are quick and easy. Even if you’re having treatment on a large area of the body, you’ll only be under the laser for a few minutes at a time.
Laser hair removal is safe and doesn’t do any long-term damage to the skin. Even people with sensitive skin can use this method, as long as it’s performed by a licensed and certified laser technician.
The biggest pro of all is that you can have laser hair removal on any part of the body. It’s impossible to wax your back or your full bikini area by yourself.
As for pain, laser hair removal doesn’t hurt nearly as much as waxing. Most people say that the pulse of the laser feels like a rubber band snapping on the skin.
Cons
Almost anyone can get laser hair removal, but it is most effective on people with light skin and dark hair. If you have dark skin or light hair, consult with a certified laser technician about your options.
Laser hair removal is much more expensive than a single waxing session. But as a long-term hair removal method, it can actually be more cost-effective over time.
Plus, many laser clinics offer payment plans and financing options to make payments more manageable.
Laser hair removal is a process. In order for the laser to completely destroy the hair follicle, your hair needs to be in a certain stage of growth. For this reason, multiple treatments are required. You won’t see the instant results you’ll see from waxing, but the results will last longer.
Read more: Laser Hair Removal FAQs
Why Laser Hair Removal Is Better Than Waxing
When it comes to removing unwanted hair, laser treatment is the best method. It’s a long-term solution that’s far less painful than waxing.
If you’re prone to ingrown hairs, it’s the only method you should choose, as it completely destroys the hair follicle. Once the follicle is destroyed, you won’t have to worry about those pesky, painful ingrown hairs ever again.
Related: Laser Hair Removal vs. Electrolysis
Do you think laser hair removal is the right option for you? We have four Colorado locations in Fort Collins, Lakewood, Westminster, and Colorado Springs!
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