Having smooth, clear skin is a beauty goal for many of us. With all the different kinds of hair removal methods, it can be overwhelming, especially if you don’t have any experience with some of the methods. Here’s a look at the differences between waxing, shaving, laser hair removal and electrolysis, so you can decide which is right for you.
| Waxing | Shaving | Laser | Electrolysis | |
| Pain | Moderate | Minimal | Moderate | Moderate |
| Time Commitment Per Treatment |
60-90 min | 15-30 min | 20-60 min per area | 15-60 min per area |
| Cost | $130-150 | $7-15 | $95-250 | $45-60 |
| Return Growth | 3-4 weeks | 2-3 days | 4-6 weeks and then Long term, some see permanent hair loss | Every week, but permanent once all treatments are complete |
| Best areas | Everywhere | Underarms and legs | Everywhere, but many sessions and only darker hairs | Everywhere, esp. face and underarms, all types of hairs |
Waxing
Waxing is one of the most popular hair removal methods of the last decade. Although there are plenty of products out there for home waxing, it is best when done by a professional. The reason is that waxing requires the right product, attention to detail, and focus. If done wrong, it can promote ingrown hairs and other skin issues.
Related Reading: 5 Myths About Waxing
Shaving
While this is the cheapest option in the short term, the worst thing about shaving is that you need to do it often in order to keep the areas smooth. With shaving, you can also experience cuts, razor burn and in-grown hairs. On average, people need to shave every 2-3 days, although everyone is different.
Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal has gotten its own acclaim in the last decade. One of the best things about laser is the long term and possible permanent results that many people experience, though it takes several treatments to have permanent hair removal. Like waxing, it can be moderately painful though in a much different way. Most people explain it as a feeling of a “snap” across the skin. It also is one of the most expensive methods of hair removal. The most important thing to keep in mind is that it only works with darker hairs and does little with light-colored or thin hairs.
Electrolysis
Like waxing and laser, electrolysis is moderately painful. Tiny needles are inserted into the hair follicle to kill the root. From there, tiny tweezers pull the hairs out. It requires more frequent treatments than laser hair removal but is guaranteed to be permanent after the necessary treatments are complete. Unlike laser which only works for darker hairs, electrolysis is great for all types of hairs including light-colored or thin hairs.
This beauty news is brought to you by Waxing the City, where both women and men can receive a wax from head to toe. Waxing the City offers a full array of waxing services: bikini, Brazilian, eyebrows, lips, nose, ears, legs, arms, back, and chest. Unlike other waxing salons, they offer both hard and soft wax. In addition to waxing services, they provide clients with brow and lash tinting.
Visit Waxing the City at 3046 Columbia Ave, Franklin TN 37064.
