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Laser Hair Removal Vs. Waxing

I had some laser hair removal and am very happy, but I heard waxing pulls from the roots (though not a big fan of the red marks left from waxing). Which lasts longer, Laser Hair Removal or Waxing?

Asked 23 months ago by LosAngelesLaserHairRemoval in los Angeles
Sort 11 expert answers by:
+2

Laser hair removal is better than waxing for long term hair reduction

Waxing might be more immediate in its effect in reducing hair seen above the skn surface, but it never provides long term reduction in hair growth. Laser hair removal, does not immediately show hair reduction or elimination, but after many sessions (8 or more monthly treatments) there can be long term reduction of hair growth so the laser hair removal is the only option which might last longer. Electrolysis could produce permanent hair loss but is time consuming and many times must retreat... more
Ronald Shelton, MD
Manhattan Dermatologist
+2

Laser hair removal and waxing

Laser hair removal can lead to a permanant reduction in the number of hairs and reduce their thickness and appearance. Waxing does pull hair out by their roots, but the same number of hairs will grow back. The rate of regrowth is about the same, but with laser (or IPL), there will be less growth for a longer period of time.
Joseph Rabson, MD
Philadelphia Plastic Surgeon
+1

Laser hair removal vs waxing

Waxing plucks the hair shaft out of the hair root (follicle) It is painful, but immediately effective. However, the hair is guaranteed to return. Also, waxing the hair, repeatedly, distorts the hair follicle (roor) and makes it more difficult for the Laser to reach the protion of the follicle that causes the hair to grow. Lase hair removal is best if the hair follicle is darker than the skin.
Eugene Mandrea, MD
Chicago Dermatologist
+1

Laser Hair Removal Permanent, Waxing Temporary

Thank you for your question. Waxing removes hair by physically pulling it from the hair follicle (“root”) without destroying the follicle itself. Since the follicle is responsible for hair growth new hairs are then generated. Thus, waxing is a temporary means of hair removal. Laser hair removal is a more complex and more permanent means of hair removal. Lasers used for hair removal target pigment and use heat to destroy the hair follicle. Because lasers destroy the... more
Steven H. Williams, MD
San Francisco Plastic Surgeon
+1

Laser hair removal is a permanent hair reduction method

Laser hair removal is a far more desired method for permanent hair reduction.  After a few treatments, you will not need to worried about hair growth again  Waxing on the other hand, is very painful, costly and a life long maintaince treatment. 
David A. F. Ellis, MD
Toronto Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Laser or IPL hair removal should lead to 75-90% permanent hair reduction.

You're a good candidate for laser or IPL hair removal if your skin is light, and your hair is dark. Also coarse, fast-growing hair like facial, underarm, and bikini respond best. You'll likely need around 6 treatments for a desired result. I hope you find this helpful.
Eric M. Joseph, MD
West Orange Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Laser Hair Removal is a more permanent solution than waxing

Waxing is only a temporary solution while laser hair removal can be more permanent with multiple visits. Waxing is a nice treatment when you need immediate results, but again laser hair removal is well worth the wait.
Bruce Katz, MD
New York Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Laser hair removal

Laser hair removal by far is the more long lasting treatment! If you go through a series of treatments, you can expect the hair removal to be permanent. Waxing will only temporarily remove the hairs until they regrow at their normal rate. While waxing "pulls the hairs out" from the root, lasers destroy hairs at the place they are grown - the root (or bulb as it is called). In my opinion, laser hair removal is also less uncomfortable than waxing!
Dawn L. Sammons, DO
Ohio Dermatologist
+1

Laser hair removal is permanent, waxing is not

Laser hair removal is a process that completely destroys the hair follicles treated, waxing removes hair but does not permanently prevent that hair from regrowing. Laser hair removal requires repeated treatments separated by 4-6 weeks, usually 5-6 treatments to achieve 85-90% permanent hair reduction. Laser hair removal is more expensive initially, but in the long run, may be more economical than waxing.
Elizabeth Lee, MD
Bay Area Plastic Surgeon
+1

Laser Hair Removal can be permanent

Laser Hair Removal can be permanent while waxing is always temporary.  Laser hair removal also removes hair from the root, but it isn't removed immediately as it is with waxing. Usually a few days after laser hair removal the hairs fall out of the follicles.
Lorrie Klein, MD
Laguna Niguel Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Laser hair removal versus waxing

Laser hair removal is a more effective long term solution for hair removal. Waxing does not damage the hair follicle like the energy from the hair removal laser. Therefore, hair removal with the laser is a more permanent way of reducing the number of hairs and over the long term should given you sustained improvement. I hope this information helps.
Scott Trimas, MD
Jacksonville Facial Plastic Surgeon
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