Laser Hair Removal Vs. Traditional Hair Removal Methods: Pros And Cons

  • By Dr. Ravali Yalamanchili
  • 2023-06-29

There are numerous methods for removing unwanted body hair, each unique in its working mechanism. Waxing, shaving, epilating, and advanced lasers all are highly effective methods for hair removal, although the process, pain level, and results differ widely.

Talking lasers, they are considered the best method of hair removal. Read on to gain more insights on Laser hair removal in Hyderabad Vs. Traditional hair removal methods with Dr. Ravali Yalamanchili, an expert dermatologist at Neya Dermatology & Aesthetics.

 Laser Hair Removal

It is a method of removing or reducing hair permanently. A professional should perform laser hair removal. Two to six treatments spread out over four to six weeks must be completely effective.

Laser hair removal uses varying wavelengths, energy outputs, and pulse duration. The laser vaporises the hair, and lasers also target the dark pigment (melanin) present in the hair follicle or roots to help achieve long-lasting results. If one is interested in this procedure and wants to know more about it, one can contact Dr. Ravali Yalamanchili, an expert dermatologist in Hyderabad at Neya Dermatology & Aesthetics. She uses the best and most advanced laser technology in her clinic that helps her deliver the best laser hair removal treatment outcomes.

Pros and Cons of Laser Treatment

Laser hair removal has perks and drawbacks, but for most people, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

Pros of Laser

  • Laser treatment is the best hair removal procedure if an individual wants long-term results. Some people see immediate improvements, while most enjoy results that last months or years.
  • If an individual wants to save time, laser hair removal is the best way. The sessions are brief and straightforward. Even though they are being treated over a vast portion of their body, they will only be exposed to the laser for a few minutes.
  • Laser hair removal is completely safe and causes no long-term skin damage. This treatment is suitable for sensitive skin as long as a licensed and expert laser expert carries it out. To learn more about laser hair reduction cost in Hyderabad, contact the experts at Neya Dermatology & Aesthetics in Jubilee Hills.
  • The most significant advantage is that laser hair removal can be performed on any body part like face, underarms, legs, thighs, and private area. It is impossible to wax the back or the entire bikini area.
  • In terms of pain, laser hair removal is far less painful than waxing. Most people describe the laser pulse as a rubber band snapping against their skin.

 
Cons of Laser

  • Laser hair removal is available to almost anyone; however, it is most effective for people with a light complexion and dark hair. Consult a laser hair removal specialist in Hyderabad at Neya Dermatology & Aesthetic about possible options if one has a dark complexion or light hair.
  • A single waxing session is substantially less expensive than laser hair removal. However, as a long-term hair removal procedure, it can be more cost-effective in the long run. Also, many laser clinics provide payment plans and financing to make expenses more manageable.
  • Laser hair removal is a procedure. The hair must be in a particular growth stage for the laser to destroy the hair follicle. As a result, many treatments are required. One won't get the same immediate results as waxing, but the benefits last longer. 

Traditional Hair Removal Methods

The following are the traditional hair removal methods of hair removal. Discussed are the pros and cons of these treatments:
 
1. Shaving
 
Shaving is many people's first experience with hair removal when they are young. It is also the shortest-lasting form of hair removal, lasting one to three days.

Shaving uses a razor to remove hair from the skin's surface. Razors are available in various types, from low-cost disposable razors used on wet skin to higher-priced electric razors used on dry skin.
 
Pros of Shaving
 
Shaving is a quick, simple, low-cost approach to removing unwanted body hair. Most individuals pick it up quickly. Disposable razors are widely accessible and come in many different forms. Electric razors are simple to use.
 
Cons of Shaving
 
Shaving can result in nicks, cuts, and skin discomfort, known as razor burn. Hair regrowth will have a blunt tip rather than its standard, tapered tip, making it more apparent, and shaving frequently results in ingrown hair.
 
2. Waxing
 
Waxing hair is a basic procedure. Hair may be removed from any body part in seconds using hot wax, an applicator, and a cloth strip.
 
An applicator is helpful to apply the wax to the skin area in the direction of hair growth. Then, on top, a strip of cloth, such as muslin, is brushed down in the same direction as the hair growth. The final step is to pull the muslin strip away from the skin in the opposite direction of hair growth.
 
Waxing, when done correctly, removes the hair from the follicle. As a result, the skin is smooth and clean on the surface. The follicle, on the other hand, remains intact in the skin's dermis layer.
 
Waxing leaves the skin smooth for many weeks. Individuals must wax the same area again and again to remove any new hair growth. But in the long run, compared to waxing, laser hair removal in Hyderabad is more effective as one does not go for weekly waxing sessions, and there is no risk of getting frequent ingrown hair and skin irritation as one used to get after laser hair removal treatment.
 
Pros and Cons of Waxing
 
Every hair removal treatment has pros and cons. Before considering whether waxing is the correct option for an individual, consider the following:
 
Pros of Waxing 

  • Waxing is substantially less expensive than laser hair removal for a single session. However, if a person gets wax treatments regularly for several years, it can cost them much more than a laser treatment.
  • Waxing suits all hair types, skin types, and skin tones. Waxing is an ideal option for those not suitable for laser removal due to their skin or hair colour or texture.
  • Another advantage of waxing is that it can be done at home. However, it is always preferable to hire a professional, which might cost hundreds or even thousands of rupees over time.


Cons of Waxing

  • People who have ever waxed any area of their body know one thing: it hurts. The ears, the bikini line, and the underarms are among the body's sensitive areas, which can be excruciating.
  • Waxing can also result in ingrown hairs. It is not harmful to the hair's root; instead, it pulls the hair from the follicle. When the hair grows back, it may become ingrown.

 
3. Plucking or Pulling
 
Pulling hair out of its follicle is a simple and cheap way to remove unwanted hair. It is excellent for grabbing single, stray hairs that are long enough.
 
There are numerous methods for pulling or plucking individual hair strands. The simplest is to grip and pull a single hair with your fingernails.
 
Pros of Plucking or Pulling
 
Plucking stray hairs with the fingertips is quick and painless. Physically pulling the hair causes it to grow back slower because it has to reach the skin's surface before it is visible. Furthermore, repeatedly plucking hair out of the follicle can cause enough damage to prevent it from developing hair.
 
Cons of Plucking or Pulling
 
Pulling off a strand of hair might be painful. Some hairs are resistant and take several attempts to remove. It should only be used to remove single strands of hair. Pulling out hair can become a form of obsession in certain people, known as trichotillomania.
 
4. Depilatory Creams
 
Depilatory creams, such as Nair, contain thiogly-colate, a chemical that practically melts hair away when combined with sodium hydroxide or calcium hydroxide. Thiogly-colate breaks the chemical linkages (disul-fide bonds) that hold skin and hair cells together.
 
Apply depilatory cream to the unwanted hair area and leave it on for three to fifteen minutes. The chemical dissolves the hair, forming a jelly-like substance that can be wiped or washed away after a certain period.
 
Pros of Depilatory Creams
 
Depilatory creams are a highly efficient method of removing unwanted body hair at home. They can cover vast areas of the hair (such as the legs). Depilatory creams, commonly used to remove pubic hair, perform effectively on thick, coarse hair. The results are more lasting than shaving.
 
Cons of Depilatory Creams
 
Depilatory creams contain chemicals that might be harsh and irritate sensitive skin. Depilatory creams have a strong odour as well. Always follow the package directions, and do not leave it on the skin longer than recommended.

 How is Laser Hair Removal Better Than Traditional Hair Removal Methods?

 1. Best Convenience


 Laser hair removal treatment is convenient in many ways. The procedure most effectively removes many hairs from a vast body surface. However, hair removal could take 10 minutes to half an hour depending on the body area to be treated. Furthermore, in addition to many clients' positive responses that the procedure is not uncomfortable, the treatment is associated with a gentle pinching and tingling sensation. When it comes to hair removal, nothing can be more convenient or comfortable than this.


2. Precise Treatment
 
Nobody wants untidy, black hairs on any region of their body. Ingrown hairs are the most aggravating and unpleasant, and the optimum time to remove them is while they are in the anagen stage. Laser hair removal targets hair follicles, heats them, and stops them from growing further. On the other hand, the highly knowledgeable and well-trained personnel at respectable salons make this process easy and get rid of that unwanted hair.
 
3. Effective Procedure
 
Laser hair removal has evolved into a permanent hair removal method with long-term results. However, it cannot be argued that it completely removes hair, but it does remove hair to a large extent if an individual adheres to treatment for roughly 2–3 months.
 
Waxing, for example, does not eliminate hair roots and is an exceedingly painful treatment. Furthermore, there is a chance of developing various skin problems, such as burning, redness, sensitivity, etc. However, laser hair removal is a painless and long-lasting method. Similarly, shaving may be the most convenient way of removing hair, but it has more drawbacks than advantages. It removes the upper hair on the skin's surface, not the hair follicles, causing them to grow faster.
 
Laser hair reduction treatment at Neya Dermatology & Aesthetics in Hyderabad, Jubilee Hills is very much effective compared to traditional methods of hair removal. To get a smooth hair free skin, make a visit today at Neya Dermatology & Aesthetics.

Content Reviewed and Updated by Dr. Ravali Yalamanchili on 15th July 2024


Dr. Ravali Yalamanchili
About the Author
Dr. Ravali Yalamanchili

Dr. Ravali Yalamanchili is a leading dermatologist with 12+ years of experience. She is the founder & Chief Dermatologist at Neya Dermatology & Aesthetics in Hyderabad. She provides advanced and personalised dermatological care.