Waxing Vs. Laser Hair Removal

Is waxing better than laser hair removal?  In my opinion, yes.  As a licensed esthetician working in Boston for over 12 years, I have had this discussion with many clients as to which is better.  Interestingly enough, the clients most interested in this debate are the ones who ALREADY HAD laser treatments and it didn’t work for them.   If you have been looking for a solution to unwanted hair on your face or body, waxing still wins over laser hair removal in my book.

Both of these methods offer smooth skin for much longer than shaving.   Waxing leaves you smooth for weeks, while laser claims to be permanent.  So why are there so many people still getting waxed after shelling out hundreds, even thousands of dollars for laser treatments?  Many times, the recommended 6 laser treatments are not enough to get everything.  Sometimes, the area being treated is too delicate, such as the bikini area, and clients may not want to go all the way with laser and still prefer to have a Brazillian wax instead.  Remember- fashion trends change and laser can be permanent!

Laser hair removal works to destroy the hair’s root down to the follicle via a pulsed light.  Essentially, the hair is burned at the root.  This method can hurt a lot and is not for everyone. Clients describe it as pretty painful, like having a thick rubber band snapped against your skin.   There are people that are happy with the results.  The catch is that laser hair removal only works on someone with light skin and dark hair.  So anyone with darker skin or blonde hair should definitely stick with waxing.

Waxing pulls the hair out at the root.  The wax is applied then torn off in the opposite direction of the hair growth.  Before getting waxed you should let your hair grow about half an inch.  This usually takes about a month.  If the hair is too short, the wax may not be able to grab it.   After just one waxing, the follicle has to produce a baby hair.  These hairs are soft and less bothersome than shaved hair.

If you have decided to go with waxing rather than laser hair removal, it is worth it to schedule regular waxing appointments monthly.  After a few months, waxing becomes a habit and you hardly have to give it a second thought.

~ Katherine Nemes, Esthetician at Balans 

Awards:

2012  “Boston’s Best” for Waxing by the Improper Bostonian

2011  “Best of Citysearch” with Beaucage

2010 “The Boston A List”  by WGBH with Beaucage

2008  “Best of Boston” for Waxing by Boston Magazine