As a child, almost every girl was introduced to the concept of waxing. Painful plucking of the body hair was almost a norm, to fit into the ideal beauty standards. While times have changed and body hair has become acceptable, a lot of us still struggle with dealing with body hair. Shaving, using depilatory creams, and waxing have been some of the most sought-after methods of hair removal, for those who want to do away with body hair.
That was until the concept of laser was introduced. Laser hair removal or reduction is today one of the most convenient forms of hair removal and is even recommended by dermatologists! But is it suitable for you?
Laser vs. Shaving vs. Waxing
Before we do an in-depth comparison of what method of hair removal works best for which skin type, let’s go over the basics of what they are.
Laser hair removal or reduction is a procedure where concentrated beams of light are used to target hair roots in the skin and destroy the hair follicles so the hair doesn’t grow back. This is performed by a trained technician.
Waxing is the process of hair removal where either hot or cold wax is applied to the skin and a fabric is placed over the wax. This is then ripped off – it plucks the hair out from the roots. Waxing is performed at salons and can also be done at home.
Shaving is the process of removal of hair from the body with the help of a razor blade. This method is usually practiced at home as it requires only a razor and the hair is cut off at the surface of the skin.
Now, let’s get into some of the most commonly asked questions on the various methods of hair removal.
| FAQ’s | Laser Hair Removal | Waxing | Shaving |
| Does it hurt? | A little. It feels like tiny pricks on the skin. It may feel like tiny rubber bands snapping on the skin. You can apply a numbing cream prior to the treatment if you have a low pain threshold. | Yes. If you have thick hair, waxing can hurt more than laser because it is pulling your hair out from the root. | It is pain-free, except for knicks and cuts that can be caused by a sharp blade. |
| What do the results look like? | The results are permanent and hair growth reduces from the very first session. In 6-8 sessions, your hair growth will reduce by 90-100% | Hair grows back in 2-4 weeks or as per your regular hair growth cycle. | Hair grows back faster as compared to laser and waxing. |
| Will it damage my skin? | Ther is no long-term damage to the skin and is perfect for those with sensitive skin. | If you have sensitive skin, waxing might cause mild rashes or acne. | Knicks and cuts can occur from razor blades but there is no long-term damage to the skin. |
| Will it cause ingrown hair? | No, since laser hair removal destroys the hair root, there will be no hair to cause ingrowth. | It can, since the hair is pulled out from the follicle. Improper technique might lead to ingrown hair. | Yes. Improper technique or a dull razor blade might lead to ingrown hair. Always exfoliate your skin before you shave and use a fresh blade. |
| What is the aftercare? | You cannot wax your skin between laser sessions, it is recommended to shave. Keep your skin hydrated and use sunscreen. | To avoid irritation, avoid using soap or harsh perfumes on your skin after you wax for 24 hours. | To avoid irritation, avoid using soap or harsh perfumes on your skin after you shave for 24 hours. |
While one session of laser hair removal is much more expensive than one waxing session, the results from multiple laser sessions are far more long-lasting. This could be more cost-effective over time.
A common myth about shaving and waxing though, is that after waxing, hair grows back thinner and slower while after shaving, the hair growth is much thicker and faster. This is untrue because when you are waxing, the hair follicle is plucked out from the root. New hair takes a while to grow back from the follicle and this has nothing to do with the method of hair removal you have opted for.
If you’re somebody with sensitive skin or have a low pain threshold like me, laser hair reduction or shaving is the way to go!
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