Waxing Vs. Laser Hair Removal: Which is Better For You?

Hair removal is a must to confidently wear any dress, look tidy, and feel confident and clean. There have been several methods like waxing, tweezing, epilation, laser, and IPL available for this purpose. Among these, waxing is most commonly preferred for short-term results while laser is loved for its long-term benefits.

The comparison between laser and waxing does not end here. So if your mind is also stuck on waxing vs. laser hair removal, keep reading. This article will give you all the details regarding these techniques to make the right decision.

Table of Contents:

• Part 1: Waxing: The Traditional Hair Removal Method
• Part 2: Laser Hair Removal: Advanced Hair Removal Technology
• Part 3: Waxing vs. Laser Hair Removal Cost
• Part 4: Waxing vs. Laser Hair Removal Pain
• Part 5: Waxing vs. Laser Hair Removal Effectiveness and Long-Term Results
• Part 6: Waxing vs. Laser Hair Removal Safety and Side Effects
• Part 7: Waxing vs. Laser Hair Removal Suitability and Consideration
• Part 8: Waxing vs. Laser Hair Removal Maintenance and Convenience
• Part 9: Waxing vs. Laser Hair Removal Professional vs. DIY

Part 1: Waxing: The Traditional Hair Removal Method

Waxing has been the most used hair removal method for centuries. It involves the use of a variety of waxes to remove hair till their roots thus allowing the results to last for 4-6 weeks. These waxes have a gel-like consistency. Once applied, they stick to your skin and the hair removes along the wax as you remove it.

Pros

• Waxes are easily available and affordable
• Waxing is quick and can be easily performed by a newbie
• Waxes also act as an exfoliating agent thus allowing the surface of your skin to be smoother after a waxing session

Cons

• It is painful
• Improper waxing technique can lead to ingrown hair
• Waxing might not be suitable for sensitive skin as it can cause bleeding, inflammation, and skin burns [1]

Part 2: Laser Hair Removal: Advanced Hair Removal Technology

Unlike waxing, laser hair removal is an advanced hair removal technology. A laser device is used to target the hair follicles during this procedure. The laser energy emitted by the device converts into heat energy. This heat damages the hair follicles thus stopping the regrowth for a long time.

Pros

• After laser hair removal, the results last for months and even years
• Laser hair removal can be performed on all skin colors, skin types, and hair types thus it has been the preferred long-term hair removal method for dark-skinned people [2]
• It minimizes the occurrence of ingrown hair thus reducing pain and inflammation caused by the ingrown hair

Cons

• It is time-consuming as it can take 20 minutes to 2 hours depending upon the area of treatment
• It is not very effective for lighter hair colors
• It is expensive and can take up to a year to complete the whole treatment plan

Part 3: Waxing vs. Laser Hair Removal Cost

If we make a comparison between both methods concerning their cost, waxing will surely be the winner. Waxing at a salon can cost between $20-70 and at-home wax kits are available between $20-50.

Unlike waxing, laser hair removal can be as expensive as $150-1000 per session. It requires a minimum of 4-6 sessions which means a minimum of $600-4000.  Therefore, waxing is a lot more affordable and available to all.

Part 4: Waxing vs. Laser Hair Removal Pain

Both waxing and laser hair removal are painful. Waxing pain is more like a stinging, sharp sensation while laser hair removal pain feels like a tingling sensation on the body. In easy words, waxing is painful while laser hair removal causes discomfort.

The level of pain depends upon an individual’s threshold and skin sensitivity. This pain can be reduced with the help of numbing creams and pain relievers.

Part 5: Waxing vs. Laser Hair Removal Effectiveness and Long-Term Results

While talking about the effectiveness, you can observe hair reduction by laser up to 25% after every session. Waxing also reduces hair growth after consistent waxing every four weeks. The results of waxing last for nearly a month while laser hair removal makes your body hair-free for 6 months,  2 years, or even more.

However, there can be individual variations. Additionally, waxing is effective for all skin types, hair types, skin color, and hair color. On the other hand, the efficacy of lasers is better in those with lighter skin color as compared to darker colors.

Part 6: Waxing vs. Laser Hair Removal Safety and Side Effects

Generally, waxing and laser hair removal are considered safe. If we have to compare these two, the latter is considered safer. It is because there are chances of ripping of skin, allergies, ingrown hair, and skin burning with waxing.

In contrast, laser hair removal does not come with such side effects. As done by the professional, your skin will not be ripped, or suffer an allergic reaction in any case. Moreover, it destroys the hair follicles thus minimizing the risk of hair follicles. Some potential side effects include redness, inflammation, and scarring.

Part 7: Waxing vs. Laser Hair Removal Suitability and Considerations

Waxing is suitable for everyone regardless of skin color, hair color, and type. It can be done on all areas of your skin but you need to be careful about sensitive areas as use specified waxes for these. However, it is difficult to wax your back or perform a Brazilian wax at home. Moreover, it can be highly painful for upper lips, bikini lines, and underarms.

According to an aesthetic center, the laser is also useful for all skin types [3], body areas, and hair types but it shows better results in lighter skin and dark hair. Also, it is not highly effective in blonde or other lighter hair colors.

So, before choosing any of the above procedures, you should consider your hair color, skin color, skin sensitivity, and the treatment area.

Also Read: YAG Laser Hair Removal: Is It Good for Dark Skin?

Part 8: Waxing vs. Laser Hair Removal Maintenance and Convenience

Both waxing and laser hair removal require pre-care steps including cleansing, exfoliation, and protection from the sun. After waxing, your hair will be gone for over a month and the regrowth will be lesser. But, you still have to wax every month to maintain hair-free smooth skin.

In contrast, with laser hair removal, hair keeps growing during the sessions but the number reduces with each session. Then, after the last session, all the hair will be gone and you will need only occasional touchups for maintenance of results.

Therefore, you might find laser more convenient in terms of follow-ups as they are occasional while with waxing, going to clinics or salons every month can be hectic.

Part 9: Waxing vs. Laser Hair Removal Professional vs. DIY

Waxing has an advantage over laser as it can be done at a salon and at home as well. Waxing at salons can be convenient, better, and less painful since the professional knows what type of wax will suit you better and some tricks to minimize pain. In addition, it is better to go to a salon for a Brazilian wax. Still, some people prefer DIY waxing since it is less expensive, more comfortable, and time-saving.

Contrary to DIY or professional waxing, the laser cannot be done by any quack or a beginner. You need to go to an experienced person if you want the results without damaging your skin.

Conclusion

Waxing results last up to a month while laser outcome lasts for months to years. The former is easier to perform at home while the latter is preferred by those who want to avoid creating a mess at home. Waxing is cost-friendly and the laser is very expensive. One causes pain while the other causes discomfort.

Hence, each of the mentioned methods has its benefits and side effects. Now, the choice depends upon your personal preferences, skin type, pain threshold, and lastly your pocket. You can also take a professional’s advice to further refine your choice.

References

[1] Chang, Angela C et al. “Depilatory wax burns experience and investigation.” Eplasty vol. 11 (2011): e25.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3098007/

[2] Vachiramon, Vasanop, et al. “Patient satisfaction and complications following laser hair removal in ethnic skin.” Journal of drugs in dermatology: JDD vol. 11,2 (2012): 191-5.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22270201/

[3] LAC: Which Laser is Best for My Skin Type?

https://www.laser-aesthetic-center.com/which-laser-is-best-for-my-skin-type