Back Waxing Vs. Laser Hair Removal
Waxing and laser hair removal are two effective methods for removing unwanted hair from inaccessible places on the body, such as the back and shoulders. Each method has its benefits and drawbacks. Here's what you need to know to make an informed choice about these hair removal techniques.
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What is Waxing?
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While a home waxing kit can be purchased at any drugstore, most people choose to have waxing performed by an esthetician or cosmetologist at a salon or day spa. The process is actually very simple. The technician applies a thin coat of warm wax to the skin, followed by a strip of cloth; the cloth is then pulled quickly off the skin. This removes hair from the root. A lotion or gel is applied to the skin to reduce temporary redness and inflammation.
What is Laser Hair Removal?
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Laser removal involves directing a pulsed laser at the body part where hair is to be removed. The laser heats the hair shaft without damaging the skin's surface, destroying the hair follicle. According to the Mayo Clinic, removing hair on large areas of the body, such as the back, can take about two hours. Several laser therapy treatments are required to get optimal results (from six to eight treatments), with hair removal ranging anywhere from 20 percent to 90 percent, depending on your skin tone and hair type.
Cost of Waxing & Laser Hair Removal
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Perhaps the biggest difference between waxing and laser hair removal is the cost. On average, the cost of back waxing ranges between $40 and $55, excluding the tip to the technician. However, because laser treatments must be performed by a doctor (usually a dermatologist) or a certified health practitioner, the average cost of a single treatment is $387.50. With six to eight treatments required to achieve desired results, laser hair removal involves a considerable expenditure.
Permanence of Removal
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Laser hair removal is a semi-permanent rather than permanent method of hair removal, so it's more appropriate to say that laser therapy is a method of hair reduction, rather than removal. Maintenance treatments are required at least once yearly to remove additional hair growth. Waxing results in a hair-free area for up to two months, although some regrowth might be noted after two to three weeks. There is evidence to support permanent reduction in hair growth after several waxing treatments due to repeated damage to the hair follicle.
The Pain Factor
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Both waxing and laser hair removal involve a certain degree of discomfort both during the procedure and after. Prior to laser therapy removal, a topical anesthetic can be applied to the skin to mitigate pain. Waxing typically does not require an anesthetic and results in brief pain when the cloth strip is quickly removed. Redness and inflammation are common after both treatments. However, after laser hair removal, discomfort can last for two to three days after the treatment. Scabbing and crusting of the area can also occur, necessitating the use of an emollient such as Vaseline on the affected area.
Other Considerations
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According to the Mayo Clinic, the success of laser hair removal depends on a person's skin tone and hair color. Those with very pale skin and dark, coarse hair get the best long-term results from laser hair removal. However, laser hair removal is ineffective for people with white, blond, light brown or red hair. Waxing removes back hair of all colors and textures and is considered one of the most effective methods of eliminating hair on large areas of the body.
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