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Laser Hair removal vs Waxing: Which One Should I Choose?
May 02, 2018
A variety of methods and hair removal products are available on the market. At times it is hard for a client to choose the most suitable ones among all the options, so it is important for an esthetician to instruct everyone on the characteristics of every hair removal method. This time, we are focusing on waxing vs. laser hair removal, two of the most effective and popular procedures to get rid of unwanted hair. Check with us all the differences of both options (including benefits and contraindications), so you will be ready to show your clients how to go with the one that suits them the most according to their preferences.
WAXING
LASER
Procedure
Waxing consists of applying wax (whether hard wax or soft wax) onto the area we want to rid of hair and then ripping it off in the opposite direction of hair growth. In waxing, the hair is pulled put at the root.
After the procedure, the esthetician will apply a post-depilatory lotion to soothe and clean the skin. Depending on the waxed area and the client's sensitivity threshold, anti-inflammatory or antibiotic creams might also be applied.
After the procedure, the esthetician will apply a post-depilatory lotion to soothe and clean the skin. Depending on the waxed area and the client's sensitivity threshold, anti-inflammatory or antibiotic creams might also be applied.
- In laser treatments a technician gives pulses of highly concentrated laser light with a specific wavelength and pulse on a particular area where they want to get rid of hair. Laser light heats up the hair follicles and the hair pigment absorbs this light, which causes the root of the follicle to get damaged and debilitated. This process is called photothermolysis. The treated area is then rubbed with cool compresses, or anti-inflammatory treatments, to help diminish discomfort.
Preparation
- It's a good idea to let hair grow about an inch before a waxing session.
- The esthetician will prep the area with a pre-depilatory lotion, which disinfects and cleans the area, allowing wax to stick more easily to the hairs.
- Some people take one or two painkillers to diminish discomfort in the session; some others apply a numbing lotion.
- It is advisable not to tan before a waxing appointment, to minimize any possible damage to the skin.
- The esthetician will prep the area with a pre-depilatory lotion, which disinfects and cleans the area, allowing wax to stick more easily to the hairs.
- Some people take one or two painkillers to diminish discomfort in the session; some others apply a numbing lotion.
- It is advisable not to tan before a waxing appointment, to minimize any possible damage to the skin.
- Before laser hair removal, a client can shave, but shouldn't pluck, wax, or use electrolysis for at least six weeks. These methods remove the hair root temporarily, and laser attacks precisely this part of the hair. If there are no follicles, the procedure is not effective. Sunbathing is also inadvisable for at least six weeks before laser treatment since sun exposure since makes the deeper layers of skin much more vulnerable to damage.
- Right before the procedure, the hair will be trimmed a little and the laser equipment will be set according to the color, thickness, and location of the hair and the skin color. Most likely, cold gel will be applied on the skin that will be treated; this is to protect the outmost layer of skin and help the laser penetrate the deeper layers of skin.
- Right before the procedure, the hair will be trimmed a little and the laser equipment will be set according to the color, thickness, and location of the hair and the skin color. Most likely, cold gel will be applied on the skin that will be treated; this is to protect the outmost layer of skin and help the laser penetrate the deeper layers of skin.
Duration
The procedure can go from fifteen minutes to half an hour depending on the size of the area.
Laser light is very fast, covering all the hairs in an area of about the size of a quarter in one second. Small areas such as the upper lip can be treated in less than a minute, and large areas, such as the back or legs, may take up to an hour.
Benefits
Waxing provides smooth skin immediately and for three to four weeks, depending on individual hair growth rate.
The frequency and density of hair growth will then decrease progressively until the hair follicle is dead. Treatments should usually be scheduled every six weeks until hair is completely eliminated, which may take up to seven sessions. The absence of hair will be noticeable since the first session of laser treatment and over the first month.
Contraindications
- Skin damage or irritation.
- Sunburn or plans to expose to sunlight after the procedure.
- Acne medication or chemical procedures such as peelings and microdermabrasion.
- Sunburn or plans to expose to sunlight after the procedure.
- Acne medication or chemical procedures such as peelings and microdermabrasion.
- Skin damage or skin conditions such as psoriasis or vitiligo.
- Other medical conditions such as herpes and epilepsy.
- Recent intentional sun exposure, sunburn.
- Photosensitizing medication.
- Chemical peelings, laser resurfacing and other skin procedures.
- Severe allergic reactions.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Keloid scarring or tattoos.
- Recent waxing or tweezing.
- Other medical conditions such as herpes and epilepsy.
- Recent intentional sun exposure, sunburn.
- Photosensitizing medication.
- Chemical peelings, laser resurfacing and other skin procedures.
- Severe allergic reactions.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Keloid scarring or tattoos.
- Recent waxing or tweezing.
Side Effects
The skin will get red for a while after the procedure as a normal reaction to follicle removal. It is advisable to use cold compresses to relief redness or an antibiotic cream, which would help avoid infection.
The most noticeable effect after laser hair removal is feeling your skin as if it were sunburned. To relieve the sensation, it is a good idea to use cold compresses or cold gels. If there are blisters, swelling, scarring or color changes, consult a doctor.
Body Areas
Any body area can be waxed.
Laser treatment can be applied in any body part, but some experts believe that it is bet not applied in the eyebrows to avoid damage to the eyes.
Skin Type
Any skin type can benefit from waxing.
Light skin with dark hair is the most suitable for laser treatment, but laser treatments are more advanced now. The specialist can choose the type of laser light that will be most suitable to your skin color and type.
Cost
The cost per waxing session, depends on the salon and the type of area and service that is going to be received. Waxing is inexpensive and very effective.
Laser hair removal is considerably more expensive than waxing, but it's very long-lasting.
Now that you are aware of the characteristics of waxing and laser, you are in a more informed position to show them the pros and cons of both. Needless to say, waxing remains a top hair removal option that offers wonderful results, is convenient, easy to get, and adaptable. Laser is a more permanent procedure that some people would not benefit from, and it is not advisable for people who do not want permanent hair removal. Whatever the client's case, your knowledge will be very helpful, and your clients will really appreciate it.
Beauty Image knows that both knowledge and the use of top-quality products make you an outstanding professional. You can choose our wide range of waxes and waxing accessories to offer the best waxing experience to your clients. Contact us at TOLL FREE 888-513-8815 or send us your questions via the contact form on this page. If you wish to have our beauty blog posts, tips, and maintenance guides for estheticians sent straight to your inbox, subscribe to our newsletter.
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