Waxing Vs Laser Hair Removal
If you’re like most people, the mere thought of waxing makes your skin crawl. Between the pain and the mess, it’s no wonder so many people are opting for laser hair removal instead. But what are the benefits of laser hair removal compared to waxing? Keep reading to find out!
What is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal involves a laser that is chosen specifically to treat your hair thickness and skin pigment, attacking the root of the hair and destroying the follicle so it cannot grow back. If it does grow back, the hair will be much thinner and lighter than before. Several treatments are required but the results will last you a long time and the treated areas will permanently grow much lighter, manageable amounts of hair.
What Are the Benefits & Risks of Laser Hair Removal?
Benefits
Laser hair removal provides great long-term results, and some people enjoy permanent hair removal, while others enjoy much more manageable, light hair growth. The sessions are quick, easy, and you can treat any part of your body – no matter how large or small.
Laser hair removal is safe, doesn’t do any long-term damage to your skin, and must be performed by a board-certified professional. Laser hair removal does not hurt nearly as much as waxing – it’s kind of like a quick pinch, instead.
Risks
Laser hair removal is not recommended for people with very fair skin and light hair – it is best on those with lighter pigmentation but dark hair. This treatment is also much more expensive than waxing, but more effective in the long-term, which saves you money at the end of the day.
Laser hair removal is also a process, so multiple treatments are required and you won’t see instant results.
How Does Waxing Work?
Waxing involves hot wax and an applicator – but you can also buy wax strips at any drug store that you just have to rub to warm up and apply. You rip the strip (or the technician pulls the hot wax) off of your body and can remove hair from anywhere quickly. It’s best to remove the strip or wax off in the opposite direction of the hair growth, pulling it from the follicle. While you’ll experience smooth skin for up to several weeks, the hair follicle still remains intact and hair grows back the same.
What Are the Benefits & Risks of Waxing?
Benefits
Waxing is much less expensive per session than laser hair removal, but because you need to get it done every few weeks, the cost adds up and makes it actually more expensive over time than laserWaxing works for all hair types, skin types, and skin pigments, and it can easily be done at home with enough practice. However, it is best to have a professional do it for you to avoid injury and ensure optimal results.
Risks
Waxing can be really painful. The extreme pain only lasts for a second, but you may be a bit sore and red for an hour or two afterwards. It can be especially sensitive near the underarms or bikini line.
Additionally, waxing can cause ingrown hairs – so when the hairs grow back from the undamaged follicles, they may grow improperly and be painful and stubborn. Waxing only lasts for a few weeks, and you’ll have to endure stubble in between waxes as the strip needs something to grasp onto. Therefore, it is not a long-term solution for getting rid of unwanted hair, and has to be repeated quite often with bouts of pricklyness in between.
Lastly – if you have sensitive skin, please be careful when deciding to wax! It can cause permanent damage or leave scars, soreness, or redness for long amounts of time.
Why We Recommend Laser Hair Removal Over Waxing
Laser hair removal treatment is the best method for removing unwanted hair – it’s a long-term solution which is less painful and more effective than waxing.
Unwanted hair can be a nuisance, especially if it’s located in a visible area. There are a number of ways to remove unwanted hair, but most are only temporary solutions. Laser hair removal may be the answer if you’re looking for a more permanent solution. Laser hair removal works by targeting the pigment in the hair follicle with laser energy. The laser energy is absorbed by the pigment and converted into heat, which damages the follicle and prevents future hair growth.
Laser hair removal is considered to be a safe and effective way to remove unwanted hair permanently, and it can be used on any area of the body. If you’re considering laser hair removal, be sure to consult with a qualified practitioner to ensure that you get the best results.
The Forever Bare BBL laser is one of the most effective laser systems on the market and is often able to provide complete hair removal in as few as 4 treatments. For this reason, it is a popular choice for those looking to achieve permanent hair removal.
What Are the Main Differences Between Waxing vs Laser Hair Removal?
Skin Damage Level
It’s common to see redness after waxing and it usually goes away after a couple of hours – but waxing can damage the skin long-term if the wax burns you or if you pull the strip off slowly, incorrectly, or at the wrong angle. Laser hair removal never damages the skin and is actually an ideal treatment for those with sensitive skin.
Pain
Waxing has been described as very painful, as you’re quickly pulling hair out of a follicle and this treatment needs to be repeated every few weeks. Laser hair removal treatments are sometimes performed with numbing agents but are not usually described as painful – it’s more of a quick snapping sensation and warmth. Sessions only get easier after your first laser treatment.
Ingrown Hairs
Waxing can often cause ingrown hairs, as even though it gets rid of the hair, it does not damage the follicle, so regrowth occurs but can be painful/irritating. Ingrown hairs occur when a hair grows out in the wrong direction, or it fails to break the surface of the skin. Laser hair removal never causes ingrown hairs as it damages the follicle to the point of not affecting the trajectory of hair growth, but just the thickness and darkness it grows back with.
Recovery Speed
Results from waxing are instant and, with soothing lotion applied, redness subsides within hours. Laser hair removal can be completed in 5-8 sessions, one month apart from each other, and it is recommended you do not go out in direct sunlight while recovering. However, you are allowed to do anything else – so the recovery speed is technically faster with waxing, but after your laser treatments, you never have to worry about recovery speed again. Either way, make sure to apply SPF!
Final Results
Waxing leaves your skin feeling smooth, but only for a few weeks. It needs to be done continuously and the waiting period between appointments can involve some awkward and uncomfortable stubble. Laser hair removal treatments provide a more permanent result, and only require 5-8 sessions with semi-annual maintenance.
Cost
Waxing can appear to be less expensive in the short-term, but the fact that laser hair removal is a permanent solution needs to be taken into consideration. Waxing is cheaper than laser hair removal for one treatment, but waxing also provides consistent treatments with no end in sight. Laser hair removal has higher initial costs but touch-ups are much less and you save long-term.
Candidate
Not everyone is a great candidate for laser hair removal or waxing – it is best to consult with the professional clinic at Skin Technique. If you have sensitive skin, it’s best to try to not harm yourself with waxing. But with laser hair removal, it’s best for those with light skin and dark hair as it provides the best contrast. However, with technology improving day by day, there are many laser options for different hair types and skin pigments.