How to Transition from Waxing to Laser Hair Removal?

Waxing was a good hair removal method for a while, but in today’s world there are much better solutions to unwanted hair. One of them is laser hair removal. With technology like the GentleMax Pro Plus, laser became even more accessible to more people. If before laser was working on light skin and dark hair only, today it can treat all skin types and hair textures and it offers long term results, compared to getting waxing treatments every two weeks. And you know what is the best and craziest part about it? It can be very painful. It’s an outdated treatment.

Laser hair removal is a popular procedure. V&P Laser Hair Removal & Skin Care reports that around 95% of the new patients they get who never had laser before, report a positive experience and decide to stick with laser follow up visits after their first treatment. If you are thinking about transitioning from waxing, before you make an appointment with a clinic in your area, read this this article where you will find a few tips, benefits, possible side effects and the differences between these two hair removal methods.

Why Switch from Waxing to Laser?

Yes, it’s true what people claim that waxing is removing hair from the root, but the thing is that it doesn’t stop the follicle from growing new hair. It grows back finer but it grows. And the interval is usually 2 weeks. Laser works totally different, it uses light energy that damages the follicle, and this reduces the hair growth,and, in some cases, it can offer permanent results after multiple sessions.

What to Expect When Transitioning

• Active Follicle Requirement: Laser energy targets hair in the anagen, active, phase. Unlike the waxing protocol that waits for hair to reach a certain length, laser protocols are calibrated to the growth cycle, necessitating follicles that are presently growing.
• Substituting Pre-Treatment Hair Removal: Cease all waxing four to six weeks prior to the first laser session. Shaving, applied judiciously, preserves the hair shaft within the follicle, optimizing the energy delivery without disrupting the epidermal surface.
• Session Frequency: A course comprises an average of six to eight treatments, delivered at intervals of four to eight weeks, to account for the staggered anagen phases of the treated follicles.
• Sensation Description: Reported sensations range from a brief rubber-band-like snap to a moderate, transient warmth. This differs from the nociceptive component experienced during waxing, signifying a more controlled and localized dermal response.

Benefits of Switching to Laser Hair Removal

• Cumulative Follicular Suppression: In contrast to the few-week duration of waxing, laser therapy may culminate in gradual and enduring attenuation of hair density. 
• Streamlined Scheduling: Elimination of the need to book waxing sessions or to monitor hair for optimal length prior to treatment. 
• Reduced Dermal Sensitivity: Whereas waxing frequently leads to follicular inflammation and postoperative erythema, progressive laser applications generally demonstrate a diminishing incidence of such adverse events. 
• Uniform Dermal Texture: Absence of intermediate stubble or visible regrowth cycles, permitting the application of close shaving in the interstitial period without compromising the laser's efficacy.

Possible Side Effects

So, what kind of side effects are there after a laser session? 

Permanent side effects are very rare but if you get any, these may include some redness, swelling, hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, blistering and purpura (laser bruise) in the treated area, but these usually don’t last more than a few days.

How to Prepare for Laser After Waxing

• Stop Waxing: Wait at least 2–4 weeks after your last wax.
• Shave Before Your Appointment: Your hair should only be trimmed at skin level, not removed from the root.
• Avoid Tanning: Avoid sun exposure as this can increases the risk of irritation.
• Moisturize & Stay Hydrated: Healthy skin responds better to treatments.
• Communicate with Your Technician: Share your waxing history and any skin sensitivities you might have with your laser technician when you go in for your consultation.

Waxing vs. Laser Hair Removal: Key Differences

Final Ideas

Hopefully this article gave you an idea on how to transition from waxing to laser. It might be a little pricy if you live in a big city like Chicago, but it will pay off in a long run. The Vicode Magazine has also stated thatthe averagelaser hair removal costisn’t as high as some patients might expect it to be, making it an affordable treatment. Trying new things can intimidate us sometimes and in some other cases it can stop us from getting better treatments and better results, and that might be the case with laser, and people who could benefit from it but are still skeptical about it.

Laser has been around for a long time, the problem with it was that it wasn’t suitable for everyone. But now that the GentleMax Pro Plus came out, people started to transition from other traditional hair removal to laser, making it one of the most popular treatments of unwanted hair. Some men perform scalp hair removal;some women use it for bikini or Brazilian, and other people for the full body. A very widely used hair removal treatment.

If you are still skeptical about laser, just look for a clinic that offers free consultations and talk to a laser technician about your concerns. You don’t lose anything.