Laser Hair Removal vs Waxing: A Quick Comparison
NUR Content Team
Published On August 21, 2025
🗣️: “I wish I had tried laser sooner.”
I hear this all the time from people who spent years waxing, dealing with pain, and all those appointments.
After doing thousands of laser treatments, I can honestly say, laser hair removal vs waxing isn’t a close contest when you look at long-term results and comfort. The average person spends over $23,000 on waxing in their lifetime. Laser? It cuts up to 90% of hair permanently after a few sessions.
However, everyone’s skin, pain tolerance, and budget are different. So here’s a quick, honest breakdown to help you choose what actually works for you.
What is Laser Hair Removal?
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), laser hair removal is a medical procedure that uses concentrated light (laser) to target and destroy hair follicles and reduce future hair growth.
During this treatment, a laser sends out a beam of light that is absorbed by the pigment (melanin) in your hair. That light turns into heat, which safely damages the hair root to slow or stop future growth. After a few sessions (usually 6 to 8), the hair grows back much finer, slower, or sometimes doesn’t come back at all.
What is Waxing?
As laser hair removal is a medical procedure but waxing isn’t. Rather, the American Academy of Dermatology says, waxing is a semi-permanent hair removal method that involves applying warm wax to the skin and then quickly pulling it off to take the hair out from the root. It’s one of the most common and affordable ways to get smooth skin.
To remove unwanted hair from the body through waxing, firstly, you need to spread warm or cold wax on the area with unwanted hair. Then, slowly press a cloth strip on top and pull it off quickly. This removes the hair from the root. Results usually last 3 to 6 weeks.
👉Note: Keep in mind that waxing is a painful process and may cause skin redness, bumps, or ingrown hairs, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Laser Hair Removal vs Waxing: At a Glance
Laser vs waxing, which one is right for you? Confused?? Well, comparing the two side by side can help you decide what best fits your lifestyle. Just as some clients turn to botox treatments or dermal fillers for long-term facial rejuvenation, laser hair removal offers a lasting solution for smooth and hair-free skin.
Features | Laser Hair Removal | Waxing |
Pain Level | Mild to moderate (like rubber snaps) | Moderate to high (especially first time) |
Results Duration | Long-term, often permanent | 3–6 weeks |
Hair Regrowth | Slower, finer, may stop completely | Returns with same thickness |
Treatment Time | Quick (10–60 mins, depending on area) | Quick per session |
Cost Over Time | High upfront, low long-term cost | Cheaper per session, adds up over time |
Maintenance Needed | Occasional touch-ups after sessions | Regular appointments every few weeks |
Skin Irritation | Minimal when done correctly | Redness, bumps, risk of ingrowns |
Best For | Long-term results, all genders/skin types | Short-term smoothness, quick fixes |
Waxing vs Laser: Pain Level
If you have a low pain tolerance, both waxing and laser hair removal can feel a bit uncomfortable. However, the level of pain varies from person to person.
Many people say laser hair removal feels like a light sting or slight tingling. Similarly, you can also use numbing cream on sensitive spots to help from the pain. Waxing, on the other hand, tends to be more painful, especially on delicate spots like the bikini line, underarms, or upper lip.
Laser Hair Removal vs Waxing: Skin and Hair Type Considerations
When choosing between laser hair removal and waxing, it’s important to think about your skin and hair type. In fact, laser hair removal usually works best if you have light skin and dark hair. So, if you have a darker skin tone, you can get laser treatments, but you’ll need a special type of laser that’s safe for your skin.
Likewise, the thickness of your hair also matters. Lasers work well on thick, dark hairs because they have more pigment for the laser to target. Meanwhile, waxing doesn’t care if your hair is thick or thin. It can pull out both types just as easily. So, no matter your hair’s thickness, waxing is always an option.
Laser vs Waxing: Results Duration
On the basis of results duration, laser hair removal lasts much longer than waxing. After a few laser sessions, most people see very little hair grow back, sometimes up to 80–90% less. You just need a touch-up once or twice a year.
But with waxing, you get smooth but short-term results. Your hair grows back in about 3 to 6 weeks, depending on your hair type and growth cycle. This means you'll need regular appointments to stay smooth.
Waxing vs Laser: Treatment Time
The laser hair removal method is not a one-and-done treatment. It requires multiple sessions to be effective. Most people need 6 to 10 sessions spaced about 4 to 6 weeks apart. For areas where hair grows faster, like the face, you may need to go for sessions every 2 to 3 weeks. While it takes some patience, the results last much longer and you’ll need fewer touch-ups later on.
In contrast, waxing needs more frequent maintenance. Since your hair grows back relatively quickly, like on your bikini line, underarms, or eyebrows, you might need a waxing session every 2 to 3 weeks. Well, slower-growing areas like the legs can go 3 to 5 weeks between sessions.
Waxing vs Laser Hair Removal: Cost
Talking about cost, waxing is comparatively cheaper than laser hair removal. But because waxing requires frequent maintenance, the expenses add up over time.
Waxing Costs
Brazilian wax: Average about $59 per session, ranging from $43 to $124.
Full body wax: Typically between $60 and $120 per session.
Bikini wax: Around $30 to $90 per session.
Laser Hair Removal Costs
Upper lip: $150–$250 per session
Underarms: $200–$350 per session
Bikini: $300–$500 per session
Full legs or back: $600–$1,500 per session
The upfront cost is around $2,000 to $3,000, but it offers long-lasting results. Unlike waxing, laser provide permanent hair reduction for years, saving you money in the long run.
Laser Hair Removal vs Waxing: User Reviews
If you are still deciding what to choose, look at the real user reviews below. We looked at reviews from Reddit to get honest opinions. While everyone’s experience is different, some clear patterns stand out. Here’s what users are actually saying about laser hair removal vs waxing:
“I prefer laser 100%. Waxing always left me with horrible ingrown hairs, regardless of how much I exfoliated. Laser hair removal has been working so much better for me - it’s less painful and less irritating for my skin, and it has significant reduced my hair growth. And the hair that’s left is very fine and slow growing and super easy to shave.” — Reddit user ashtree35.
“I had laser hair removal on my legs, underarms and bikini area 7 years ago, and it was the best money I ever spent. I bought a Groupon for my legs which made the cost reasonable and then ended up adding on bikini and underarms. Personally, I had very minimal pain, FAR less than waxing. In some spots on my bikini area it hurt, and my technician just turned the level down. After 7 sessions, my hair was totally gone. Once a year I pay $100 for her to go over the same areas and zap and rogue hairs that have come through. Waxing and shaving cost more for me to keep up over the course of a year. Now I have better results that last and save so much time.” — Reddit user, Professional-Sign510.
Why Do We Recommend Laser Over Waxing?
In my experience treating thousands of clients with different skin types and concerns, one of the most common complaints I hear is about skin irritation caused by waxing and shaving.
That’s why, from a professional standpoint, I often recommend laser hair removal as the more skin-friendly alternative. For clients looking for advanced skin rejuvenation treatments like microneedling, lasers play the biggest role. It doesn't pull at the skin like waxing does. Instead, it gently targets the hair at the root. It's not for everyone, but for most people, laser offer a safer and longer-lasting solution.
Your Next Step: Try Laser Hair Removal in Orlando
As I said earlier that laser hair removal might be a great option to relieve constant pain and frequent appointments, now you need a better place to have this treatment. Nur Med Spa in Orlando can be a great option as our licensed professionals use advanced technology to deliver safe treatments as per your skin and hair type.
👍Book your consultation today and discover the smoother, longer-lasting alternative.
📞Call us: 321-405-1744 📧 Email: admin@thenurmedspa.com 📍 Visit us: 12617 Narcoossee Rd Suite 111, Orlando, FL 32832
We're here to answer your questions and help you feel confident every step of the way.
Waxing vs Laser Hair Removal FAQs
Is laser hair removal better than waxing and shaving?
Yes, laser hair removal is generally a better long-term reduction choice. Shaving is quick but temporary and irritates the skin. Waxing is longer-lasting but painful and needs frequent upkeep. Laser has a more permanent solution, with most people experiencing significant hair reduction after a series of treatments.
What are the negatives of laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal doesn’t come with potential drawbacks. However, in some cases, temporary skin irritation, redness, and swelling can be some negatives of laser hair removal.
Why is my hair growing back 2 days after laser?
It’s normal to see hair a few days after laser treatment. This isn’t new growth, it’s just the treated hair being pushed out. Shedding usually happens over the next couple of weeks.
Which lasts longer, waxing or laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal lasts longer as it targets hair at the root and reduces growth over time.
Is it better to wax or shave after laser?
It’s better to shave, not wax, after laser hair removal. Shaving is safe because it only cuts hair at the surface. Waxing should be avoided because it removes hair from the root, which can interfere with the laser's effectiveness in future sessions. Let the hair shed naturally and shave if needed between treatments.