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The Daily Insight

Is laser better than waxing?

Author

Emma Newman

Updated on March 07, 2026

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. Essentially, the hair is burned at the root.

People also ask, is waxing or laser more painful?

Laser hair removal does not hurt more than waxing as the total procedure is not completed at one time. It is safer than waxing, causes no bleeding, and quicker than waxing also. On the worst side, the waxing hurts much more than laser hair removal.

Secondly, can laser hair removal give you cancer? The myth that laser hair removal therapy can cause cancer is unfounded. The lasers used in laser hair removal do produce a small amount of radiation. However, this radiation is not thought to be harmful, and there is no evidence that laser hair removal therapy causes skin cancer.

In respect to this, is it OK to wax between laser treatments?

Clients obtaining laser hair removal treatments need to refrain from waxing and/or tweezing as a hair removal option. While receiving laser treatments, please shave to remove remaining hair in between laser sessions. And remember, just because you aren't getting in the sun, doesn't mean you have to be pale.

What happens if you wax after laser?

DO NOT wax or pluck after your treatment, though. Pulling out hair follicles after your laser hair removal treatment hinders the process. Your unwanted hair needs to fall out on its own in order to see the best results.

Related Question Answers

Can you laser your vag?

Guide to Laser Hair Removal Some women get their panty lines zapped, which is usually fine, but if you're doing this as a permanent hair removal technique for a completely bare vag, it can grow back unevenly or cause skin discoloration, especially if you have a darker complexion.

Can pubic hair be removed by laser?

Pubic area hair removal Pubic area laser hair removal is painless and you do not have to shave or wax anymore. Generally the genitals and balls are very difficult to treat, but now with this laser method it is possible to remove the hair painlessly and permanently.

Does Brazilian Laser hurt bad?

The most painful part for me was near the top and middle. Although pain is subjective, most people agree that it is way less painful than a Brazilian wax. It is also permanent, which helps put the pain in perspective. One important thing to know about the treatments is that they turn the laser up every treatment.

Does laser hair removal hurt down there?

Because I had gotten laser hair removal before, I knew what to expect once I decided to go bare down there. However, if this is your first time at the rodeo, Newell explains the SmoothPulse laser hair removal system is pain-free, so check with your salon to see if they use that system.

How painful is waxing your pubic area?

No matter what you do to prepare, waxing is painful, and waxing your pubic area is even more so. Obviously, the physical ripping of the hair out of the follicle is not an enjoyable sensation, but also consider the uncomfortable temperature of the wax and the lingering tenderness of the skin that follows.

Do you shave before laser hair removal?

Shave, don't wax! Instead, shave the treatment area 12-14 hours before your appointment. A clean shave with a sharp razor is must, we don't want the laser targeting longer hairs that sit above the skin, as this runs the risk of causing burns.

Does IPL cause ingrown hairs?

No Ingrown hair - IPL avoids the risk of ingrown hairs experienced with other methods such as waxing and shaving. Permanent results - over time, you should see permanently reduce hair re-growth, if you continue with treatments.

Should I wax or shave before laser hair removal?

Do not wax, thread or pluck the hair for at least four weeks before your laser procedure. Hair is the target for all removal devices, and waxing/threading/plucking removes it from the skin. Shaving is the best way to treat your hair prior to and following laser treatments.

How do you prepare for Brazilian Laser?

How to prepare for Brazilian Laser Hair Removal
  1. Ensure you have approx. 4-6 weeks full growth before you start your very first session.
  2. Lightly exfoliate 3-4 days before your session.
  3. Shave the day/night before your treatment, do NOT shave on the day of your treatment.

Can I do laser hair removal every week?

However to treat the remaining hairs, the laser needs to reach each hair follicle during its growth cycle. For permanent results, treat the area once every 2 weeks for at least 3 months until all hairs have been treated, and the hair stops growing back.

How long until hair falls out after laser?

Do the hairs fall out right away? In many patients the skin is slightly pink for 1-2 days; in others (generally, fairer patients) there is no pinkness after laser hair removal. Hairs begin to fall out in 5-14 days and may continue to do so for weeks.

Can waxing permanently remove hair?

When you wax, you can expect the results to last for several weeks, but waxing is not considered to be permanent hair removal. Waxing is more effective than shaving because it removes your hair further down the shaft so it takes longer for it to grow back and become noticeable.

What happens if you don't shave before laser hair removal?

1. You didn't shave first. Lasers heat hair to damage the stem cells in hair follicles, but if the hair is too long, the laser can burn your skin. "Freshly shaved is the best for treatment." If you can't resist waxing, allow hair to grow in for at least one week before a laser appointment.

How can I speed up the shedding after laser hair removal?

Shedding starts at about one and a half weeks and can last until three and a half weeks post-treatment. Exfoliating and/or scrubbing gently in the shower with a loofa can help speed up the process. After shedding finishes, you might experience little black dots still “stuck” in the skin.

Does hair grow back thicker after laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal does not make hair grow back thicker. If regrowth does occur after the full amount of recommended treatment sessions, the hair is usually much finer than the original growth and can be maintained with one treatment every six months.

What are the negative effects of laser hair removal?

Possible laser hair removal side effects include:
  • Mild swelling around the hair follicles.
  • Pigment changes may occur, especially in those with darker skin. These changes are usually temporary.
  • Slight redness of the skin.
  • Temporary irritation resulting in blistering, crusting, scarring or other changes in skin texture.

What happens if I stop laser hair removal?

If you stop laser hair removal after two sessions your hair won't grow longer as the hair that was removed is permanently gone. As with laser treatment, electrolysis is permanent but that does not prevent new hairs from growing in the same general area from different follicles.

Is laser hair removal safe for private parts?

While laser hair removal can work on any body part you wish to remove hair from, it is especially effective on the bikini, lip, chin, and underarm areas.

Is laser hair removal forever?

While laser hair removal doesn't get rid of hair forever (only electrolysis is FDA-approved for permanent hair removal), it does drastically reduce hair growth—to the point that you can stop shaving altogether. You can get it done anywhere on the body, and the machine can cover large places fast.

How often should I get laser hair removal?

How often should I have laser hair removal treatments? Treatments are usually performed every 4-6 weeks for facial hair and every 8-10 weeks for body hair. It is important to ensure your treatments are performed at the right times depending on the location on the body.

Is it safe to do laser hair removal on breasts?

Safe, comfortable, permanent hair removal Professionally-performed electrolysis safely and permanently eliminates unwanted hair from the breast and nipple area with unsurpassed results. Note: It is generally advised not to have electrolysis treatments on the breasts during the last trimester of a pregnancy.

Can laser hair removal affect your hormones?

"It is not necessarily the laser hair removal which worsens the hair growth, but the underlying hormonal imbalance," she explains. "Having high levels of androgen (male hormones) in your body causes physical signs such as excess facial and body hair.

Does laser hair removal affect tattoos?

The short answer is NO. It's simply not safe to get laser hair removal over a tattoo. If you plan to have laser hair removal in an area that has a tattoo, your practitioner will have to perform the treatment around the tattoo. In fact, the tattoo itself may be distorted during treatment.

Can I pluck after laser?

It is not recommended to pluck or epilate the hair after a laser hair removal treatment because the skin must have some time to heal from the treatment itself. The treated hair needs to fall out on its own in order to see the best results. After a week it is fine and shaving is also fine.

How often can you shave between laser sessions?

You'll notice your hair is in this stage of the cycle when it's visible and has grown past the skin's surface. Body hair will remain in this active phase for anywhere from 30 to 45 days, which is why your laser hair removal appointments are scheduled at least 10 weeks apart.