Laser Hair Removal Vs. Waxing: Which Keeps You Smooth Longer?
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."
When it comes to hair removal, there is no shortage of techniques to get rid of those unwanted strands. Options range from shaving to depilatories to threading and even epilators. But two of the most popular methods often go head to head when it comes to body hair removal: laser hair removal and waxing.
Both of these types boast long-lasting effects (to varying degrees) and have time between treatments—unlike shaving , which needs to be done on a much more frequent basis. So how do you choose? Keep reading for the nitty gritty details and benefits (and drawbacks) of both types of hair removal to help you make the right choice for your body and needs.
First things first: What is laser hair removal and how does it work?
" Laser hair removal uses light energy to target pigment, or melanin, in the hair shaft and follicle," says Kseniya Kobets, M.D., Director of Cosmetic Dermatology at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care . " That light converts to heat at [the] follicle root and injures the part of the follicle responsible for regrowth." Dr. Kobets usually phrases it as hair reduction, not true permanent hair removal, because most people still need a series of treatments and occasional maintenance since not all hair can be removed and some grows back (although usually thinner) over time.
There are two kinds of laser hair removal: professional and at-home. "Professional laser hair removal is performed with medical-grade devices that are significantly more powerful, precise, and customizable than at-home tools," says Mona Gohara, M.D ., clinical professor at the Department of Dermatology at Yale School of Medicine . These in-office treatments tend to work faster and more effectively because the energy penetrates deeper into the follicle.
Alternatively, at-home devices are usually lower-energy IPL (intense pulsed light) systems designed for convenience and maintenance rather than dramatic long-term reduction. "Even though at-home devices do not deliver as high an energy level as professional ones due to safety concerns, they can be efficient for some and for others, a great maintenance option between professional treatments," says Sabina Wizemann , Director of the GH Beauty Lab .
Dr. Gohara agrees: " Think of professional laser treatment like a full workout with a trainer, while at-home devices are more like doing maintenance reps at home between sessions—both can help, but the intensity and results are very different."
Galina Zhigalova - Getty Images
What is waxing and how does it work?
"Waxing removes hair by applying warm or cold wax to the skin, then quickly pulling the hair from the root," explains Emily Perbellini , NP, senior vice president, clinical operations at LaserAway . Because the entire hair is removed, the skin feels smooth right away. "Unlike shaving, waxing removes hair below the skin's surface, so results last longer, but the follicle itself remains active, meaning the hair will continue to grow back."
Many think that waxing can have a long term effect on the thickness of hair. "Please note that waxing does not make hair thinner over time as sometimes touted," says Tracy Evans, M.D. , MPH, board-certified dermatologist and Medical Director of Pacific Skin and Cosmetic Dermatology. It actually does not affect the hair bulb at all. "Because hair becomes thinner as we age people who wax for many years often think that the waxing has caused thinner hair, but that is incorrect."
Emilija Manevska - Getty Images
The differences between laser hair removal and waxing:
Frequency & results
Waxing typically lasts about three to six weeks depending on the area and individual hair growth cycle. Laser hair removal offers longer-term reduction, especially after a full treatment series, which is usually spaced four to six weeks apart. "While it's often marketed as 'permanent,' most people still need occasional maintenance sessions over time because hormones and genetics can influence regrowth," says Dr. Gohara. "In the best-case scenario, laser hair removal can dramatically reduce both the amount and thickness of hair, leaving some patients with only minimal, sporadic regrowth." If there is regrowth, people often do maintenance treatments, which can be spaced months or even years apart.
Ideal skin & hair type
"Laser hair removal traditionally works best on lighter skin with darker hair because the laser targets pigment contrast," says Dr. Gohara. However, there are now many lasers can be used safely on deeper skin tones—the key is choosing the right laser, the right settings, and an experienced board-certified dermatologist. "Darker skin contains more melanin, which can accidentally absorb laser energy if the device or settings are too aggressive, increasing the risk of burns, hyperpigmentation, or hypopigmentation. That's why certain lasers, like Nd:YAG lasers, are often preferred for deeper skin tones because they bypass more surface pigment and target deeper structures more safely," she says. Additionally, very light blonde, gray, white, or red hair can be more difficult to treat because there is less pigment for the laser to detect.
Waxing generally works across a wider range of hair colors and skin tones, but Dr. Gohara advises that those with very sensitive skin, eczema, psoriasis, active acne, or those using retinoids proceed with caution as they may experience more irritation or skin lifting.
Cost
"Waxing is less expensive per visit, but the cost adds up because it has to be repeated indefinitely," says Dr. Kobets. There is wide range when it comes to pricing depending on your location and the body part you are looking to get treated. Generally, waxing can range from $10-30 for a small area like eyebrows and $60-100 per session for a larger area like legs. At-home kits can range from $5 to $40.
" Laser hair removal costs more up front, especially professionally, but may be more cost-effective long termfor someone who wants lasting reduction and fewer maintenance appointments," she adds. Laser pricing is also very variable depending on the location, packages and body parts. Dr. Gohara estimates that "in-office laser hair removal generally ranges from about $150–$300 per session for small areas like the upper lip or underarms, $300–$700 for medium areas like the swimsuit or lower legs, and $600–$1,500+ for larger areas like full legs or the back." The pricing of at-home devices typically range from $200 to $600 and higher but these should last for tons of treatments and many years.
Pain
Pain level is typically dependent on the body part, hair thickness, skin sensitivity, and settings, as well as the fact that everyone has a different pain tolerance, "but both are usually tolerable," says Dr. Kobets.
"Most patients describe laser hair removal as a quick snapping sensation, like a rubber band against the skin," says Perbellini. "Modern lasers also have cooling technology that helps make treatments more comfortable." Waxing is often described as a quick pulling or ripping sensation and can feel more intense because multiple hairs are being pulled out at once.
Aftercare
"With laser hair removal, we usually recommend avoiding direct sun exposure, heat, intense workouts, and exfoliation for about 24–48 hours after treatment," says Perbellini. It is also extremely important to use sunscreen afterwards. "After waxing, skin can also be sensitive, and patients should avoid friction, sweating, and heavy exfoliation for a day or two. Ingrown hairs can also be more common with waxing."
One ingredient to be aware of when waxing is retinoids. "Patients using topical retinols, tretinoin, adapalene, or other exfoliating products in areas being waxed can be much more prone to skin stripping because retinoids thin and loosen the outer stratum corneum," explains Dr. Kobets. "That can increase the risk of irritation, superficial skin lifting, wax burns, erosions, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation." She usually recommends stopping retinoids in the area about one to two weeks before waxing when possible, although some patients can still react despite stopping ahead of time.
The final verdict: Which to choose?
While we'd love to give you a straight answer, there are a bunch of factors that can affect your decision: your budget, pain tolerance, skin type, and goals when it comes to hair removal. " If you want quick results with minimal upfront cost and don't mind ongoing maintenance, waxing can be a great option," says Dr. Gohara.Plus, waxing doesn't discriminate: it works on all skin tones and hair colors.
Whereas " laser may be a better choice for people who are tired of repeated or constant maintenance and can invest in professional treatment," says Wizemann. "Professional lasers will likely require multiple sessions; at-home devices can be time-consuming but offer long-term results and less maintenance down the road."
Ulike Laser Hair Removal for Women and Men
Sally Hansen Wax Kit Wax Strips for Face & Swimsuit
Wakse Hard Wax Beans - Metamorphic Lava
Philips Lumea 9000 Series IPL Hair Removal Device
You Might Also Like
