Wax or laser hair removal — which is more effective?

The rapid pace of life and beauty standards make people abandon shaving and look for more long-term hair removal methods. The obvious answer to this demand is methods that damage the hair roots, allowing for a lasting effect. The most popular solutions are laser hair removal and waxing. That’s why many wonder: which is better – waxing or laser hair removal? In today’s article, we will try to answer this question in detail and with sound reasoning.

How long do the effects of laser hair removal and waxing last?

The effect of waxing lasts from 3 to 5 weeks. This method allows you to achieve smooth skin for a longer period compared to shaving or using hair removal creams. With regular waxing, you may also notice a reduction in the amount of hair.

The effect of laser hair removal can last from several months to several years, depending on the skin type and other individual characteristics of the body. After completing the initial series of procedures, hair grows back slowly and only partially, so to maintain the result permanently, it’s enough to have maintenance sessions just once every 6-12 months.

When choosing between laser or waxing, most clients consider the duration of the results of both methods.

What is the essence of the laser hair removal method?

The technology behind laser hair removal involves using a targeted beam of light to destroy hair follicles. The essence of the method is as follows:

1. The laser beam is directed at the skin, where it is absorbed by melanin (the pigment) in the hair. Melanin is mainly found in the hair shaft and follicle.
2. The absorbed light energy is converted into heat, which heats and destroys the follicles, stopping hair growth.
3. At any given moment, hairs on the body are in different phases. The laser is most effective in the active growth phase, called the anagen phase. These phases explain the intervals between sessions, as follicles need to be targeted as they enter the anagen phase. These intervals usually last 4-6 weeks.

To achieve long-term results, several sessions are needed to target all the hairs in the growth phase.

To understand which is better — laser hair removal or waxing, both methods must be carefully considered.

Waxing

Waxing is a popular procedure performed both in salons and at home. This method of depilation involves pulling the hair out with the root using warm or cold wax. It can be used to remove hair from various areas of the body, including legs, arms, armpits, stomach, face, and bikini area.

Waxing is done as follows:

1. First, the skin is cleansed. Sometimes, special talcum powder is applied to help the wax adhere better to the hair and not stick to the skin.
2. Next, the wax is applied. Initially, it is heated to a comfortable temperature and applied to the skin in the direction of hair growth using a spatula.
3. A fabric or paper strip is placed over the wax, pressed down, and then removed with a quick motion against the direction of hair growth.
4. After the hair is removed, the specialist applies a soothing product to the skin to reduce redness and irritation.

What are the advantages of waxing compared to laser hair removal?

1. Hair is removed with the root, so the skin remains smooth for several weeks. Usually, a new session is required every 3-5 weeks.
2. After waxing, the skin becomes soft and smooth, as dead skin cells are removed along with the hair.
3. Wax can be used at home, although this requires some skill and may be inconvenient or impossible for certain areas.

When comparing waxing or laser hair removal, consider the drawbacks of waxing:

1. The procedure is quite painful, especially in sensitive areas.
2. This method is not suitable for certain areas, including eyebrows, ears, or nose.
3. Ingrown hairs are common after waxing.
4. Due to damage to the upper layer of the skin and frequent non-compliance with hygiene standards (especially at home), there is a relatively high risk of infections.

Additionally, for waxing to be effective, hair must be of a certain length (usually 3-5 mm). This means that you will need to grow out your hair between procedures.

Laser Hair Removal

Before choosing between waxing or laser hair removal, it’s important to learn more about laser hair removal.

Laser hair removal is a popular method for hair removal. It’s safe and completely painless when using modern equipment. The procedure itself goes as follows:

1. The specialist prepares the skin, including cleansing it and applying a special conductive gel.
2. Then, the specialist sets the laser’s power and other settings according to your skin type, hair color, and individual characteristics.
3. The specialist treats the chosen area with the laser.
4. After the procedure, the specialist applies panthenol or another soothing product to the skin and schedules the next session.

To completely remove hair from any area, such as during laser hair removal of the back, about 6-8 sessions are required.

So, which to choose: waxing or laser? Let’s look at the benefits of laser hair removal:

1. With laser hair removal, hair stops growing after the initial course of procedures.
2. The laser precisely targets hair without damaging the skin.
3. Laser can be used on any body area: from the bikini zone to laser hair removal of the head for men.
4. The procedure is completely painless when using modern equipment, such as the Motus AX laser with the Moveo technology attachment.
5. With modern technologies, there is no need to grow out hair before the procedure – in fact, it is recommended to shave it.

When considering whether laser or waxing is better, let’s also look at the disadvantages of laser:

• Several sessions are required for complete hair removal.
• Laser treatment is ineffective on gray hair, as it lacks melanin pigment.

It is important to remember that, like any cosmetic procedure, laser hair removal has a number of contraindications.

What is cheaper — waxing or laser hair removal?

When choosing between waxing or laser hair removal, cost is an important factor for many clients. The price of a laser hair removal session is higher compared to waxing, but before jumping to conclusions, it’s important to consider that:

1. It takes about 8 sessions for complete hair removal with a laser, while waxing needs to be done regularly.
2. Laser hair removal requires specialized equipment, which is not cheap.
3. Laser hair removal can only be performed by a qualified specialist.

Therefore, if you look at the financial benefits over many years, the answer to the question “laser hair removal or waxing” is clear: laser is the more cost-effective option. Especially considering the time saved and the lower frequency of procedures.

Which is safer: waxing or laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal may cause mild irritation, but it is absolutely safe if the procedure is performed by a qualified professional. After a waxing session, itching, irritation, and even skin infection may occur.

So, which to choose: laser or waxing? Today, we have thoroughly explained both methods, but the choice is yours. If you’re interested in laser hair removal, check out LaserVille’s services — we offer a completely painless procedure using Moveo technology, which is effective not only on dark hair but also on light and red hair. Plus, it can be performed on all skin phototypes!