It seems that women will always be on the hunt for the simplest and most comfortable method of removing unwanted hair. One of the oldest and most popular methods out there is waxing, however, with the development of modern technology, we now have the option of laser removal as well. The question is which one is better?
The Waxing Process
Bikini waxing uses a wax that physically pulls out hairs, and for a lot of girls, this could be painful and irritating. It is applied hot, so your esthetician must be properly trained to correct the temperature setting for their specific wax to avoid burning the skin. In waxing, there are proper techniques for pulling the wax off the skin quickly and safely so it does not pull or bruise your skin.
It’s recommended for the hair to be at least half an inch long before waxing. If the hair is too long it can be very painful and if it’s too short, it can break off, and not get pulled from the root. After waxing, it’s common to see actual hair regrowth as early as one week.
The Laser Process
Laser hair removal works by destroying the hair follicles by heating the hair. It uses a light that treats the root of the hair, which causes the hair growth to reduce, or decrease the density. Irritation can last up to a week after the treatment. However, a topical anesthetic can be used to help minimize the pain.
Unlike waxing, hair usually takes about one to two months to grow back. The hair will tend to grow back about 20 percent thinner after each treatment, and growth should be negligible after a few appointments. When it comes to laser hair removal, it should be done ONLY by trained professionals such as at Skinnovation Laser Clinic, since there is a risk of discoloration and burns if not done properly, especially for people who have darker skin tones.
Laser Hair Removal Will Not Remove Hair Right Away
It’s only about 10 percent hairs per appointment that go away and you can’t wax while you do it. So, if you decide to do it, you’ll be shaving down, or just leaving it as it is there for about a year. But if you start at the right time you’ll be done by next summer.
Possible Danger for Skin Infections
It doesn’t matter if it’s shaving, waxing, or laser, they all come with risks. Previous research has discovered that pubic hair grooming is linked to a greater likelihood of getting an STI because of cuts. Those who shave, wax, trim or pluck their pubic hair are twice as likely to have STIs such as herpes, which can spread through the skin. Groomers were also 90 percent more likely to have lice and 70 percent more likely to have STIs like chlamydia, which can spread through bodily fluids.
Lesser risks include skin irritation. For example, waxing can lead to allergic reactions and ingrown hairs. Meanwhile, the laser does not have the same risk of skin irritation and ingrown hairs.
Laser hair removal on dark skin tones can be difficult since the laser is picking up pigment, and if there’s less contrast, the laser can’t recognize the hair. This can lead to a risk of getting burns or hypopigmentation. But at the same time, blonde or white hairs cannot be effectively targeted.
Laser Hair Removal Is Worth the Money
A full series of Brazilian laser hair removal sessions is around $2,000. Brazilian wax is around $80. So why would you pay $2K? Well, if you do the math, $2,000 of laser hair removal over one year equals about three years of waxing every six weeks. So many things lasers are better it’s worth it in the long run.
Hair Regrowth
The most obvious difference between waxing and laser hair removal is the fact that laser treatments are more permanent, so you better be certain that the style you choose is something you’ll still want to have when you’re older. Also, hair removal is not always a guarantee, if you’re treated with the wrong laser in the wrong setting, laser treatments won’t be as effective at removing all of the hair. Even with the correct laser and settings, it’s possible that your hair could grow back at some point after treatment, though it may grow back finer than it was before.
Bikini wax or laser are both effective ways to remove unwanted hairs. One method can lead to hair growth within a week, while the other can end growth altogether. Whether you want to do it all the time, or just do it for special occasions, will help you decide which one suits your needs better.
Lena Hemsworth is a lifestyle blogger, foodie, and lover of a good book. She’s an everlasting enthusiast who believes that there is nothing better than starting your day with a hot cup of coffee.
