We get it: Managing body hair is personal. Deciding which method is best for you can feel like a full-on research project (with a little trial and error along the way — we’ve all been there). If you’ve been weighing waxing vs. laser hair removal, we’re here to help you simplify your decision. We’re breaking it all down so you can choose what fits your lifestyle, your skin, and your glow goals.
First: How do waxing and laser hair removal work?
Waxing involves applying hard or soft wax, often in regions such as the legs, pubic area, chest, or face. Done either at home or by a professional wax specialist, the wax is quickly pulled off, taking the hairs — and their roots — with it.
Laser hair removal uses heat from a medical-grade laser to target the hair follicle beneath the skin. Over time, this can reduce growth — but results happen gradually, not instantly.
With waxing, results are visible immediately and you walk out smooth. With laser hair removal, hair sheds over days or weeks. It often takes multiple sessions (typically two to six or more) to start seeing results with laser.
What waxing and laser hair removal have in common
Both waxing and laser hair removal:
- Make skin smoother
- Help reduce ingrown hairs
- Last longer and are more effective than shaving
- Can lead to finer hair regrowth over time
- Can be completed in about 30 minutes per session, depending on size of the area
What to expect: Prepping for hair removal
Once you’ve booked your session, maximize your self-care investment by spending a little time getting your skin ready for the best possible results, whether it’s being waxed or lasered.
4 pre-waxing tips for the smoothest results
There’s no doubt that waxing will help you get wow-worthy results, but follow these four tips to help it be as soft and smooth as possible.
- Exfoliate 24 hours beforehand to remove dead skin cells that can act as a barrier, helping your wax grip hair more effectively and reducing the chance of ingrown hairs.
- Let growth reach ¼ inch to ½ inch (about the length of a grain of rice) so the wax can properly adhere for the most effective removal.
- Avoid tanning or sun exposure for two days beforehand to keep skin calm and less sensitive.
- Skip lotions, creams, or oils on the day of your appointment so nothing interferes with the wax doing its job.
How to prep for laser hair removal
Because laser hair removal involves medical-grade lasers to target hair follicles, a bit more prep is required. Before your first appointment, a qualified provider should assess your skin type, hair color, medical history, and desired results to determine if laser treatment is a good fit for you. This is especially important because laser technology targets pigment, meaning it tends to be most effective on darker hair.
Before your visit, avoid:
- Tweezing or plucking for at least a month..
- Tanning products for at least two days.
- UV exposure for two days.
The day before your appointment, shave the area to be treated. This helps the laser focus on the follicle below the skin’s surface. In some cases, your provider may prescribe a skin-lightening cream, which helps more accurately target hair follicles without harming the surrounding skin.
Remember to check in with the provider regarding any medications (such as blood thinners) that you should stop taking before the procedure.
Real talk: How much does hair removal hurt?
Pain tolerance is personal. What feels like a quick pinch to one person might feel more intense to another, which is why choosing between waxing vs. laser hair removal often comes down to personal preference. If discomfort is a deciding factor for you, read on!
How painful is waxing on a scale of one to 10?
That depends. For some, it’s not a big deal, while others might need to psych themselves up a bit before an appointment. One thing’s for sure, though: when you see a highly trained professional (like a Waxing the City Cerologist), discomfort is minimized through expert application and removal methods. And the more regularly you wax, the more your skin adjusts over time.
No matter which treatment you choose, pain levels will vary depending on your individual tolerance and how sensitive the area is. Removing a patch on your leg, for example, won’t feel as intense as getting a Brazilian — whether you’re waxing or doing laser hair removal.
4 tips to minimize pain during waxing
- Take an ibuprofen or Aspirin about 30 minutes before your appointment.
- Exfoliate and allow growth to reach about ¼ inch so the wax adheres properly (which means less irritation).
- Skip caffeine. It can make your skin more sensitive.
- The more regularly you wax, the more routine it becomes. Over time, hair often grows back finer, which can make removal feel easier and more comfortable.
Does laser hair removal hurt more than waxing?
Typically no, although some have described it as a tingling or “snapping” sensation that could be uncomfortable or painful. Some providers use a numbing cream to make the experience more comfortable.
Comparing the costs of waxing and laser hair removal
Wallet impact is a huge factor when it comes to waxing vs. laser hair removal — especially if your locks are coarse or thick, or if you have several areas of your body you prefer to keep smooth. Some methods, like laser, require a larger up-front investment but fewer follow-ups, while waxing costs significantly less per session, but requires ongoing maintenance to keep growth from returning.
Prices for waxing and laser hair removal vary depending on your geographic location and the areas of the body being treated. Laser treatments might create sticker shock up front: on average it’s about $200 to $300 for one Brazilian session (with about six to eight sessions typically needed).
A bikini or Brazilian wax is considerably less spendy — starting at $40 per session at Waxing the City, for example — however, waxing requires more frequent sessions (typically every four weeks) to keep skin smoother for longer periods.
Side effects and aftercare
No matter which method you choose, giving your skin plenty of TLC afterward helps prevent irritation and keeps it looking and feeling its absolute best until your next appointment.
Pro tips for waxing aftercare
Your skin may feel a little extra sensitive for a few hours after a wax, so if you notice any redness, irritation, or inflammation, don’t worry — it’s totally normal! At your appointment, your Cerologist will share personalized tips to help keep discomfort to a minimum. Tips for smooth results include:
- Avoid tanning, heat, and intense exercise for 24 hours after your wax.
- Use a gentle serum or antibacterial toner to help calm skin and treat bumps after waxing (ask your Cerologist for recs).
- Keep the area bacteria-free (hands off!).
- Make SPF part of your routine, especially after facial waxing, to help protect freshly waxed skin.
- Exfoliate regularly, about two to three times a week, and again 24 hours before your next appointment to help prevent irritation and ingrown hairs.
Laser hair removal aftercare
Just like after a wax, you might experience redness, irritation, or swelling after laser hair removal. Your provider will give you detailed aftercare instructions for managing discomfort and redness. This often includes using ice packs, avoiding tanning and direct sun exposure, and making SPF a non-negotiable part of your daily skincare routine.
What is the maintenance like?
No matter which hair removal route you choose, investing in upkeep helps you achieve and maintain great long-term results.
How long do waxing results last?
How long waxing results last depends on all kinds of factors, from your hormones to your medical history and lifestyle, as well as the state of your skin and the type of wax being used. In general, waxing lasts for at least one to two weeks. As you wax the same area more consistently, growth tends to slow and you’ll likely be able to go longer in between appointments — sometimes even up to four weeks.
Is laser treatment really permanent?
Laser hair removal is often called “permanent,” but it’s more accurate to think of it as a long-term reduction. While laser hair removal lasts longer than waxing or shaving, it can be a great fit for some goals — but you’ll still need several sessions to target all the hair in a given area. Once those sessions are complete and enough follicles have been affected, laser hair removal is semi-permanent. Even so, hair can grow back over time, which is why maintenance touch-ups are often needed to keep the area hair-free long term.
Comparing waxing vs. laser hair removal
Are there cons to laser hair removal? For some, yes. The higher up-front cost can be a barrier, as well as the provider consult and the need for multiple sessions to see desired results. Plus, you can’t use other hair removal methods for several weeks leading up to the procedure. Lastly, the process isn’t always effective on lighter strands.
As for waxing? While it does require more frequent upkeep, it’s a more approachable option for those who don’t want to make the bigger up-front investment for laser treatment — or who’d rather skip the extra prep that can come with a laser procedure. It’s also a great fit for anyone who loves instant results and the ease of popping into a studio for maintenance. Another major plus: waxing works for all hair types and colors.
Here’s a cheat sheet to help you compare the two options:
Deciding which hair removal method is right for you
Deciding between waxing vs. laser hair removal comes down to your goals, your routine, and what feels best for your skin. When weighing which hair removal method, it helps to consider a few key factors, including:
- Budget
- Time commitment and availability
- Hair type
- Desired results (and how long you want them to last)
- Your personal discomfort tolerance
Ultimately, the best choice is the one that fits your lifestyle and leaves you feeling the most confident. If that choice is waxing, our expert Cerologists are here to guide you through every step of the process and help deliver results that feel smooth, comfortable, and tailored to you.
More helpful tips to show your skin some love
Ready to get your glow on? Visit your Waxing the City studio to experience the confidence-boosting power of our custom waxes and expert techniques.
