With so many hair removal options on the market today, we thought it would be interesting to see how they all compare. We found this breakdown of hair removal methods on the Washingtonian, written by Jennifer Barger. While laser hair removal is on the more expensive side (dependent upon the treatment area size and number of treatments needed), it certainly is a leader in effectiveness:
The Pain
The discomfort of hair removal is highly subjective—it varies according to pain tolerance, body part, and how thick and plentiful your hair is.
Waxing
Depending on how coarse your hair is and where it is, waxing can hurt a lot—you may feel as if your hair is being yanked out (which it is).
Electrolysis
While the technology has improved in recent years, using electricity to remove single hairs is generally more time-consuming and involves more discomfort than using lasers. Imagine an intense pinch and some heat.
Sugaring
Waxing’s gentler cousin, in which a warm sugar paste is used to pull hair from the roots. It’s less painful because sugar crystals adhere just to hairs, not to skin, which means less pulling and redness.
Laser
With sensations that range from pinpricks to slight burning, laser hair removal isn’t exactly comfortable, but many users report that it’s less intense than waxing.
Shaving
Unless you cut yourself or have extra-sensitive skin, shaving is minimally painful. The exception: Coarse-haired areas (bikini line, men’s faces) are prone to ingrown hairs and bumps.
Depilatories
Nair and other chemical hair-removal creams are smelly and messy but pain-free.
The Cost
Below are price quotes for one year of hair removal on the bikini line, but costs vary depending on products and practitioners. (Electrolysis is not included because it’s rarely used to remove all bikini-line hair.)
Laser
$735 for six 20-minute sessions at Shobha. (1730 M St., NW; 202-912-8455)
Sugaring
$636 for 12 15-minute sessions at Shobha. (1730 M St., NW; 202-912-8455)
Waxing
$528 for 12 20-minute sessions at Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa. (10213 Old Georgetown Rd., Bethesda; 240-644-1319)
Shaving
$56 for 12 disposable Gillette Venus Embrace Sensitive women’s razors at Target.
Depilatory
$13 for three 1.7-ounce bottles of Nair Sensitive Bikini Cream at Walgreen’s.
The Results
Hair-removal methods can last anywhere from forever to a few days. Here’s how long results last for various methods.
Electrolysis
Dubbed permanent hair removal by the FDA; but it targets only visible hairs, so it can require frequent treatments over time.
Laser
Reduces hair by 80 to 90 percent but can require yearly touchups.
Waxing
Removes hair for weeks; long-term waxing can cause hair to grow back more thinly.
Sugaring
Removes hairs for weeks; long-term use can weaken hair follicles, resulting in finer regrowth.
Depilatory
Removes hair for several days; long-term use doesn’t affect regrowth.
Shaving
Removes hair for days; long-term use has no effect on regrowth.
Want to learn more about laser hair removal? You can learn more about our services and rates here. Call us at 503.867.6386 or contact us here anytime.
SRC: See the original article in the Washingtonian here: www.washingtonian.com/2016/02/17/laser-hair-removal/