Waxing vs. Laser Hair Removal: Which Hair Removal Method Is Better?

To achieve smooth, hairless skin, several hair removal methods are at your disposal. Each has its advantages and downsides.

In this article, we discuss two of the most popular hair removal methods: laser and waxing.

Let’s see how these treatments work, how they differ, and which is a more viable option for your skin and hair type.

Waxing vs. Laser Hair Removal: Overview

The following table shows the main differences between laser and waxing.

Laser vs. Waxing: Definition

Laser hair removal is an innovative cosmetic treatment where a laser destroys hair follicles and prevents hair growth. For long-lasting results, patients need to undergo several treatments.

Waxing is a hair removal method where the cosmetic practitioner removes hairs in the target area using wax. The hairs typically grow back after three to six weeks, but long-term use may diminish or eliminate patches of hair in certain areas.

Waxing vs. Laser Hair Removal: Procedure

Find out what to expect when you come to a waxing or laser hair removal appointment.

What Happens During a Laser Hair Removal Appointment?

Laser hair removal treatments consist of the following steps:

1. The medical provider gives you protective goggles and applies a numbing cream to the treated area.
2. The medical provider then points a laser device at the target area.
3. The device sends light to the hair follicles, targeting the pigment melanin. The pigment absorbs the light, which turns into heat. The heat burns and damages the hair follicle, inhibiting hair growth.

A single laser hair removal appointment can take anywhere between a few minutes to an hour.

What Happens During a Waxing Appointment?

The products used for waxing hair removal are a sticky substance called wax, a wax applicator or spatula, and fabric strips. The main ingredients of the wax are beeswax and resin.

Waxing consists of the following steps:

1. The cosmetic practitioner warms the wax.
2. The cosmetic practitioner applies the wax on the target area with a wax applicator or spatula in the direction of hair growth, and then presses a fabric strip over the wax.
3. After waiting for several seconds for the wax to cool and grip onto the hair, the esthetician pulls the fabric strip in the opposite direction of hair growth, pulling hairs from the root. In some cases, cosmetic practitioners don’t use fabric strips but pull the hardened wax.

A waxing appointment lasts anywhere between 5 and 30 minutes, depending on the target area.

The waxing procedure doesn’t damage the hair follicle. It only pulls hair with the root.

Waxing vs. Laser Hair Removal: Treatment Areas

Laser hair removal and waxing can both be done on most body parts. Common waxing and laser hair removal areas are:

• Face (upper lip, chin)
• Legs
• Bikini line
• Chest
• Shoulders
• Back
• Armpits and arms

Note: Estheticians avoid treating the area around the eyes to avoid the risk of eye damage. However, with the necessary precautions, it is possible to use lasers to remove eyebrow hairs. Learn how laser hair removal for eyebrows works.

Which is More Painful, Laser or Waxing?

Laser hair removal isn’t painful because the medical provider applies a numbing cream prior to treating the area with a laser. However, the patient may feel a slight tingling or pricking sensation, particularly in areas with denser and thicker hair.

When it comes to waxing, patients report different pain levels. People with a lower pain threshold may experience the treatment as painful, especially in areas with sensitive skin or dense and thick hair. Fortunately, the pulling action is quick, and the pain lasts only a few seconds.

Waxing vs. Laser: Side Effects

Learn about the risks and side effects of each treatment.

Potential Side Effects of Laser Hair Removal

Common side effects of laser hair removal are redness, swelling, and slight discomfort. They occur during the first few hours post-treatment and subside quickly.

Patients rarely experience severe side effects, but if they do, it's in the form of skin discoloration, blistering, scarring, or excessive hair growth.

Potential Side Effects of Waxing

Common side effects of waxing are the same as for laser hair removal. However, frequent waxing can cause the hair to grow crooked due to the pulling motion, resulting in ingrown hairs, which cause a whole new set of issues.

Laser Hair Removal vs. Waxing: Results

Learn more about the results you can expect from each treatment.

Laser Hair Removal: Results

The goal of laser hair removal is to ensure long-lasting or permanent hair removal. A series of treatments spaced four to eight weeks apart is necessary to reach that goal because hairs in different hair follicles are in different growth stages. One laser treatment may damage hair follicles from which hairs are growing, but won’t have an effect on follicles in the resting phase. 

The number of necessary treatments depends on the patient’s skin and hair types.

After each treatment, the hairs gradually shed from the follicles. After a series of six to eight treatments, the patient may need annual or bi-annual maintenance treatments for a few years. Patient experiences show that after a few years of maintenance treatments, hair growth is either sporadic or permanently inhibited.

Waxing: Results

The results of hair waxing are temporary. The hairs usually grow back after three to six weeks, depending on the patient. After long-term use, hairs may thin out or stop growing in certain areas. With long-term use, there is a risk of developing ingrown hairs.

Laser and Waxing Aftercare Tips

Follow these aftercare tips to maximize the effects of both treatments and minimize the chances of side effects.

Laser Hair Removal Aftercare

• Avoid exposure to heat.
• Avoid activities that cause sweating.
• Avoid chemical peels.
• Apply ice to the treatment area, if necessary.

Waxing Aftercare

• Avoid exposure to heat.
• Avoid exercise and activities that cause sweating.
• Wear loose-fitting clothes.
• Don’t apply pressure to the treated area.
• Wash hands before touching the treated area.
• Exfoliate the treated area to prevent ingrown hairs.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Waxing and Laser Hair Removal?

The best candidates for laser hair removal are people with dark body hair and light skin. This is because the contrast between the skin and hair color is strong enough for the laser to target only the melanin in the hair and not damage the skin.

More technologically advanced laser devices that treat a wider range of skin and hair color combinations are now used in many med spas.

Note: Read our article and find out more about laser hair removal for blonde hair.

Almost anyone is eligible for waxing. It's important that your hairs are at least a quarter of an inch long to ensure the procedure’s effectiveness. However, if you have sensitive skin, you may experience more severe side effects.

What Costs More, Waxing or Laser Hair Removal?

The cost of laser hair removal depends on the size of the treatment area. It ranges from $150 to $400+ per treatment. The pricing of laser hair removal at Vibrant Skin Bar is as follows:

• Laser hair removal for a large area - $350
• Laser hair removal for a medium area - $250
• Laser hair removal for a small area - $150

Depending on the size of the treated area and the location of the salon, the price of waxing ranges between $15 and $100. One waxing treatment is less expensive than a laser hair removal treatment, but the cost of waxing during the patient’s lifetime exceeds the total cost of laser treatments by far.

Things to Know Before Getting a Wax or Laser Hair Removal

It is important to consult your chosen medical provider to learn more about the benefits and potential risks of either treatment. They will examine your medical history, determine whether you are a good candidate, and advise you on how to prepare.

Here is what you should know before getting laser hair removal:

• You may need to stop taking certain blood-thinning medications.
• The laser treatment may damage your skin if you have tattoos in the target area.
• Avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, and self-tanners for at least 2 weeks prior to the treatment.
• Don’t wax the treatment area for one month before laser hair removal. Shave the hairs in that area a day or two before the procedure.
• Laser hair removal for dark skin must be carried out by an experienced professional and with the right type of laser. The wrong type of laser could target the pigment melanin in your skin and cause skin damage.

Note: Learn how to prepare for laser hair removal to ensure optimal results and minimize side effects.

Laser Vs. Waxing: Which One Should You Choose?

It’s best to consult your medical provider to determine which hair removal method is better for your skin type, hair color, pain threshold, desired results, and budget.

They may recommend laser hair removal if you want to avoid frequent visits to the salon. If you have light hairs, waxing may be more effective.

Conclusion

Laser and waxing are among the most popular hair removal methods today. The only thing they have in common is their final goal—hair removal. In fact, these two procedures are quite different in the method, pain level they cause, cost, and longevity of results.

We recommend you carefully research both treatments to determine which hair removal method is right for your needs.