Hair removal is a must to confidently wear any dress, look neat and feel safe and clean. There are various methods for this purpose such as waxing, plucking, epilation, laser and IPL. Waxing is mostly preferred for short-term results, whereas laser is loved for its long-term benefits.
The comparison between laser and waxing doesn't stop here, so if you're still stuck on the topic of waxing vs. laser hair removal, read on. In this article, you'll learn all the details about these two techniques so you can make the right decision.
Table of contents:
- Part 1: Waxing - The traditional method of hair removal
- Part 2: Laser Hair Removal - Advanced Hair Removal Technology
- Part 3: Waxing vs. Laser Hair Removal - Costs
- 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 Considerations
- Part 8: Waxing vs. Laser Hair Removal - Care and Convenience
- Part 9: Waxing vs. Laser Hair Removal Professional vs. DIY
- Part 10: Conclusion
Waxing - The traditional method of hair removal
Waxing has been the most commonly used method of hair removal for centuries. It involves removing hair from the root using various waxes, so that the results last for 4-6 weeks. These waxes have a gel-like consistency. Once applied, they stick to the skin and the hair is pulled out when removed.
Advantages
- Waxes are readily available and affordable
- Waxing is quick and can be easily done even by beginners
- Waxes also act as an exfoliant, so the surface of your skin is smoother after waxing.
Disadvantages
- It is painful
- Improper waxing technique can lead to ingrown hairs
- Waxing may not be suitable for sensitive skin as it can cause bleeding, inflammation and skin burns [1]
Laser Hair Removal - Advanced Hair Removal Technology
Unlike waxing, laser hair removal is an advanced hair removal technology. This procedure uses a laser device to target the hair follicles. The laser energy emitted by the device converts into heat energy. This heat damages the hair follicles, thus stopping hair regrowth for a long time.
Advantages
- After laser hair removal, the result lasts for months and even years
- Laser hair removal can be performed on all skin colors, skin types and hair types and is therefore the preferred method for long-term hair removal for dark-skinned people [2]
- It minimizes the appearance of ingrown hairs and thus reduces the pain and inflammation caused by the ingrown hairs
Disadvantages
- Lasering is time-consuming as it can take 20 minutes to 2 hours depending on the treatment area.
- It is not very effective for lighter hair colors
- It is expensive and can take up to a year to complete the entire treatment plan
Waxing vs. Laser Hair Removal - Costs
If we compare both methods in terms of their cost, waxing will certainly be the winner. Waxing in a salon can cost between 20 and 70 euros and home waxing kits are available for 20 to 50 euros.
Unlike waxing, laser hair removal can cost between €150-1,000 per session. A minimum of 4-6 sessions are required, which means a minimum of €600-4,000. Therefore, waxing is much more affordable and accessible to all.
Waxing vs. Laser Hair Removal - Pain
Both waxing and laser hair removal are painful. The pain from waxing is more of a stinging, sharp feeling, while the pain from laser hair removal feels like a tingling sensation in the body. In other words, waxing is painful, while laser hair removal causes discomfort.
The severity of the pain depends on the individual's pain threshold and skin sensitivity. Anesthetic creams and painkillers can relieve the pain.
Waxing vs. Laser Hair Removal - Effectiveness and Long-Term Results
As for effectiveness, you can see up to 25% hair reduction after each session with the laser. Waxing also reduces hair growth if you repeat it every four weeks. The results of waxing treatment last for almost a month, while laser hair removal makes your body hair-free for 6 months, 2 years or even longer.
However, there may be individual differences. In addition, waxing is effective on all skin types, hair types, skin tones and hair colors. On the other hand, the effectiveness of lasers is better on people with lighter skin tones than on darker colors.
Waxing vs. Laser Hair Removal - Safety and Side Effects
In general, waxing and laser hair removal are considered safe. If we have to compare these two methods, the latter is safer. This is because waxing carries the risk of skin tearing, allergies, ingrown hairs and skin burning.
In contrast, laser hair removal has no such side effects. Since it is performed by a professional, your skin will not be broken or allergic. In addition, the hair follicles are destroyed, so the risk of hair follicles is minimized. Possible side effects include redness, inflammation and scarring.
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 the skin, but you need to be careful of sensitive areas, for example by using special waxes for those areas. However, waxing your back or doing a Brazilian wax at home is difficult. In addition, it can be very painful for the upper lip, bikini line and underarms.
According to one aesthetic center, the laser is also suitable for all skin types [3] , body areas and hair types, but shows better results on light skin and dark hair. In addition, it is not very effective on blonde or other light hair colors.
So before you decide on any of the above procedures, you should consider your hair color, skin color, skin sensitivity and the treatment area.
Waxing vs. Laser Hair Removal - Care and Convenience
Both waxing and laser hair removal require a pre-treatment that includes cleansing, exfoliation and sun protection. After waxing, your hair will be gone for more than a month and will grow back less. But you still need to wax every month to maintain hair-free, smooth skin.
In contrast, with laser hair removal, hair continues to grow during sessions, but the number decreases with each session. After the last session, all the hair is gone and you only need occasional follow-up treatments to maintain the results.
Therefore, you may find laser more convenient for follow-up visits as they are only occasional, whereas with waxing it can be hectic to go to a clinic or salon every month.
Waxing vs. Laser Hair Removal Professional vs. DIY
Waxing has the advantage over lasering that it can be done both in a salon and at home. Waxing in a salon is more comfortable, better and less painful because the professional knows what type of wax suits you better and knows some tricks to minimize the pain. Also, it is better to go to a salon for a Brazilian wax. However, some people prefer DIY waxing because it is cheaper, more convenient and saves time.
Unlike DIY or professional waxing, laser treatment cannot be done by any quack or novice. You need to go to an experienced person if you want to get results without damaging your skin.
Conclusion
The results of waxing last up to a month, while the results of lasering last from months to years. The first method is easier to do at home, while the second method is preferred by those who don't want to make a mess at home. Waxing is inexpensive, while lasering is very expensive. One causes pain, the other discomfort.
Therefore, each of the methods mentioned has its advantages and side effects. Your choice depends on your personal preferences, your skin type, your pain threshold and, last but not least, your budget. You can also seek advice from a specialist 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
