Pros and Cons of Laser Hair Removal versus Waxing

The two most common hair removal procedures are waxing and laser hair removal.

Waxing is the traditional — but sporadic — solution that instantly tears hair from the root. Laser hair removal makes use of intense rays to kill the hair follicles and stop their development.

Both offer hair-free results but are very different in their advantages. But which approach is superior?

Waxing

Waxing has existed for hundreds of years, and ancient Egyptians even recorded the removal of hair. It’s a quick and inexpensive procedure that temporarily removes hair by pulling it up by the root.

Here’s how:

The wax is applied to the targeted area, one at a time. On the wax is placed a piece of cloth or paper that adheres to the hair. When the strip is removed quickly, the knotted hair snapped off of the follicle.

Waxing Pros

Though this may seem like medieval torture, waxing actually eliminates hair from the roots and you are smooth for 3-6 weeks.

Waxing is affordable at $10 a treatment (prices depend on body part). It’s readily available at home or in salons across the world.

If you get frequent treatments, you can keep the skin smooth and free of stubble. But waxing isn’t always an easy process…

Waxing Cons

Unfortunately though, waxing has some drawbacks:

Swelling: Waxing is painful and itching when the hairs are pulled out. The pain varies, but waxing is not for the faint-hearted!
Repair: Hair grows again, waxing should be frequent. Between treatments, you can also be asked to remove stray hairs.
Ingrown hairs: When you wax your hair, you risk ingrown hairs growing underneath the skin, which redden and bump up (especially if your hair is curly). Peeling does the trick, but not always.
Sensitivity: Repeated waxing can dry out and irritate the skin. It’s generally not safe for the delicate parts or skin types. Always try a patch first.

Therefore, if you are looking for more permanent smoothness, laser hair removal is probably the next best thing.

Laser Hair Removal

The laser hair removal machines aim intense beams of light to melt melanin at the follicle, without abrasion of the surrounding skin.

This shuts down the follicle so the hair can’t reproduce anymore. Laser hair removal has become faster, more effective, and less harsh.

Treatments are like a warm rubber band snapping around the body. Not exactly painless, but definitely less painful than waxing.

There are even a few recent devices like the Soprano Ice Platinum with cryogenic cooling for added comfort.

Laser Hair Removal Pros

Approximately 6-8 sessions, 4-4 weeks apart, will be needed on average for optimal results.

Consistently, lasers can cut hair growth by 90% or more permanently. Let’s consider some of the best benefits of laser hair removal:

Long-term results: Lasers achieve semi-permanent hair removal for months to years. You will still want to touch-up in the long run but limit the amount of hair removal.
Speed: Each procedure takes only minutes as opposed to an hour with a full body wax. One treatment session with laser can cover several spots.
Less maintenance: Laser saves you from daily shaving or once every 6 months waxing. Don’t get razors in your faces or have to let hair prick!
No sting: Lasers are more like a rubber band snapping than the severing of wax. Cooling system available for added convenience.
Appropriateness: Lasers are safe and effective on any skin tone and any hair color, even fine blond hair. On sensitive skin, waxing is tricky.
Long-term cost saving: The cost will be high at first, but costs reduce. Long-term savings vs. constant shaving/waxing cost.

Cons of Laser Hair Removal

A couple of caveats about lasers:

Very high initial costs: Sessions cost between $150-$650 a treatment depending on body area. A complete body exfoliation runs in the thousands.
Compatibility: The procedure must be carried out professionally by the laser clinics. Results need multiple stable sessions, too.
Need to be specialized: You can’t use lasers unless you are a specialist. Using it improperly may scar or burn skin. : Do your homework on your technician.

Laser hair removal is an affordable, long lasting silky smoothness process, without any discomfort and downtime, as long as you’re willing to spend the initial cash.

Lasers are a definite option for the majority of individuals that seek to get rid of all hair permanently in all types of skin.

Final Verdict

For the vast majority, laser hair removal offers the longest lasting outcome with minimal pain and touch-ups.

Schedule your consultation today at Rivière Med Spa in Portland, Oregon and start lasering your way to confidence. You’ll be so glad you did!