Waxing vs Laser Hair Removal
So lets get real here for a second how many of us love to shave? no hands? Agreed it’s more of a chore than anything. But we all (well most) want that hairless/smooth feeling! So we put ourselves through treatments to make this happen. If you’re a treatment newbie let me give you my honest opinion and well experiences with both waxing and laser hair removal.
Waxing I’m sure you’ve had it done once or twice before for eyebrows or maybe upper lip. But obviously we know how that feels so if you've ever considered getting a Brazilian there is a lot to consider. Let me start you with the pro’s! PRO
Immediate Results
Lasts about 3-6 Weeks
Prices may vary but generally reasonable (for a proper and clean shop)
CON… Now the real talk
Pain
Discomfort/Awkward/Intimidating
Alright so yes obviously with waxing comes some pain and discomfort but the way I look back at it is the pain is band-aid like it happens and then its over and done with. Plus the discomfort just comes as someone who’s never done anything like this before. I mean 1. a professional who you don't personally know will be waxing and getting up all in your private business 2. You have to let the hair grow.. Ew I know I hated that part but you want the best results so as embarrassed as I was to be in this state you just have to get over it. The Prep Unfortunately like I said above you have to let the hair grow, if you don’t you wont get the best results. So considering the state you’re currently in just make sure its as clean as possible. I had showered right before going, I mean its only considerate right? During Well at this point I had gone to the wrong salon first so that was embarrassing but I made it to the appointment on time yet. I was then walked to the waxing room very private I found comfort in that. The waxing lady was great very social, she had asked if it was my first time and of course she could tell so she told me to try and relax.You take your underwear off and have a baking paper like thong given to you, and a towel to cover the goods as much as possible. We then started talking about my reason to be getting this done which was for my first Australia trip. Which if you have a conversation keep it going throughout the treatment so you don’t focus on the obvious pain. Honestly it does hurt but certain areas don’t hurt as much but others do and of course I clinched which is something you should try and not do as I was told. Aftercare It’s all done! I was quite tender and red but hairless and that was the end goal right. Basically its a sigh of relief when she's like “I’m all done!”. But overall you are ecstatic you went through with it, almost empowering if you will. I know sounds kind of lame but I truly mean it. So after care wise just keep everything cool for the next couple of hours, ice pack and cold showers, anything will work really. I personally didn’t use anything because I had to go to work right after. Conclusion Now generally waxing doesn’t break the bank, so I had paid about $60 for the actually treatment but added a $15 tip on top I mean she did just wax me and made me feel comfortable for my first time. I cannot stress enough to anyone looking into this to find a CLEAN place! please don't go for 'dodgey' deals unless it is a promo from a trusted salon. Also FYI the more regularly you go the thinner the hair gets the easier it comes out and less pain.
Laser Hair Removal Yes laser hair removal can be life changing, it sounds more daunting than it really is! So here are your pros and cons again. Pro
long-term results
painless or very little pain
not time consuming
Con
price (usually varies can be alright with specials or can be pricey)
multiple treatments needed
The Prep This type of prep I much prefer over waxing, you actually have to shave the areas prior to the appointment. Preferably up to 12 hours. Like before keep it fresh for your laser technician, I mean it’s only courteous! During So this time I couldn't actually find the store it was in a mall that I never been to before so I was about 10 minutes late I did call ahead though, which please do that before otherwise you can lose your appointment. So since it’s your first time you do a 10 minute consultation where you fill out paperwork, go through what will happen, after care etc. Now I get undressed, they have wipes and what not there to freshen up before and then I put the baking paper like sheet over top of me. I lie down on the bench as I waited for the technician to come back in. She came back and gave me some googles to keep my eyes safe, she proceeded to give me some light pulses just to show me how it works, then she started. Honestly I can’t even begin to tell you how much it DIDN’T even hurt! Some thicker hairs will give you a little sting but nothing terrible, in a matter of 5-10 minutes its all over! That is it! Aftercare Like I said 5-10 minutes its all over, I had my armpits done at the same time so that's why it took “longer”. Unfortunately the after care is a little more extensive than waxing. I had bought the products and in the pamphlets it tells you when to use the creams/peels/cleansers. In my trio package I bought came the Laser Aid that will draw out the heat from the treatment (which in fact really does help, if you have a darker complexion you tend to hold in the heat longer than a fair skinned people). A peel scrub to help the remaining hairs fall out avoiding and ingrown hairs. and finally and SPF cleanser to help protect the skin after the treatment. There are rules like no excessive sweating for 48 hours I did follow that only because I was able to postpone a workout haha. But just not to swim in either salt or chlorine waters, and to keep it cool ice packs cold showers type thing.
Conclusion Over all laser is great for long-term results but for now it will take either 6-8 procedures in my case I was told 10-12! Price wise in Australia its quite affordable because its so competitive here, and because let's face it Australia is summer time all year round well compared to Canada. So my treatment cost me about $40, the creams costed me more though. But compared to Ontario (Canada) prices it can be from $90-$300 so let’s hope in the future the prices do go down especially if you need a lot of treatments to keep it more permanent.
All in all waxing is great for fast results and will make the hair thinner over time, but laser will bring long lasted results in time you go from a full year to once or twice a year just for maintenance. If it was easily more affordable like here in Australia I would recommend it more highly for the average person in Ontario, but if you're willing to commit to it then go for it!
I started with Laser Clinic’s Australia, so those who are interested here in Australia should at least go for the complimentary consultation for sure. Make sure waxing wise you find the right person and salon for yourself like Ive said before. I went to a salon in Richmond Hill area. Let me know how you go with whichever you choose! Cheers xx