If you are in search of achieving silky smooth hairless skin, you might find it challenging to identify the best hair removal option that is suitable for your skin type. Two popular hair removal options are in trend in the beauty world, which are laser hair removal and waxing. These two hair removal options are not only suitable for removing body hair but also for getting rid of facial hair. Each hair removal method offers distinct benefits, and learning about their nuanced differences will help make a well-informed decision[1]. This write-up delves further to help you understand the significant differences between waxing and laser hair removal to select the right one that is most suitable for you.
How Waxing Works vs How Laser Hair Removal Works?
Laser Hair Removal
The laser hair removal method relies on laser technology to damage the hair follicles and eliminate them. It harnesses laser light energy to remove hair follicles after damaging them with controlled heat to reduce hair growth significantly with time[2]. This hair removal procedure is performed by emitting a controlled light beam, which is absorbed by your hair’s melanin pigment. As laser light energy gets converted into heat energy, the hair follicles will be damaged without causing tissue damage. So, the hair growth will be scantier after the laser hair removal session. The laser technician might apply a numbing and cooling gel on the treatment area to alleviate discomfort. This hair removal process can be used to get rid of body hair in various areas and achieve lasting outcomes.
Waxing
This method helps remove body hair from its root through the application of a cold or hot wax mixture on the skin. The skin expert will then allow it to cool down for a bit and then press a strip of cloth or paper to pull it by tugging slightly. This gentle tugging action will be performed in the opposite direction of hair growth to remove the hair along with the roots[3]. It is a simple hair removal procedure that helps delay hair growth for a few weeks. Waxing is suitable for different body parts like the bikini area, arms, face, legs, eyebrows, cheeks, and underarms. Though you can get instant hair removal results after waxing, you need to get frequent waxing appointments to keep hair regrowth under control.
Pain and Comfort: What to Expect
- Laser Hair Removal: This method is performed with precision and utilizes the latest cooling technology[4]. Several people who tried this hair removal method describe the sensation as similar to a rubber band’s quick snap, making it more tolerable than the pain of waxing. As laser sessions are quick and short, hair removal on the upper lip and face gets over in a few minutes. For sensitive areas like the upper lip, bikini line, and underarms, a numbing gel will be applied to prevent discomfort and pain.
- Waxing: This hair removal procedure is known for its painful process as the body hair gets removed forcefully through cloth or paper wax strips by pulling from the root. As the hair gets yanked from its root, the pain and discomfort cannot be avoided. People experience more pain when waxing is performed on the chest, nose, underarms, and bikini area.
Results and Duration: Temporary vs Long-Term
- Laser Hair Removal: This procedure helps achieve maximum hair reduction as the long-term outcome. After some sessions, you will have 70% to 90% reduction in hair growth rate[5]. The hair that is regrowing will be lighter and finer as the follicles are damaged by the laser[6]. You may need annual maintenance sessions to maintain hair-free skin.
- Waxing: Waxing eliminates hair from the root, which gives your skin a hairless look temporarily for 3 or 4 weeks. After this period, your hair regrowth will be in full swing, and hairless skin cannot be achieved in the long run. You might need a waxing session once every 3 weeks to make your hair attain a waxable length. In short, you need waxing appointments twice a month for areas with quick growth like the bikini line, underarms, face, and eyebrows.
Skin Types and Suitability: Which Method Suits You
- Laser Hair Removal: This hair removal procedure harnesses the laser light energy, which is suitable for light-skinned individuals with dark hair colour. Now, advanced laser technology like diode and Nd: YAG lasers is specifically available for darker skin tones[7]. However, it can be less effective for people with grey, blonde, and red hair.
- Waxing: It is suitable for all skin types and hair colours. This versatile procedure is not ideal for people with sensitive skin, as it can lead to infections due to ingrown hairs and skin irritation.
Pros and Cons of Waxing and Laser Hair Removal
Laser Hair Removal: Pros
- Offers long-lasting hair-free outcomes by cutting down hair regrowth volume over time
- Visible hairless results within a few initial sessions
- Focuses only on unwanted hair in the treatment site and makes the skin smoother
- Requires only a few laser hair removal sessions
- Suitable even for sensitive skin, as it leaves minimal irritation
- Cost-saving in the long run
Laser Hair Removal: Cons
- High cost per session
- No visible hair loss after the first session
- It might be slightly painful for sensitive skin
Waxing: Pros
- Temporary hair-free and smooth skin
- Immediate visible hair removal outcome
- Ideal for all hair types
- Low expense per session
Waxing: Cons
- Very painful
- Ingrown hair risks
- Short-term results (2 – 3 weeks)
- Expensive in the long run
Side Effects and Aftercare Tips
Laser Hair Removal
- The treatment area will exhibit short-term side effects like slight irritation and redness after laser hair removal. You can get rid of such discomfort with a cold compress application.
- Avoid going out in the sun, use SPF 50+ sunscreen products, and do not take hot showers and sauna sessions.
- Perform gentle exfoliation after 2 or 3 days with mild exfoliants to support hair shedding.
Waxing
- Causes severe pain, irritation, redness, ingrown hairs, and tenderness for a few days after waxing, especially if you have sensitive skin.
- Risk of burns might also occur if hot wax is applied to the skin.
- Use calming lotions that contain aloe vera and wear loose clothes to avoid friction.
- Do not go swimming, exercise, or have hot showers for 24 hours. Exfoliate regularly after 3 days to prevent ingrown hairs.
Making the Right Choice for Your Lifestyle
Experts opine that opting for laser hair removal will be more beneficial than waxing as it is effective and offers permanent hair reduction. Waxing will cause skin infections, ingrown hairs, and irritation. Laser treatment will cut down the rate of hair regrowth, thereby preventing frequent appointments. Make sure you consider factors like budget, skin type, hair type, and permanence level before choosing a hair removal method.
Reference Links:
- Goldberg, D. J. (2006). Hair removal practices. Skin Therapy Letter. – https://www.skintherapyletter.com/dermatology/hair-removal-practices/#:~:text=pulsed%20light%20system-,Effective%20in%20darker%20hair%20and%20lighter%20skin%20types,Difficult%20to%20predict%20efficacy
- National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Laser Hair Removal. – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507861/#:~:text=Avoid%20hair%20epilation%20by%20plucking%20or%20waxing,before%20the%20procedure%2C%20especially%20on%20exposed%20areas
- J-Institute. Protection Board Article. – https://j-institute.org/protection/protection-board/?mod=document&uid=909
- Lehrer, M.S., Crawford, G.H., Gelfand, J.M., Leyden, J.J. and Vittorio, C.C. (2003), Effect of Wax Epilation Before Hair Removal With a Long-Pulsed Alexandrite Laser: A Pilot Study. Dermatologic Surgery, 29: 118-123. – https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1046/j.1524-4725.2003.29033.x
- Gupta G. Diode Laser: Permanent hair “Reduction” Not “Removal”. Int J Trichology. 2014 Jan;6(1):34. doi: 10.4103/0974-7753.136762. PMID: 25114454; PMCID: PMC4124694. – https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4124694/
- Bhat YJ, Bashir S, Nabi N, Hassan I. Laser Treatment in Hirsutism: An Update. Dermatol Pract Concept. 2020 Apr 20;10(2):e2020048. doi: 10.5826/dpc.1002a48. PMID: 32363110; PMCID: PMC7190465. – https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7190465/#:~:text=Comparison%20of%20Different%20Laser%20and,has%20been%20demonstrated%20%5B14%5D.
- Dierickx CC. Hair removal by lasers and intense pulsed light sources. Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2000 Dec;19(4):267-75. doi: 10.1053/sder.2000.18368. PMID: 11149607. – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11149607/
