As a medical skin clinic, we get a lot of calls asking us if laser hair removal is better than waxing. The answer is always a resounding yes!
Laser hair removal has been around for over 20 years and the industry has seen a huge growth in popularity and improvements in the technology.
Before committing to any Laser/IPL hair removal treatments, be sure to have a thorough consultation and research the skin clinic and their credentials before you commit.
There are some risks to laser so ask around for referrals.
Read reviews, familiarize yourself so you know the right questions to ask.
Finding the right laser technician can make a world of a difference in your experience.
Is It Time For You To Stop Waxing Or Shaving?
Consider laser/IPL hair removal treatments if you experience the following during waxing or shaving:
- Redness/irritation – Depending on the skin type, sensitive skin can experience redness and irritation after waxing or shaving. This is a common side effect since when you wax, your skin is being pulled quite hard.
- Rashes, bleeding, bruising – If your skin is very sensitive, you may develop more severe side effects. Certain body parts can be more sensitive than others, such as the bikini area.
- Ingrown hairs – This occurs when the incoming hair becomes trapped in the follicle or grows sideways into the skin. Ingrown hairs can cause redness, pain and can leave pigmentation marks. Those with sensitive skin are more prone to ingrown hairs.
- Burns & Discolouration – It is possible to get burnt from waxing, typically when the wax is too hot. This can cause redness, swelling or even blisters, which can leave post-inflammatory pigmentation. If this occurs, pigmentation can take months to a year to fade depending on the skin type.
- Infections – If an area experienced a lot of irritation or bleeding, folliculitis can occur. This happens when the hair follicle becomes infected. Infections can also occur if the wax products happen to be contaminated.
- Allergic Reaction – Like with many products, some people may be allergic to ingredients found in wax. If you tend to experience product sensitivities, you should perform a small patch test first.
- Loss of Elasticity – When you are waxing, you end up pulling on the skin. Over time, this tugging action causes the skin to become less resilient, and the elasticity is lost. Eventually, you start to see more wrinkles and sagging skin on the treated areas.
Do You Still Feel Like Waxing?
If you’re still not sure about choosing Laser/IPL hair removal over waxing, then it’s best to book a consultation with your local medical spa to find out if you would be a good candidate for this treatment.
Some clinics will even offer a free patch-test so you can assess if there’s any reactions or sensitivities, and allow you to have a glimpse of what the treatment feels like.