Laser Vs. Waxing Vs. Shaving: Which Offers Guaranteed Hair Removal Results?

Unwanted hair can be a source of embarrassment for some people. Waxing, shaving, and laser hair removal are three popular hair removal methods. Each of these methods has its own benefits.

Waxing, Shaving, and Laser Hair Removal: How Do They Work?

Waxing, shaving, and laser hair removal all work in different ways. 

• Waxing: Waxing involves applying warm wax to the hair and then applying a strip of cloth over it. The cloth is then held in place using cloth strips or paper. Waxing pulls the hair from the roots, and as a result, the hair takes longer to grow back. Waxing lasts for at least four weeks, and hair grows back softer and thinner.  
• Shaving: Shaving involves using a razor to remove hair. While shaving is straightforward, it doesn’t offer long-lasting results. Hair grows back quickly and in thicker strands. Shaving is inexpensive, but it can cause razor burns, rashes, and ingrown hairs. 
• Laser Hair Removal: Laser hair removal uses laser energy to target the hair follicle. The hair follicle absorbs the light from the laser, which destroys the follicle. Multiple sessions are required to achieve permanent results. Laser hair removal is safe and painless.

Laser Hair Removal - The Permanent Hair Removal Method

If unwanted hair is an issue for you, you might be wondering which hair removal method offers the best results. While laser hair removal is highly effective at permanently reducing hair from most areas on the face and body, it’s not always the best option for everyone!

Let’s take a look at how laser hair removal works. Laser hair removal uses radiofrequency energy to target the hair follicle’s root. The heat from the laser effectively damages the root and prevents growth in the future. When the follicle becomes damaged, it no longer grows hair. For this reason, laser hair removal is considered one of the most effective forms of hair removal available. This method can also be extremely effective on dark-skinned patients and those with light, thin hair. Overall, the procedure is relatively quick, relatively painless, and offers long-lasting results. The only downside of this method is that it can sometimes require multiple treatments. Additionally, the treatment can be more expensive since the price goes up with each session.

Laser Hair Removal Benefits

Using laser hair removal is one of the most effective methods of permanent hair reduction. While waxing removes only the top layer of dead skin cells, laser treatments target hair follicles below the skin’s surface. This means your results will be longer-lasting and more effective.

Another advantage to using a laser to remove unwanted hair is the ability to treat large areas at one time—ideal for legs or arms.

How Laser Hair Removal Works

Laser hair removal relies on a technique known as selective photothermolysis, which targets the melanin in the hair and pigmented cells in the skin but leaves other surrounding tissues unaffected. The pigment absorbs the laser’s energy and causes heat to build up in the follicle without damaging any of the surrounding tissue. The heat destroys the hair follicle and prevents it from growing back. This non-surgical technique can be safely used on any part of the body and requires minimal recovery time.

Is Laser Hair Removal Safe?

While shaving and waxing are cheap, they are not permanent methods for removing hair the way laser hair removal is. Laser hair removal provides patients with a safe long-term solution for eliminating unwanted hair on the face and body. And unlike shaving or waxing, the laser does not come into contact with the skin, so the patient won’t experience any irritation or painful side effects. Patients can trust that they will be left with silky smooth skin after each treatment.

Some patients may experience mild discomfort after the laser energy is absorbed by the hair follicles. However, this slight stinging sensation usually dissipates within half an hour of the procedure being completed. Most patients will experience some redness in the treated area as well, but don’t worry—all of this is perfectly normal and will fade quickly after treatment.

If a patient has particularly sensitive skin or a history of chronic acne, he or she should let his or her doctor know before undergoing laser treatment. Patients with these conditions may be at a higher risk of developing complications, such as scarring or hyperpigmentation. Your doctor will be able to determine if laser hair removal is right for you and whether or not you should make any treatments or lifestyle changes ahead of time to ensure optimal results.

To know more about our cosmetic treatments, call us at (312) 664-2128 or visit our office at 233 E Erie, Suite 100, Chicago, IL 60611.