Waxing vs. Laser Hair Removal

Waxing is highly effective for all hair and skin types. On the opposite end, laser hair removal is best for thick, dark, and coarse hair. Both methods offer versatile solutions catering to diverse preferences and needs in hair removal.
Learn more about each below!

What is Laser Hair Removal

The laser pulses high concentrated laser light with a specific wavelength on the targeted area where you want to get rid of unwanted hair. Laser light heats up the hair follicles and the hair pigment absorbs this light, which causes the root of the follicle to get damaged and debilitated. The treated area is then rubbed with cool compresses, or anti-inflammatory treatments, to help diminish discomfort.

The laser light is very fast, covering all the hairs in an area of about the size of a quarter in one second. Small areas such as the upper lip can be treated in less than a minute, and large areas, such as the back or legs, may take up to an hour.

Laser treatment can be applied in any body part, but some experts believe that it is best not applied in the eyebrows to avoid damage and hurt to the eyes. Light skin with dark hair is the most suitable for laser treatment, but laser treatments are more advanced now that even people who have dark skin can choose this option. The specialist can choose the type of laser light that will be most suitable to your skin color and type.

Waxing vs. laser hair removal

Laser Hair Removal Preparation

Before laser hair removal, a client can shave, do not pluck, wax, or use electrolysis for at least six weeks. The method removes the hair root temporarily, and laser attacks precisely this part of the hair. If there are no follicles, the procedure is not effective.

Stay away from the sun for at least six weeks before laser treatment since sun exposure since makes the deeper layers of skin much more vulnerable to damage. Right before the procedure, the hair will be trimmed a little and the laser equipment will be set according to the color, thickness, and location of the hair and the skin color. Cold gel may be applied on the skin that will be treated; this is to protect the outmost layer of skin and help the laser penetrate the deeper layers of skin.

Effectiveness of Laser Hair Removal

The frequency and density of hair growth will then decrease progressively until the hair follicle is dead. Treatments should usually be scheduled every six weeks until hair is eliminated. The absence of hair will be noticeable since the first session of laser treatment and over the first month.

Side Effects of Laser Hair Removal

The most noticeable effect after laser hair removal is feeling your skin as if it were sunburned. To relieve the sensation, it is a good idea to use cold compresses or cold gels. If there are blisters, swelling, scarring or color changes, consult a doctor.

Waxing Process

Waxing pulls the hair out at the root. The wax is applied then torn off in the opposite direction of the hair growth. Before getting waxed you should let your hair grow about half an inch so the wax can grab onto the hair so it can pull out the root. After just one waxing, the follicle must produce a baby hair. According to Williams, it’s recommended for the hair to be at least half an inch long prior to the waxing session.

Waxing consists of applying wax onto the area we want to rid of hair and then ripping it off in the opposite direction of hair growth. In waxing, the hair is pulled put at the root. After the treatment lotion will be applied to treated area to soothe and clean the skin. Depending on the waxed area and the client’s sensitivity threshold, anti-inflammatory or antibiotic creams might also be applied. The procedure can go from fifteen minutes to half an hour depending on the size of the area you are waxing.

laser hair removal vs waxing

Waxing Preparation

It’s a good idea to let hair grow about an inch before a waxing session. The esthetician will prep the area with a pre-depilatory lotion, which disinfects and cleans the area, allowing wax to stick more easily to the hairs. Some people take painkillers to diminish discomfort in the session; some others may apply a numbing lotion. To minimize possible damage to the skin stay away from the sun.

Effectiveness Waxing

Waxing provides smooth skin immediately and for three to four weeks, depending on individual hair growth rate. Multiple areas of the body area can be waxed. Any skin type can benefit from waxing.

Side Effects Waxing

The skin will get red for a while after the procedure as a normal reaction to follicle removal. It is advisable to use cold compresses to relief redness or an antibiotic cream, which would help avoid infection.

Bikini Wax vs Laser Treatment:

Pros and Cons about Pubic Hair Removal in the Summer We all know the bikini area is very sensitive, therefore, it’s good to look at options – temporary or permanent. Bikini waxing is a temporary fix that reduces the appearance of hair, but it does not actually prevent the hair from growing back in your bikini line the way laser hair removal does. Laser is the only procedure that can target the hair at the deep follicle and slow its growth which can also give permanent results with frequent sessions. Waxing may be a little painful for some patients with sensitive skin, but the truth is that this procedure isn’t going to leave you to feel super uncomfortable. Your skin may feel sensitive after waxing.

Laser hair removal is minimally invasive and can provide you with extremely long-term results without it being so invasive or painful. If your pain tolerance is low this may be an option to consider. Bikini waxing is affordable, however since it is a temporary fix you will be committing to this as long as you want hair removal. Laser hair removal is more expensive however, it is a more permanent option because it kills the follicle, resulting in less hair and finer hair and after initial sessions only requires periodic maintenance.

Brazilian wax vs laser hair removal

Brazilian Wax vs. Laser Hair Removal

When considering laser hair removal for the bikini area versus a Brazilian wax, the Brazilian wax is a temporary solution that reduces hair but doesn’t prevent regrowth. Laser hair removal for the bikini area offers longer-lasting results for women by permanently eliminating hair. Brazilian wax treatment may bring about allergic reactions, in-gown hairs, burns, while laser hair removal bikini does not have the same risk of skin irritation and in-grown hairs. Laser hair removal bikini has the potential risk of discoloration and burn if the procedure is not handled by professionals. Also, Brazilian wax procedure has a higher risk of getting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) because of cuts, unlike bikini laser hair removal. Lastly, another consideration while comparing laser hair removal bikini vs. Brazilian wax is the pain that will be endured during each procedure. Laser hair removal bikini procedures are carried out between 6 – 8 sessions while Brazilian waxing is done in one session. Due to this, no pain is usually experienced during laser hair removal bikini while pain and bleeding can be experienced during Brazilian wax treatment procedure.

Bikini Wax vs Laser: Possible Danger for Skin Infections

All hair removal methods; shaving, waxing or laser come with risks. There is risk with public hair grooming and getting STI (sexually transmitted disease) because of cuts. There are rare such as scarring blistering or crusting of the skin. Lesser risks include skin irritation. For example, waxing can lead to allergic reactions, burns, and even ingrown hairs. Meanwhile, laser does not carry the same risk of skin irritation and ingrown hairs.

Find the Right Provider

Whatever option you choose make sure you are consulting with a medical licensed professional who is experience with laser hair removal. Ask some important questions:

  • Ask whether the facility is owned by a medical doctor and whether he or she is immediately available during procedures.
  • Ask who will actually is performing the procedure. What licensing and training does the operator have? How many times has the operator performed laser hair removal? Has he or she done it on the part of the body that you want treated?
  • Ask whether laser treatment is appropriate for your skin type and skin tones (for example darker skin tones), hair color, complexion and body area.
  • Make sure you share any medical conditions like diabetes as the skin will heal slowly