By Dr. Anna H. Chacon, MD, FAAD
Your skin is home to millions of follicles that produce hair on your head and body. While you don’t have a say in where your hair naturally grows, you do have control over where it remains, thanks to modern hair removal methods.
Laser hair removal and waxing are two popular hair removal methods, and there’s a good reason for that: both offer distinctive benefits and can help manage hair growth.
Understanding the differences between laser hair removal vs waxing can help you weigh your options and choose the method that’s best for you. Read on to explore the most significant points of comparison between waxing vs laser hair removal.
1. Procedure
Comparing the procedures for laser hair removal v. waxing is a great starting point, as many of the other differences between these two hair removal methods are due to how each one works.
Laser hair removal involves targeting existing hair within the follicles using a high-powered laser, which causes the hair to fall out and prevents the follicle from producing more hair.
Rather than acting on the follicles, waxing targets hair at the root. A technician applies a layer of warm wax to the treatment area, and then quickly pulls it off in the opposite direction of the hair growth. The wax comes off clean, and with it, any hair growing in the area.
2. Who it’s right for
While waxing is generally suitable for most people, regardless of their hair color and skin type, not everyone is a good candidate for laser hair removal.
For laser treatment to be effective, the technician must hone in on the hair follicles, which is easiest when there is contrast between the skin and hair. Similarly, thick or coarse hairs are easier to see than fine ones, regardless of contrast. People with pale skin and dark hair — and those with thick, easy-to-spot hairs — are most likely to get the best results from laser treatments.
Even if you’re an otherwise good candidate for laser hair removal, you probably won’t be able to get laser treatments in areas where you have tattoos.
3. Lifespan of results
One of the most significant differences between waxing and laser hair removal is how long the results last.
Since waxing doesn’t target the hair follicles, hair begins to regrow between sessions. Depending on the growth rate, your skin will generally feel smooth for 3 to 4 weeks. A distinctive downside to waxing is that you must wait until new growth is at least a quarter-inch long before you can wax again.
The results of laser hair removal are more permanent since it acts on the hair follicles. Following the initial treatment period, you may not experience any regrowth. Others may need quarterly, semiannual or annual touch-ups to keep their skin smooth.
4. Speed
Waxing may not be as permanent as laser hair removal, but the results are instantaneous — you’ll leave your session with smooth, hairless skin.
Achieving the desired results from laser hair removal takes considerably longer — but the results are more permanent. Initial laser hair removal treatment usually requires multiple sessions spaced about a month apart.
5. Time and convenience
Waxing and laser hair removal sessions take around the same amount of time. In general, the larger the treatment area, the longer the appointment. However, EWC aims to service guests in approximately 15-30 minutes.
Initially, waxing and laser hair removal are equally convenient — you’ll need to return every few weeks for repeat treatments. But once the laser treatment sessions are complete, you’re likely good for at least three months to a year or longer, whereas you’ll have to continue your waxing sessions indefinitely.
6. Discomfort
Both waxing and laser hair removal can cause some discomfort, but the severity and frequency of pain vary. It depends on your individual tolerance for discomfort. The good news is that our licensed Wax Specialists will make sure you're as comfortable as possible. EWC’s unique Comfort Wax® is formulated to cling to hair—not skin—for a more comfortable waxing experience.
Most people describe the discomfort of waxing as mild to moderate, and the pain tends to be worse in sensitive areas like the bikini line. Some people describe the sensation of laser treatment as similar to a rubber band snapping against the skin.
Laser hair removal is typically most uncomfortable during the initial session. Since the number of remaining untreated follicles decreases with each treatment, sessions get less painful over time.
7. Potential side effects
Side effects are another thing that separates laser hair removal from waxing.
The most common side effect of laser hair removal is the warmness of the skin that feels similar to a sunburn. Usually, this sensation subsides within a few hours.
Waxing can cause temporary redness and minor swelling. Sometimes, skin in the treated area may bleed, and rashes may occur in people with skin allergies. As hair regrows after waxing, some people develop ingrown hairs — a condition unlikely to occur with laser treatments.
8. Cost
When comparing the cost of laser hair removal vs. waxing, consider the initial investment and maintenance costs.
A single waxing session costs far less than a laser hair removal session, but you’ll need to continue spending that amount several times yearly to maintain results. Laser hair removal costs more initially but drops off dramatically once the initial treatment period is complete.
