Laser Hair Removal vs. Waxing and Epilation: Pros and Cons | LA Beauty Skin Center (2024)

Is flawless skin an impossible dream? It doesn’t have to be.

Soft, smooth, and supple skin can be within your reach if you know which hair removal method is the best and make wise choices for yourself. However, all the digital noise on beauty hacks can make skin care choices so confusing! All these laser vs waxing and waxing vs epilating debates can be quite disconcerting, and we understand that.

We’re here to spill the tea on the three most common hair removal methods. By the end of this, you will have all the information you need to decide which one to go for.

What Is Epilation Hair Removal & How Does It Work?

Epilation hair removal involves a hand-held and battery-powered device called, as you can guess, an epilator.

There are three general variations of epilators: the needle, the tweezer, and the electrolysis. The first two work by pulling and plucking at hair roots. The third one must be used by an experienced aesthetician because it’s a more complex process and may require local anesthesia.

In order to use an epilator, you need to hold it at a 75 to 90-degree angle (depending on your comfort), switch it on, and move it against the direction of hair growth. The device slowly plucks the hair from the skin, which can be uncomfortable or even painful.

Never press the epilator too hard on your skin, as it can cause nicks and/or nasty cuts.

While epilators can give you silky soft skin, the process can feel unfamiliar and mildly unpleasant to those who have never experienced an epilation hair removal. For a smoother hair removal process with an epilator, gently exfoliate your skin and pat it dry before the procedure. Make sure to pull it taut as you move the device over your skin.

Epilators are made for both dry and wet use.

Laser Hair Removal vs. Waxing and Epilation: Pros and Cons | LA Beauty Skin Center (1)

What Is Laser Hair Removal & How Does It Work?

There are many myths about laser hair removal. Here’s an undisputed fact: this procedure is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the United States. This is because it is very effective and leads to nearly permanent hair removal. In addition, it’s not nearly not as painful as epilation hair removal.

Laser hair removal works by destroying hair follicles with the help of a targeted laser beam. The laser light gets absorbed by the pigment in the skin called melanin and transforms into heat – destroying the hair follicle. It works best on light skin tones with dark hair.

This procedure must only be performed by a trained medical professional and usually requires multiple sessions to deliver semi-permanent or possibly permanent results. The laser beam eliminates only the hair in the active stage of growth, that’s why several consecutive treatment sessions, 4 weeks apart, are required to target all hair in the treatment area. Hair removal is significantly more thorough and long-lasting compared to epilation or waxing.

What Is Waxing & How Does It Work?

And last but not least, there’s waxing. You can use hot or cold wax or waxing strips to remove unwanted hair from different parts of your body.

How does waxing work? The wax is applied to the skin and let dry. When you peel back the wax, it plucks the body hair from the follicle to the tip, removing it entirely. Waxing gives you smooth skin that can last for quite a long time.

Does waxing remove hair permanently? Certainly not, but it’s relatively inexpensive, and you can easily do it yourself at home without much fuss.

Laser Hair Removal vs. Waxing and Epilation: Pros and Cons | LA Beauty Skin Center (2)

Epilation vs Laser Hair Removal: Pros and Cons

Which one wins the epilator vs laser hair removal debate? Although both processes have the same goal, they are not the same in practice.

Laser Hair Removal vs. Waxing and Epilation: Pros and Cons | LA Beauty Skin Center (3) Epilation is cheaper than laser treatment, but the latter provides a far more risk-free and permanent result.

Laser Hair Removal vs. Waxing and Epilation: Pros and Cons | LA Beauty Skin Center (4) You must always exercise caution when using an epilator. The device can lead to grievous injuries when not handled with care.

Laser Hair Removal vs. Waxing and Epilation: Pros and Cons | LA Beauty Skin Center (5) While laser hair removal can be performed on any part of your body that experiences hair growth, epilation is not recommended for sensitive areas. For example, you may be wondering can you use epilator on face? You can, but you need to prep your skin, follow extreme caution, and be ready for some redness or inflammation after the procedure.

In the laser hair removal vs epilator debate, is epilating worth it? Only if you want a temporary fix and aren’t afraid of experiencing a little bit of pain, discomfort, or both.

Laser Hair Removal vs Waxing: Pros and Cons

Is laser hair removal better than waxing? Here are some pros and cons of laser hair removal or waxing:

Laser Hair Removal vs. Waxing and Epilation: Pros and Cons | LA Beauty Skin Center (6) Laser hair removal provides better, cleaner, and more permanent results than waxing.

Laser Hair Removal vs. Waxing and Epilation: Pros and Cons | LA Beauty Skin Center (7) Waxing is far cheaper and easier than laser hair removal. It can be done at home, while laser treatment can only be performed by professionals using specialized technology.

Laser Hair Removal vs. Waxing and Epilation: Pros and Cons | LA Beauty Skin Center (8) Does laser hair removal hurt more than waxing? Definitely not. Laser procedures only cause mild tingling or discomfort. Waxing can be incredibly painful, especially if you’re getting it done for the first time.

Which is the better option, laser hair removal or waxing? Depending on your budget, pain threshold, and end goals, either of these options can provide long-term results.

Which Hair Removal Method Is Best and How To Pick the Right One for You

Epilating, waxing, and laser hair removal all have pros and cons. But when you compare all three for which hair removal method is the best, the benefits of laser hair removal outweigh the pros of waxing and epilation. While waxing vs epilating are low-cost, quick, and painful fixes, laser hair removal is fuss-free.

Laser Hair Removal vs. Waxing and Epilation: Pros and Cons | LA Beauty Skin Center (9)

According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), laser hair removal is permanent “on most parts of the body.” It is also by far the least painful procedure.

How effective is laser hair removal? It leads to excellent results when done right.

The only caveat is that laser hair removal may not show great results on white, gray, or blonde hair. However, innovations in laser technology have made it possible to treat most combinations of hair color and skin tone.

At LA Beauty Skin Center, we provide the best-in-class laser hair removal. We use top-notch devices like Candela GMax Pro, Cynosure Elite iQ and Alma Soprano Ice Platinum for the best results. Our experienced registered nurses provide you with the best and most thorough laser hair removal in Los Angeles.
If you want to know more about the medical spa services we provide, book an appointment at LA Beauty Skin Center online. You can also contact LA Beauty Skin Center on social media.

Laser Hair Removal vs. Waxing and Epilation: Pros and Cons | LA Beauty Skin Center (2024)

FAQs

Laser Hair Removal vs. Waxing and Epilation: Pros and Cons | LA Beauty Skin Center? ›

Laser hair removal is cost-effective, non-invasive, painless and efficient. Waxing and shaving can cost you thousands of dollars in the long run. Nonetheless, problematic hair will not disappear.

Is laser hair removal better than epilating? ›

Epilation is cheaper than laser treatment, but the latter provides a far more risk-free and permanent result. You must always exercise caution when using an epilator. The device can lead to grievous injuries when not handled with care.

Is it better to wax or get laser hair removal? ›

Adverse reactions: Professional laser hair removal is safer and healthier for your skin. Adverse effects are possible with both waxing and laser hair removal: Whether waxing is done right or wrong, it can cause or contribute to ingrown hairs and folliculitis (infected, inflamed hair follicles).

What is negative to laser hair removal? ›

Risks of side effects vary with skin type, hair color, treatment plan and adherence to pre-treatment and post-treatment care. The most common side effects of laser hair removal include: Skin irritation. Temporary discomfort, redness and swelling are possible after laser hair removal.

How many times do you have to epilate before hair stops growing? ›

To prevent your hair from growing, you may have to perform between two and four cycles of epilation in conjunction with applying the FRÉNÉSIES cream. In extreme and very rare cases, the treatment may take up to 6 cycles to achieve the permanent results.

What hurts more, an epilator or a laser? ›

Both laser hair removal and epilation hurt but in slightly different ways. Laser is the pain of a quick zap of heat (that gets cooled down immediately), while epilation is the pain of pulling out multiple hairs from the root at once. As far as we're concerned, laser hair removal is the more tolerable experience.

Will epilating make hair thicker? ›

Another benefit is that epilation may result in less body hair over time. With this method, hair grows back softer and finer. Hair may even regrow at a slower rate. The longer you epilate, the less hair you'll notice on certain parts of your body.

What hurts more, Brazilian wax or laser? ›

Low pain level: Laser treatment hurts much less than waxing. Plus, technicians usually apply numbing and cooling cream to reduce discomfort in the treatment area. High cost: As the most expensive option, laser hair removal should be considered an investment.

What lasts longer, waxing or laser? ›

Laser hair removal is the best hair removal method if you're looking for long-term results. Some people see permanent results, while most enjoy results that last for months or years. If you're trying to save time, laser hair removal is the way to go. The sessions are quick and easy.

What is more effective than laser hair removal? ›

Electrolysis is considered a more permanent solution than laser hair removal (it stops hair growth completely while laser hair removal slows and reduces hair growth), but it requires more individual sessions (closer to 14), and the sessions can take longer. You might not see full results for nearly 18 months.

What are 3 disadvantages of laser? ›

Disadvantages of Laser :
  • Costly for Patients – It is costly and consequently more consumption to the patients requiring laser-based medicines.
  • Costly for specialists – ...
  • Increases intricacy – ...
  • Less uses in Dental method – ...
  • Higher forces during the cutting cycle – ...
  • Destructive –
Dec 28, 2020

What they don t tell you about laser hair removal? ›

Fact — Laser hair treatments don't work as well, and sometimes not at all on very fair or blond hair. The laser hair removal treatment requires pigment in the hair, or the beam of light will not reach the hair follicle. Hair that is gray or blond has less pigment, which can make laser hair removal ineffective.

What makes you a bad candidate for laser hair removal? ›

People who are taking certain medications, such as acne treatments, should avoid laser hair removal. It can also be a bad fit for people with certain skin conditions, like a history of skin cancer or keloid scars. Women who are pregnant or nursing should also put off hair removal.

Does epilating stop strawberry legs? ›

While an epilator might be uncomfortable or even painful (like waxing), anecdotal evidence suggests that this form of hair removal can prevent strawberry legs from occurring. Skipping shaving cream may also be causing your symptoms, so be sure to carefully moisturize the area before it comes in contact with a razor.

Is it better to epilate wet or dry? ›

We recommend that you use most products on dry skin, as wet hair tends to stick more to the skin. Also, if you are aiming to do an on-the-go session, try using the product on dry skin instead. Be certain that your skin is clean and completely dry before using the appliance.

Do you epilate with or against the grain? ›

Brush across your skin against the direction of the hair growth before epilating. This will lift the shorter hairs and give the epilator a better grip. You should always epilate against the direction of hair growth.

Does epilating get rid of hair permanently? ›

Like waxing, the effects of epilating with a tweezer or needle epilator will typically last a couple of weeks. While electrolysis epilation is permanent, you'll probably need multiple electrolysis treatments.

Is it better to shave or epilate before laser hair removal? ›

Do not wax, tweeze, epilate or use chemical depilatories for two weeks before treatment, or at all in between laser treatments. Since the laser targets the root of the hair, it must be present for the treatment to be effective. Shaving is the only form of hair removal recommended during the course of your treatments.

Which is more effective IPL or epilator? ›

IPL is more effective than waxing, shaving, and epilating all together because it's faster, easier, and it doesn't hurt. But scientifically speaking, it's the best method of permanent hair removal out there.

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