The Cosmetic Clinic Unsure about swapping your hot wax for laser hair removal? Or maybe you’re so used to shaving every other day that you just haven’t thought about the alternatives?
We get it… waxing and shaving for hair removal offer the temptation of silky-smooth skin quickly. But of these hair removal methods, which treatment is best in overall effectiveness, longevity, and affordability? Well luckily, we weighed the pros and cons, so you’re about to find out!
Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal consists of transmitting a concentrated beam of laser light energy directly to the pigment (or blood supply with darker skin types) of the follicle. The laser then destroys the follicle which achieves a permanent reduction in hair regrowth. After the treatment, hair will gradually fall out in the following weeks.
Pros: Laser hair removal is great for permanent hair reduction. Treatments cause no damage to the dermis and are much gentler on the skin compared to other hair removal methods such as waxing or epilating. Many clients will only need a minimum of 6-12 monthly sessions before they moving to maintenance treatments, meaning the lifetime treatment cost is low.
Cons: Laser hair removal cannot treat red, blonde, white, or grey hair due to the lack of pigment. When receiving treatment, the sensation of laser has been described like a rubber band snapping against the skin, however, our expert technicians at The Cosmetic Clinic are trained to adjust the treatment settings to ensure any discomfort is minimal.
Waxing
Waxing is considered a depilatory method of hair removal, with the hair physically ripped from the roots using a strip of hot wax. Hot wax is applied directly to the skin and allowed to cool before being pulled off in the opposite direction to the hair growth.
Pros: Removes hair from the root instantly, leaving the skin feeling nice and smooth. Hair growth typically occurs within 2-3 weeks.
Cons: Waxing is notorious for being painful (hot wax and hair, yikes!). Unlike laser hair removal, waxing often requires around a quarter inch of hair growth for removal so you’ll have to grow your hair out in between sessions. This method also often results in ingrown hairs due to the regrowth.
Calculate the true cost of waxing here!
Shaving
Shaving has been a staple grooming process for men and women alike. Whether it’s legs, underarms, or beard – almost everyone has experience with this method of hair removal somewhere on their body!
Pros: Shaving is well-known for its convenience. Just jump into the shower and start shaving. It’s quick, easy, and painless (unless you nick yourself, ouch!).
Cons: Regrowth can occur quite quickly, often within 1-2 days post shaving. Due to the hair being cut off just below the surface, shaving can also give the appearance of a dark shadow underneath the skin. Disposable razors also have a bad rep for their negative impact on the environment, with the American EPA estimating almost 2 billion razors end up in landfill each year!
So, if you’re tired of the traditional methods of hair removal and want a more effective and affordable solution, laser hair removal might be right for you!