There are many differences between waxing and laser hair removal, but one of the biggest similarities is the level of pain inflicted during both treatments. Laser hair removal is the next level up from waxing, so for those of you who are fed up with the countless waxing appointments every month, this is for you!
When you get waxed, the hair follicle is pulled out of the skin at the root so that the hair growth is stumped for a limited amount of time. Waxing is not necessary for up to four to five weeks. Although retardation of the hair can be achieved with waxing, it does so slowly and isn’t possible for everyone. Unlike waxing, laser hair removal destroys the hair follicle through multiple series of treatments and eventually stops the hair growth altogether.
Pain Level: Waxing vs. Laser Hair Removal
Your first laser hair removal appointment is similar in pain level to waxing. Everyone has a different pain threshold, and the level of tolerance may differ from client to client. Would you rather come every month for the rest of your life enduring the sting of waxing, or endure eight treatments and be done with it? Laser hair removal rectifies the issue permanently, so hair removal discomfort won’t be necessary for the rest of your life.A cooling gel is applied to the treatment area to ensure the most comfortable experience during your laser procedure. Advanced laser hair removal technology makes treatments significantly less painful than those of traditional lasers. Each zap lasts only a split second, and you may experience a slight warming sensation. The heat sensation won’t occur with every zap but may be experienced throughout. Depending on the area, treatment times range from 15 minutes (for underarms) to an hour (for a full leg). Depending on your pain tolerance, breaks can be given throughout the procedure.
The best way to describe the feeling of the laser is a rubber band snapping against the skin for a split second. Depending on the area, the pain will differ—arms and legs will be less painful than sensitive areas like your face or bikini area. It all comes down to the thickness of the skin (the thicker the skin, the less painful it is).
After the Treatment
The laser leaves all skin surrounding the hair follicle unharmed and minimizes any risk associated with laser hair removal. A cooling application is built into the laser to maximize comfort during the treatment and protect the top layer of the skin. To cool the skin after the treatment, a soothing aloe gel is applied to the treated area. The discomfort or slight warmth will only last for the moments during the treatment and does not persist after your appointment.Conclusion
In conclusion, you will have some discomfort, but it really is no different than waxing. The difference is with laser hair removal, there is a light at the end of the tunnel—the treatments end with permanently hair-free skin. Laser hair removal didn’t become the number one aesthetic treatment in North America by being too much to handle. You can do it, even if you consider yourself sensitive to pain!