Comparing waxing to laser hair removal

When it comes to hair removal methods, waxing and laser hair removal are two of the most popular options. Whether it’s facial hair, body hair, or leg hair, both waxing and laser hair removal can be a great way to remove visible hair and leave your skin smooth. But which is the best option? Well, this will depend on personal preferences and individual requirements, as the two different options offer different benefits. As Preston’s leading aesthetic practitioners, here at The Skin and Wellbeing Clinic, we offer a range of high quality, effective aesthetic treatment options, including dermal fillers, chemical peels and laser hair removal. As a result, we have produced this guide to comparing waxing to laser hair removal.

The process of waxing

Waxing is something that you can do at home, or you can make an appointment with a professional. This process involves applying a wax to the skin, and then pulling this off. This pulls out hair by the roots, completely removing it.

The process of laser hair removal

Laser hair removal involves passing a beam of intense pulsed light (IPL) through the area of unwanted hair, to destroy the hair follicles. These follicles absorb the light and provide heat, preventing the hair follicle from repairing.

Comparing waxing to laser hair removal: which should you choose?

When making a comparison between these two hair removal processes, there are several things to consider, including:

1. The price – The price is an important point of contention when choosing any hair removal procedure. On a session by session basis waxing is cheaper than laser hair removal. However, waxing is a process that will need to be repeated for life, with sessions every 2 to 4 weeks. On the other hand, after just 6-8 sessions of laser hair removal, you will have permanently removed your hair. This means that in the long run, laser hair removal can be cheaper.
2. The comfort of the procedure – waxing is widely associated with pain. This is because the hair is ripped out of the skin by the roots. The level of pain waxing causes is determined by personal pain thresholds, as well as the strength and size of hair roots. In contrast, laser hair removal is described as uncomfortable by most people, rather than painful. It is often described as the sensation of a rubber band flicking against the skin. As a result, laser hair removal is generally a much less painful procedure.
3. The side effects – waxing can lead to a range of side effects, including increasing the chances of developing an ingrown hair, suffering sun damage if the freshly waxed area is exposed to strong sunlight, and infected spots. In contrast, laser hair removal only has some temporary side effects including redness and erythema.

Here at The Skin and Wellbeing Clinic, we can offer professional laser hair removal procedures that are based around your individual requirements and personal requests. For more information or advice, why not get in touch today?