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Waxing verse Lasers for Hair Removal

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Spring is in full swing now, which means summer will be here before you know it! And around here, that means hitting the beach in that two-piece swimsuit that’s been stuffed in your closet for months. The thought of baring so much skin in broad daylight might spur many women to stock up on shaving lotion and razors, but before you do, consider your other options for eliminating unwanted hair, like waxing or laser hair removal. But which one is best for you? Here are a few factors to consider.

Cost

One laser hair removal treatment is more expensive than one waxing appointment. But you also have to consider the long-term costs. Because laser hair removal is permanent, you only need a finite number of treatments until you’re hair-free. The results of your wax last up to one month, so you’ll need to continue treatments if you want to maintain your smooth skin.

Treatment area

For sensitive areas of the body, like the bikini line, waxing might be a better option. Laser hair removal destroys a hair’s root at the follicle, which can feel like a rubber band snapping against your skin. Patients report varying levels of pain, although at Coastal Dermatology Center we not only offer a topical anesthetic that can be applied 30 minutes prior to the treatment, but our advanced Candela lasers precede each laser pulse with a cooling spray to minimize discomfort.

Skin tone

Laser hair removal destroys hair follicles by using pulses of energy to target the hair melanin (color), so the procedure works better for patients who have contrast between their skin color and hair color. For patients with less contrast between skin and hair color, waxing is a better option.

Short and long-term results

Waxing delivers better short-term results and laser hair removal delivers better long-term results. While waxing leaves you hair-free longer than shaving—about two weeks—laser hair removal treatments will eventually halt hair growth (although some patients require maintenance sessions every year or so).

The approach of beach season prompts many of us to look into the various hair removal methods now available. Use these tips to figure out the best option for you, and contact the experts at Coastal Dermatology Center with your skincare questions!