Laser Hair Removal vs Waxing and Shaving: Which Wins?

For dark hair, laser wins over the long term: after a course, most people have much less hair and far less upkeep. Shaving wins for speed and low cost today, and waxing or threading sit in between, lasting a few weeks. Laser can’t treat grey, white or very light hair, so it won’t suit everyone.^1,2,3

How long does each method last?

• Shaving: usually 1 to 3 days, because it cuts hair at the surface.²
• Waxing: about 3 to 4 weeks, because it pulls hair from the root. Hair has to grow out before you can wax again.²
• Threading: about 4 to 5 weeks.³
• Hair removal creams: usually longer than shaving.³
• Laser: after a course, most people stay hair free for months or even years, and treated hair can be treated again if it returns.^1,4

Laser reduces hair by different amounts for different people. A review of five randomized trials with 223 patients, each followed for at least one full hair cycle, found long-term reduction of 30% to 74% with Nd:YAG lasers, 35% to 84% with alexandrite and 33% to 69% with diode. It was lowest on the face.⁵ On a woman’s face, hormones mean top-ups are likely.⁴

What does each method do to your skin?

• Shaving can cause nicks, razor burn and ingrown hairs, and frequent shaving can irritate skin.³ Shaving against the grain raises the risk of razor bumps.⁶
• Waxing can leave skin red and irritated for a while, and hot wax can burn.^2,3 Avoid it if you use tretinoin or an antibiotic, or if you’ve taken isotretinoin in the past 6 months, because these thin the skin and it could tear.³
• Threading causes little irritation, though an inexperienced hand can cause ingrown hairs.³ Waxing and tweezing can also lead to hairs growing back into the skin.⁶
• Laser usually causes redness and swelling for 1 to 3 days. Blisters, scars and colour changes are rare.¹ Our guide to laser hair removal side effects covers what’s normal.

If razor bumps are your main problem, laser can help, because it removes the hairs that cause them. One review describes it as a definitive treatment, usually over 3 to 7 sessions.⁶

Is laser cheaper in the long run?

It costs more up front and can cost less over time, depending on how much hair you treat and how often you remove it now. To compare fairly, add up one year of razors, waxing or threading visits for the areas you care about, and multiply by the years you expect to keep going. Then ask for the cost of a course and likely top-ups for the same areas. Shaving will still be the cheapest choice for a small area you rarely treat.²

Time counts too. A course is usually at least 4 to 6 sessions, spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart, and small areas take minutes.⁷ After that, you stop booking wax and threading appointments every few weeks.

When does shaving or waxing still win?

• Your hair is grey, white, blonde or red. Laser doesn’t work on these colours.³ Electrolysis is the usual option for lighter hair.⁸
• You’re pregnant. We don’t use laser in pregnancy.
• You have a tan. Wait for it to fade completely.³
• You need smooth skin next week. A laser course takes months, so shave or thread for now.
• It’s a very small area you rarely bother with. A razor may be all you need.

How do I switch from waxing to laser?

1. Stop waxing, threading and plucking 6 weeks before your first session, because the laser needs the root in place.⁷
2. Shave only from now on, and shave the day before each session.
3. Keep your skin free of tan, and wear sunscreen on exposed areas.⁷
4. Choose your areas. Laser can treat the underarms, back, bikini area, chest, face, legs, neck and shoulders.⁴

Our laser hair removal page explains sessions and how the CoolGlide laser is set for your skin. Consultations for this are free at all 12 of our clinics, and you can ask for a female doctor. If laser is your choice, see clinics and what to expect for laser hair removal in Karachi and laser hair removal in Sialkot.

Medically reviewed by Dr Sadaf Saleem, Dermatologist, FCPS (Dermatology), PM&DC 62494-P; Dr Junaid Rabbani, Dermatologist, PM&DC 44510-S; and Dr Shegref Mushtaq, Dermatologist, FCPS (Dermatology), PM&DC 19827-N

1. American Academy of Dermatology. Laser hair removal: FAQs.
2. Cleveland Clinic. Shaving vs. waxing.
3. American Academy of Dermatology. 6 ways to remove unwanted hair.
4. American Academy of Dermatology. Laser hair removal: Overview.
5. Krasniqi A, et al. Efficacy of lasers and light sources in long-term hair reduction: a systematic review. J Cosmet Laser Ther, 2022.
6. Ogunbiyi A. Pseudofolliculitis barbae; current treatment options. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol, 2019.
7. Vaidya T, et al. Laser hair removal. StatPearls.
8. Mimoto MS, et al. Evaluation and treatment of hirsutism in premenopausal women. JAMA, 2018.

Treatments in this article

Sessions, downtime and results for each, on its own page.

Full Body Laser Hair RemovalAppointment: About 90 minutes for full body · Downtime: None; mild redness 1–3 days

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