Laser Hair Removal vs. Waxing

With the summer months well underway, it is understandable that many are including hair removal in their regular beauty routine and upkeep. Not every method of hair removal is created equal and some are better suited for certain body parts than others.

Hair removal preferences are highly dependent on the texture of your hair and your pain tolerance, which will lead you to prefer certain options over others. Other considerations, such as time commitment and cost, will also play a role in which hair removal option would work best for you. If you’re debating between choosing laser hair removal or waxing, here’s a breakdown of the main differences between the two so you can better understand which may work better for you.

Waxing

Waxing removes unwanted body hair by applying hot wax to the desired area, where hair is pulled out from the root in the opposite direction of hair growth. It works best for areas of the body with dark, coarse hair that tends to be stubborn, such as the legs, underarms, and bikini area. Waxing will leave the skin smooth for an average of 2 to 3 weeks, which will vary depending on the thickness and type of hair you have.

For waxing to be effective, there needs to be at least a quarter inch of hair to adhere to, which means that it requires hair re-growth to be effective. A major downside to waxing is the pain associated with it, as the hair is being ripped out from the root. Many women consider it almost unbearable, and the waxing procedure can also lead to burns, skin tears, and ingrown hair.

While waxing does cost less per session, it will cost you more on a long term basis when compared to a long-term hair removal option such as laser hair removal.

Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is an effective hair removal option in many areas of the body and works by directing intense heat into the hair follicle, which prevents hair growth from occuring in the future. It’s suitable even for sensitive skin, as it does not damage the dermis. Normally, the hair in the treated area will fall out within 2 to 3 weeks after the procedure. Re-growth is expected to occur, especially within the first few sessions, but will be fine, thin, and lighter in colour.

Laser hair removal will leave the treated area smooth for an extended period of time, although an average of 6 sessions is typically recommended for permanent results depending on the area being treated. Most times, several sessions are needed to target the hair follicles in the different stages of the growth cycle.

The downside of laser hair removal is that it is selective in who it works best for. The best candidates are those with light skin and dark hair because the laser works by targeting the melanin in the hair. The laser needs to be able to differentiate the dark hair from the skin by locking in on the dark pigment of the hair follicle in order to effectively treat and remove it. During your consultation at McLean Clinic, we will work with you to help determine if laser hair removal is right for you.

While laser hair removal sessions seem expensive and time consuming due to the series of treatments needed, many people consider it a great investment in the long term.