A Face to Face Comparison: Laser Hair Removal vs Waxing
Let’s face it – removing unwanted hair is not a subject we want to think about too much. Most of us want to find the quickest and easiest way to get rid of hair without breaking the bank.
This face-to-face comparison – laser hair removal vs waxing – is here to help you do just that by comparing the price, longevity, and results of these two popular professional hair removal options.
While both have advantages and disadvantages, this article is here to help you choose which treatment suits you the best.
What Happens During Laser Hair Removal?
During laser hair removal, radiofrequency waves target the melanin in your hair follicle. The laser creates heat inside the hair follicle, which damages the root and causes the hair to fall out.
Laser hair removal treatments are noninvasive. You feel the heat from the applicator as your provider passes it over the treatment area and may experience slight discomfort. Most patients describe it as a sensation similar to having rubber bands snapped on the skin’s surface.
Afterward, you might see redness, swelling, or irritation that will fade in the days after your appointment. Patients compare it to mild sunburn.
It may take a few days for the treated hair to fall out, during which time you should take extra care of your skin and try not to itch, scratch, or irritate the skin while it heals.
Stadia Med Spa recommends several laser hair removal treatments for optimal and long-lasting results. Your results improve with repetition as the laser damages more hair follicles and prevents future hair from growing in its place.
What Happens During Waxing?
Waxing is a form of epilation where the hair is pulled from the root. You can wax at home or go to a professional.
If you get waxing done with a professional, they will use soft or hard wax. Soft wax is spread over the skin and removed with cloth or paper strips. Hard wax is allowed to dry and removed without strips; it’s often used on more sensitive areas of the body, like the bikini line and face.
Sugar wax, also known as sugaring, is increasingly popular in professional and at-home settings. The “wax” is made from sugar, water, and lemon juice. This natural formula may be preferable for people with sensitive skin.
Sugar wax is applied to the skin and quickly removed before the sugar has a chance to melt. The hair is pulled out from the root, just like with traditional soft or hard wax.
All forms of waxing are gentle enough to be used on any area of the body, including your face and bikini line. Waxing also has another important benefit – when applied correctly, it can create extremely precise lines to shape eyebrows or a clean bikini line.
Laser Hair Removal vs Waxing
The ongoing discussion about which is better – laser hair removal vs waxing – all comes down to personal preference. All we can do is give you the facts and let you choose for yourself which is best suited to your goals and lifestyle.
Price
Waxing is initially more cost-effective than laser hair removal. The wax and tools are relatively low cost and typically last for several uses.
- A professional waxing treatment maxes out at around $150 for a full-body wax.
Laser hair removal is more expensive.
- Depending on which areas you decide to treat, laser hair removal can cost between $100 to $800 per session.
But unlike waxing, laser hair removal has the potential to be permanent.
Waxing reduces hair regrowth over time, but not to the extent that laser hair removal does. Over time, laser hair removal pays for itself as you see a dramatic reduction in hair growth and thickness.
When it comes to cost, the choice between waxing and laser hair removal may depend on individual budget considerations and the desired duration of hair removal results.
Longevity
Which brings us to longevity. Waxing lasts longer than shaving, and the exact longevity of your results will depend on a few factors, including individual hair growth rates and the area being waxed.
- The hair on your face tends to grow back faster (3 to 4 weeks), and legs or underarms a bit slower (4 to 6 weeks).
- One important consideration for waxing is that you must wait for hair to reach a ¼ inch before you wax again. However, when you wax regularly, it can lead to thinner and finer hair regrowth over time.
- Laser hair removal results last longer than shaving and waxing. In fact, for some people, laser hair removal can be permanent as the laser permanently damages the hair follicle and prevents hair from growing back. Almost everyone experiences thinner and finer hair regrowth.
Stadia Med Spa recommends between 6 to 8 treatments spaced out over a couple of months to get optimal results. After these initial appointments, you may need a couple of maintenance appointments. However, some people see permanent hair reduction without any maintenance.
Results
Waxing quickly pulls the hair out from the root, which leaves you with longer-lasting results than shaving and smoother skin. The treatment is temporary and requires regular maintenance every 3 to 6 weeks.
Laser hair removal offers longer-lasting effects and can result in finer and lighter hair growth over time. Waxing is more suitable for various areas of the body, while laser hair removal is effective for specific hair and skin types.
Book Your Treatment Today!
Ultimately, the choice between waxing and laser hair removal depends on individual preferences, budgets, and goals.
Wherever you stand on the laser hair removal vs waxing debate, Stadia Med Spa wants to help you achieve a beautiful, confident you. Our experienced laser hair removal technicians will gladly help you break down your expected results and create an individualized treatment plan to help you meet your individual goals.
Contact Stadia Med Spa to schedule your laser hair removal treatment today! Or start with a free consultation if you want more information.
Call 210-881-6270 today!
