Hair removal is a major concern for many people. Some of the most popular forms of temporary hair removal include shaving, waxing, tweezing and using depilatory creams. Two forms of hair removal are considered permanent: laser and electrolysis 12. Laser hair removal and electrolysis are considered permanent removal methods because one can expect extended periods of nongrowth between sessions, whereas temporary methods require regular maintenance 12.

Procedure

Waxing removes unwanted hair by entangling it in a sticky substance, wax, and ripping it free from the skin, root bulb and all. New growth generally appears after two weeks. Laser removal directs intense heat into the hair follicles, rendering them unlikely to produce new hair 12. Although laser removal is considered permanent, regrowth usually occurs.

Results

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Waxing leaves skin smooth for up to two weeks. Hair grows back much finer and softer after a waxing. Laser hair removal leaves skin smooth for extended periods of time 12. The amount of time between growth periods varies from client to client. But most clients can get by with a retouch every six months to a year. Regrowth after laser treatment is fine, thin and lighter in color.

Availability

Waxing is much more accessible than laser services. The majority of salons offer waxing services, making it possible to obtain waxing services in any town. Home waxing kits, purchased at any drugstore or beauty supply, allow people to wax in the privacy of their homes. Laser hair-removal must be done in a licensed facility by trained professionals 12. Such facilities are usually in larger cities, which decreases convenience and increases travel time.

Cost

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Waxing costs less per session, but costs more than laser hair removal over the long run 12. The average cost for laser hair removal is $429 per session, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons 12. Although laser takes several sessions and retouches for successful results, the total investment pales in comparison to the cost of long-term waxing. Over the course of a lifetime, women spend nearly $23,000 on waxing services. The Free Library estimates that women who zap spend $20,000 less over a lifetime than those who wax.

Problems

Problems associated with waxing include:

• burns
  
• skin tears
  
• bruising
  
• ingrown hairs
  
• secondary skin infection
  
• pain at the treatment site

Problems associated with laser removal include

• skin irritation
  
• crusting
  
• scabbing
  
• changes in pigmentation of the skin
  
• blistering
  
• scarring
  
• changes in skin texture
  
• according to the Mayo Clinic