Waxing or Laser Hair Removal – Which Is Better For You?

Most women will opt for permanent hair removal when given the option between applying hot wax to their skin on a regular basis or getting rid of the hair forever with a laser treatment. If you are not sure which method is best for you, here are a few things to keep in mind.

Hair Waxing

Shaving only cuts surface hair, but waxing removes hair from the skin by its root. This results in smooth skin for about a month, which is how long it typically takes for hair to re-grow.  As waxing is repeated, over time, the hair that does return will be softer and finer. Waxing is slightly painful, but generally not much more than pulling off a band-aid or piece of tape from your skin.

Laser Hair Removal

Though touted as a permanent solution for hair removal, laser treatments don’t, in fact, get rid of all your unwanted hair. In most cases, 90% won’t return, but that stubborn 10% that does grow back will return a much lighter color than previously, and also have a finer texture. Laser hair removal is generally painless.

Common Side Effects

The common side effects of waxing are typically short-term pain and skin irritation. This can usually be avoided by taking a mild painkiller prior to waxing and using an ice pack on the skin immediately afterward to reduce any inflammation. The common side effects of laser hair removal are short-term redness and swelling in the treatment area. Most of the time both the redness and the swelling are gone after a couple of days.

Hair Removal Cost

The cost of a good wax session depends on which spa you use and the area that you are having treated, the cost can range from $20 to $200, while at home treatments are very affordable and range from $5-$25.  Laser hair removal, on the other hand, is generally a costly procedure. Depending on which licensed professional you visit, each treatment can cost between $150- $250 per session. For laser hair removal, you will need to complete at least 8 sessions in a 24 week period.

Which Hair Removal Method Is Best?

Both methods have their good points and both have their drawbacks. Overall, if you are looking for an affordable solution for hair removal, waxing is a great option. You will need to repeat the process at least once a month to keep the waxed areas free of hair, but the hair that does return will be softer and more manageable. If you don’t like the idea of having to wax often and want a more permanent solution, laser hair removal is a perfect choice. It’s highly effective in removing almost all of the unwanted hair from targeted areas of the body, and while it has a higher upfront cost, the results will last a lifetime.  If you are ready to explore your hair removal options and think laser removal is the best choice for you, give Amitees Laser Clinic a call at 416-880-5958 today to find out how we can help.