Laser Hair Removal vs. Waxing

Laser hair removal v waxing, what’s better?

Waxing or Laser?

That’s the question.

Having warm wax poured onto your bikini area then counting down from 3 to 1 as the wax strip is ripped off your skin while you scream the first swear word that pops into your mind is not everyone’s idea of fun.

Laser on the other hand is also painful (just not as much!) and a lot more expensive (true in the short term).

So which one should you choose?

Before we decide. Lets look at both options. Starting with waxing.

What is waxing?

The wax used a is mixture of beeswax, glycerin, glucose and corn coagulable protein. (not the wax from a Jo Malone or White Company candle!.) Using the thickness of the beeswax it pulls out the excess hair and root.

It is a physical hair root pulling method and rather painful if you have experienced it!.

There are two main types of wax:

• Hard wax, no wax paper is needed, hot wax is applied to the skin the beeswax cools down and hardens, then is forcefully torn off.
• Soft wax requires wax paper. First hot wax is applied to the skin, then wax paper is pressed on top of wax and torn of quickly when the paper hardens.

For both the above methods, the consistency of the wax and technique of therapist are super important.

The type of wax, thickness of application, hair direction, hair root strength, technique all need to be really good to get the best results.

So waxing is relatively simple, but the pain caused by the tearing process is not for everyone, many people find the experience to be too painful!.

Results of waxing last for about 2- 4 weeks before you have to go trough the whole experience again!.

Is Laser Hair Removal better then waxing?

Laser hair removal is the best method for getting rid of unwanted hair due to the precision and care the laser uses on your skin.

Laser treatment catches the hair in the active growth stage, which means the follicles are permanently destroyed and should not produce any more hair.

Result!.

Like with waxing a small patch of skin is tested first to see how you react to the laser. A patch test is performed at your consultation to make sure your skin is able to tolerate the laser well.

After your skin has passed the patch test test! You will be ready to begin your course of treatments after 24 hours, to make sure there are no bad reactions to the laser.

People who choose laser hair removal over waxing say it is because :

• It is almost completely pain-free
• Skin can be smoother year-round
• It is a long-term solution to hair reduction
• It is suitable for virtually all skin types
• The laser machines are powerful medical technology as used in hospitals

Laser hair removal for permanent hair removal, unlike waxing

If you want permanent hair removal or reduction of up to 90% laser hair removal is recommended. It saves time, money, effort and is less painful in the long run.

Here is how the technology works

Laser works by generating heat that penetrates the hair root destroying the hair matrix and hair follicle stem cells which leads to permanent hair removal or permanent hair reduction.

The laser beam is actually sequences of controlled energy pulses that are absorbed by the hair’s pigment as it reaches into hair follicles just under the skin’s surface.

The pulses of energy destroy the hair right down to the root safely, without damaging any surrounding skin or tissue in the process.

After 6-8 sessions, skin will appear even and smooth, with any remaining hair visibly reduced.

Laser technology v waxing

Laser hair removal technology has been around for over 20 years so is established and proven.

Candela created the very first laser hair removal machine in the world and they and are used in high end clinics and hospital worldwide

One of the best laser hair removal machines on the market is the Candela Gentle Max Pro. It is approved by the US FDA and uses Alexandrite and Nd: YAG dual- wavelength.

Laser hair removal v waxing appointments

Laser hair removal follows the hair growth cycle, so it is important that you follow and stick you your appointments.

• It varies from 6 to 8 treatments for each person with each treatment separated by 6-8 weeks.

So if you are thinking about getting laser hair removal for the first time you need to set aside enough time and commit to the whole process for best results.

• For waxing you would typically schedule appointment every 2-3 weeks or if you are doing it at home the same. You need enough hair to grow back so it can be removed.

Laser hair removal v waxing for side effects

Laser hair removal side effects

Laser hair removal has very few side effects with most people finding it not too painful. The treatment feels like a rubber band flicking against your skin. The most common skin reaction includes temporary redness, erythema, folilic oedema, which usually disappear in a few hours.

Side effects of waxing

When tearing off the wax the hair may break and stay in a part of the pores. This can cause skin problems such as folliculitis, ingrown hairs and infected spots which can be extremely painful and are also not a good look!.

• Danger of waxing and sun damage

One of the most popular times we book in for a wax is the day before our summer holidays. This can be very problematic though as waxing can also remove the top layer of dead skin and the new fresh skin is more vulnerable to  harmful effects of sunlight.

This in turn can cause skin discolouration or a change in pigmentation of the skin. It can be especially noticeable on the upper lip if sunblock has not been liberally applied.

Going through the waxing process just a few days prior to going on holiday when you’re going to be out in the sun more than normal is not always the best choice for you skin.

• Waxing and ingrown hairs

Another pitfall to waxing comes in the form of ingrown hairs. Dermatologists say waxing can actually help cause ingrown hairs, which can be quite painful.

How waxing can cause ingrown hairs

The rapid process of waxing involves pulling hairs out so fast that it can actually tear at the lining of the skin. The lining guides a hair’s growth and if the lining is damaged, and the hair doesn’t have a direction to re-grow, the hair doesn’t have a good exit strategy from the body.  This causes ingrown hairs.

On top of that, waxing requires you to wait for the hair to grow back before you can wax again. Is waxing worth it?  Many say no.  There are many more positives to removing hair though a laser than forcing your body to go through the hazards that come with waxing.

Why we recommend Laser Hair Removal over waxing

Laser hair removal is a safe, proven and effective. Waxing is easy to do either at home or in a clinic and is still very popular today and cheaper then laser.

Waxing results that can last much longer than shaving so is preferred to shaving but not to laser. Also waxing is never ending. As long as your hair grows you will have to wax. With laser once the hair has gone……it’s gone!

If you have been waxing for some time and are thinking about switching over come and speak to one of our friendly team today.

To find out more about Laser Hair Removal at Premier Laser & Skin, book your free consultation and patch test with and say goodbye to waxing for good