Laser Hair Removal vs. Waxing

By Mary Basiadima, 1 March 2020

Laser hair removal v waxing, what’s better?

Waxing or Laser?

That’s the question.

Having warm wax poured onto your bikini area then counting down from 3 to 1 as the wax strip is ripped off your skin while you scream the first swear word that pops into your mind is not everyone’s idea of fun.

Laser on the other hand is also painful (just not as much!) and a lot more expensive (true in the short term).

So which one should you choose?

Before we decide. Lets look at both options. Starting with waxing.

What is waxing?

The wax used a is mixture of beeswax, glycerin, glucose and corn coagulable protein. (not the wax from a Jo Malone or White Company candle!.) Using the thickness of the beeswax it pulls out the excess hair and root.

It is a physical hair root pulling method and rather painful if you have experienced it!.

There are two main types of wax:

For both the above methods, the consistency of the wax and technique of therapist are super important.

The type of wax, thickness of application, hair direction, hair root strength, technique all need to be really good to get the best results.

So waxing is relatively simple, but the pain caused by the tearing process is not for everyone, many people find the experience to be too painful!.

Results of waxing last for about 2- 4 weeks before you have to go trough the whole experience again!.

Is Laser Hair Removal better then waxing?

Laser hair removal is the best method for getting rid of unwanted hair due to the precision and care the laser uses on your skin.

Laser treatment catches the hair in the active growth stage, which means the follicles are permanently destroyed and should not produce any more hair.

Result!.

Like with waxing a small patch of skin is tested first to see how you react to the laser. A patch test is performed at your consultation to make sure your skin is able to tolerate the laser well.

After your skin has passed the patch test test! You will be ready to begin your course of treatments after 24 hours, to make sure there are no bad reactions to the laser.

People who choose laser hair removal over waxing say it is because :

Laser hair removal for permanent hair removal, unlike waxing

If you want permanent hair removal or reduction of up to 90% laser hair removal is recommended. It saves time, money, effort and is less painful in the long run.

Here is how the technology works

Laser works by generating heat that penetrates the hair root destroying the hair matrix and hair follicle stem cells which leads to permanent hair removal or permanent hair reduction.

The laser beam is actually sequences of controlled energy pulses that are absorbed by the hair’s pigment as it reaches into hair follicles just under the skin’s surface.

The pulses of energy destroy the hair right down to the root safely, without damaging any surrounding skin or tissue in the process.

After 6-8 sessions, skin will appear even and smooth, with any remaining hair visibly reduced.

Laser technology v waxing

Laser hair removal technology has been around for over 20 years so is established and proven.

Candela created the very first laser hair removal machine in the world and they and are used in high end clinics and hospital worldwide

One of the best laser hair removal machines on the market is the Candela Gentle Max Pro. It is approved by the US FDA and uses Alexandrite and Nd: YAG dual- wavelength.

Laser hair removal v waxing appointments

Laser hair removal follows the hair growth cycle, so it is important that you follow and stick you your appointments.