Laser (LHR) vs Waxing: Which Hair Removal Method is Ideal?

Did you know that women spend 72 days of their lifetime shaving? Yes, you read that right. Unlike this temporary form of hair removal, waxing and LHR are much more promising for producing long term results. Providing that smoother, supple-skin like finish for longer.

However, now you’re left wondering which permanent solution is best. To put it simply, this all depends entirely on you. It’s important to consider factors like your long-term goals and “dedicated time” to hair removal. Hair removal is no easy feat, especially for busy schedules.

Keep on reading to get the method for you:

Before you scroll, it’s important to understand just what each process involves. This is fundamental in knowing the basics of each. You may think you know what each process involves, however there are some aspects that are overlooked. This will help you understand what to expect with every single service.

See our simple breakdown below:

How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?

Laser hair removal (LHR) is a modern method of hair removal that works by using intensive pulsated light. It’s an extremely precise technology using certain wavelengths that depend on the hair and skin’s pigment.

As the technician chooses the laser machine, setting and other factors suited to you. Which is why, it can be very effective for a wide range of skin types, tones and hair colours.

Here’s how it works in 3 simple steps:

1. The laser targets the pigment (melanin) in the hair.
2. The hair absorbs the light and converts it into heat.
3. The heat damages the hair follicle, preventing future growth.

How Does Waxing the Hair Work?

Whether this may be through sugar wax, or a strip wax, waxing works by adhering to the hair onto the skin and ripping the follicle. The form of wax used varies based on the part of skin it’s applied to. Soft wax is applied to larger surface areas of skin, while hard wax is used for intimate areas to mitigate pain.

See how the waxing process works:

1. The skin is cleaned to help the wax adhere properly.
2. Warm wax is applied in the direction of hair growth, gripping hairs at the root.
3. The wax is quickly pulled off in the opposite direction, removing hair from the follicle.

Chances are, hair removal is a fundamental part of your beauty routine. Whether you have a low, or high maintenance routine, the method you choose can help to determine your convenience. However, it’s important to consider some stages before making a decision.

See what you should consider below:

Lifespan of Laser Hair Removal vs Waxing

When it comes to the long-term effectiveness of each treatment, it’s important to first know the process involved. Laser provides long term reduction through targeting the hair follicle, and as a result, converts this to heat.

On the other hand, waxing is considered a temporary method, since it adheres to the skin and rips off the hair at the follicle. However, with consistent waxing over-time some individuals may experience a body hair reduction. As the hair slowly grows back both more sparse and fine.

In a study by JAMA Dermatology, seven individuals participated in one laser hair removal treatment. Two years post-treatment, four saw a significant reduction in hair when compared to other wax-epilated areas. Demonstrating the efficacy of laser hair removal, oftentimes in just one single session. Individual results may vary based on skin type, hair colour, and other factors.

*When compared to waxing, laser hair removal has higher chances of removing body hair. At Results Laser Clinic, we offer a wide range of laser hair removal services. If you want to learn more, contact us here.

Laser Hair Removal vs Waxing Pain

The pain you may experience depends on the treatment area. Intimate body parts like the bikini line are a lot more sensitive since there’s more nerves. This also depends on key reasons like your overall pain tolerance.

Waxing

Since waxing rips the hair at the root, this results in a fast and sharp sensation. And, as a result waxing is regarded as having a higher pain level. But with ongoing waxing the hair may reduce over-time, meaning that you’ll attend less sessions.

However, the pain to be experienced is generally the same every-time. The treatments considered to be more painful are underarm waxes, alongside Brazilian waxes. While the lesser painful waxes are on the arms and back.

What are the pros?

The wax only needs to be on for a couple seconds, and is shortly ripped off after! Which makes the sharp sensation short-lived.

Laser Hair Removal

Unlike waxing, laser hair removal is often described as a “Warm snapping sensation.” Think of a rubber band flicking across the skin-that kind of pain. The difference is that the pain levels are typically much lower than waxing.

In a teen vogue article, Dr. Danzi mentions patient comfort for laser on the bikini line compared to waxing. Saying that “Patients say it’s easier than wax, but takes a lot longer.” And, with frequent laser hair removal the hair thins, often making future sessions a lot more comfortable.

What are the pros?

Modern laser devices come with a cooling sensation, providing cool air right after the hair follicle is zapped.

Laser Hair Removal vs Waxing: Get the Breakdown 

To choose the right hair removal method for you, consider your commitment to ongoing sessions as part of your routine. This will help provide a clearer idea of what to expect, and how this could be incorporated into your lifestyle.

See a general overview of the below:

Number of Initial Sessions for Waxing vs Laser

Body PartNumber of Initial LHR SessionsFrequency of Initial LHR SessionsNumber of Initial Wax Sessions

The Long-Term Waxing vs Laser Results

Body PartLHR Ongoing MaintenanceWaxing Ongoing Maintenance

Laser Hair Removal vs Waxing Cost

When you take a look at the total costs, it’s important to weigh in both the initial and long term investment. This is because these treatments differ dramatically from one another.

10 Year Cost Estimate

• Waxing- For the initial process, a Brazilian, half legs, face and underarm wax is needed every 4 weeks. In total, this all amounts to $220 per session. Then, regular waxing is needed to maintain these results every 6 weeks. Your upfront spend is $880, while 10 years of maintenance is priced at $19,140.
• Laser Hair Removal- For a Brazilian, half legs, as well as face and underarms, you may pay $330 a month for 8 months. Once these initial sessions are complete, maintenance is recommended for 2 years or as needed. This means that your initial investment will be $2640, and with maintenance over 10 years $5,940.

*Looking for fixed pricing on your first, or next laser hair removal service? See Results Laser Clinics laser hair removal pricing here. 

The Aftercare Breakdown: Laser Hair Removal and Waxing

Side Effects & Risks

Laser Hair Removal

• Temporary red and irritated skin
• Brief skin dryness like minor crusting
• Temporary skin swelling at the area of treatment
• Very rare risk of infection
• Extremely rare risk of burns from the wrong laser setting
• Small chance of scarring with no aftercare

Waxing

• Temporary redness and skin irritation
• Brief skin sensitivity and tenderness
• Temporary bumps or minor swelling
• Risk of ingrown hairs
• Possible allergic reaction to wax ingredients
• Small chance of bruising on sensitive skin
• Rare risk of infection if skin is broken
• Minor burns if wax is too hot

The Aftercare

Laser Hair Removal

• Don’t exercise in the 2 days post-treatment
• Keep comfy with flowy, breathable clothing for 2 days after treatment
• Maintain a gentle skin care routine, including moisturising in the 48 hours post-treatment
• Avoid sun exposure for 2-6 weeks to prevent skin damage, and wear SPF 50+ daily
• Don’t use any “permanent” hair removal methods during laser treatments
• Regularly exfoliate your body 1-2 times a week for better results

Waxing

• Don’t exercise for 24 to 48 hours post-treatment
• Keep comfy with loose, breathable clothing for 1–2 days after treatment
• Maintain a gentle skin care routine, avoiding harsh products for 24 hours and wearing SPF 50+ daily
• Avoid sun exposure for 24–48 hours to prevent irritation
• Don’t shave between waxing sessions for best results
• Regularly exfoliate your body 2–3 times a week to prevent ingrown hairs
• Avoid hot baths, saunas, and swimming pools for 24 hours
• Skip fragranced lotions and deodorants on treated areas for a day

Making the Right Choice for Your Hair Removal Needs: The Bottom Line

Both waxing and LHR have several benefits, especially over shaving. If you need a temporary way to remove hair, waxing as a hair removal solution can be effective.

What Makes Laser Hair Removal Different? 

Most Aussies have long-term hair removal goals. Creating a lifetime’s worth of investments to remove that unwanted hair. Laser hair removal offers better ongoing costs, lower hair growth, to an overall easier upkeep in the long run. However, it’s important to note that results may vary based on skin type, hair colour, and other factors.

Next Steps?

Results Laser Clinics is one of Australia’s most trusted providers of Laser Hair Removal, Skin treatments & Cosmetic Aesthetics Treatments. We are committed to delivering results that make you look & feel your best.

Book your free hair analysis and complimentary consultation with our experts today! You can also save time and buy treatments from the comfort of your own home via a Results Online account! Our full-price list can be found here.

FAQS

How long after waxing can I get laser?

You’ll need to wait at least four to six weeks after your last session. This is because hair removal after waxing is meaningless since wax removes the follicle that laser targets. The process of waxing involves removing the hair at the root. The laser uses a certain light frequency to penetrate a follicle and convert it to heat.

Can you wax while getting laser hair removal?

No! Waxing between laser hair removal sessions will disrupt your results, preventing the treatment from producing great results. This is because by doing so, you’re essentially removing the very follicles the laser needs to target.

Can I shave during laser sessions?

Unlike waxing, you don’t have to tolerate regrowth in between sessions. While it’s recommended to avoid shaving until a few days prior to LHR, it is generally acceptable. This is because it only removes hair at the surface level, without removing the actual hair follicle itself.