Can’t decide whether you should swap your hot wax for laser hair removal? Or maybe you’re still shaving every second day out of convenience to remove unwanted hair fast. We get it… the more conventional methods of hair removal like waxing and shaving offer the temptation of silky-smooth skin quickly. But which treatment stacks up when it comes to overall effectiveness, longevity and affordability? We weigh the pros and cons to find out.
Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal essentially works by transmitting a concentrated beam of laser light energy directly into the pigment (or blood supply with darker skin types) of the follicle. The laser destroys the follicle and achieves a permanent reduction in hair regrowth. The hair will gradually fall out in the weeks following treatment.
Pros: Laser hair removal is great for permanent hair reduction. Treatments cause no damage to the dermis and are therefore much more gentle on the skin compared to waxing or epilating. Most clients only need a minimum of 6-12 monthly sessions before they can revert to maintenance treatments, meaning the lifetime treatment cost is low.
PLAY THE GAME: Is laser cheaper than waxing?
Cons: Laser hair removal cannot treat red, blonde, white or grey hair due to the lack of pigment. The sensation of laser has been described as a rubber band snapping against the skin, however, at Australian Skin Clinics our laser technicians are trained to adjust the treatment settings to ensure any discomfort is minimal.
Waxing
Waxing is considered a depilatory method of hair removal, as the hair is physically ripped from the roots using a strip of hot wax. Hot wax is applied directly to the skin and allowed to cool before being pulled off in the opposite direction to the hair growth. After the wax is removed, the hairs are stuck to the wax and the treatment area is left feeling silky smooth (and also a little sensitive!)
Pros: Instantly removes hair from the root and leaves the skin feeling smooth. Hair growth typically returns within 2-3 weeks.
Cons: Waxing is notorious for being painful (hot wax and hair, yikes!). Unlike laser hair removal, the treatment requires around a quarter inch of hair growth for removal, so you’ll have to grow your hair out in between sessions. Waxing often results in ingrown hairs due to the regrowth.
PLAY THE GAME: What is the lifetime cost of waxing?
Shaving
Shaving – it’s a staple grooming process for both men and women alike. Whether it’s your legs, underarms, chest or beard – almost everyone has experience with this method of hair removal somewhere on their body! So, seeing you’ve probably got a pretty good handle on how shaving works and we’ll jump straight into the pros and cons…
Pros: Shaving is renowned for its convenience. Just jump in the shower and start shaving… It’s also painless (unless you nick yourself, ouch!).
RELATED: Why laser for men is better than shaving
Cons: Regrowth occurs within 1-2 days post shaving, and it’s spikey! Due to the hair being cut off just below the surface, shaving can also give the appearance of a dark shadow underneath the skin. Disposable razors also get a bad rap for their negative impact on the environment, with the American EPA estimating almost 2 billion razors end up in landfill each year.
So, if you’re tired of the traditional methods of waxing, shaving or epilating and want a more effective and affordable solution, laser hair removal or IPL might be right for you. Find your local Australian Skin Clinics location and get started on your journey to year-round, silky-smooth skin.
