Waxing or laser: which suits you?

Which is better, wax or laser?

Neither is best for everyone. Waxing removes hair from the root straight away and works on every hair colour, including light and grey. Laser weakens regrowth gradually, but it needs a series of visits and works best on dark hair on light skin.

At Skinique we only do waxing, not laser. We still describe both plainly, so you can choose what suits you.

How does waxing work?

Wax is applied to the skin, grips the hairs and removes them from the root. The skin is smooth at once, and hair grows back more slowly than after shaving. The best result comes when hairs are at least 2 mm long.

We use Australian LYCON wax. Hot wax grips the hair rather than the skin, so on sensitive areas such as the bikini line and underarms waxing feels lighter. With regular waxing, many people find their hair becomes finer over time.

How does laser hair removal work?

Laser light is absorbed by the pigment in the hair and heats the follicle. That is why laser only affects dark hair. It has little effect on blonde, red or grey hair.

Laser is done as a series because it only affects hairs in the growth phase. The number of visits and the price depend on the clinic, the area and your hair. On dark or tanned skin laser is used with care, because the skin can develop pigment changes.

Which one hurts more?

Waxing stings for a moment when the wax is removed. It is strongest the first few times and eases as the hair becomes finer. Many people describe laser as a prickling heat, and how it feels depends on the device and the area.

If you feel nervous, tell your cosmetologist. Your cosmetologist explains each step in advance and pauses whenever you need.

What does the skin look like afterwards?

After waxing the skin may be red for a while, and the redness usually fades the same day. Avoid the sauna, hot baths and tight clothing for 24 hours. Gentle exfoliation, started a few days later, helps prevent ingrown hairs.

After laser the skin may also be red and slightly swollen. During a course the skin needs careful sun protection, because tanned skin cannot be treated with laser. For waxing it is enough that the skin is not sunburnt.

Waxing is worth repeating once the hairs are at least 2 mm long again. Many people come every few weeks, and the gap often grows as the hair becomes finer.

Who is waxing better for?

Waxing is a good choice if:

• your hair is blonde, red or grey
• you want smooth skin now, for example before a holiday or an event
• you do not want to commit to a long series of treatments
• you prefer to pay one visit at a time

We do not wax broken, sunburnt or irritated skin. Please also tell us if you use retinoids or isotretinoin. The before and after waxing guide covers everything worth knowing in advance.

How much does waxing cost at Skinique?

Prices are per visit, and nothing is paid in advance:

• Underarms: €25, 15 min
• Bikini line: €40, 30 min
• Lower legs: €40, 30 min
• Brazilian wax: €65, 45 min
• Full legs: €70, 60 min
• Full body: €170, 120 min

You will find every waxing area and price on the waxing page.

Can you combine waxing and laser?

Yes, but not on the same area at the same time. Laser needs the hair root, and waxing removes it. That is why laser clinics usually ask you to shave during a course.

Many people wax the bikini line and underarms and use laser elsewhere. If you are about to start laser, ask the clinic when you can wax for the last time.

How do you book waxing?

If you want smooth skin this week, waxing is the easiest place to start. At your first visit your cosmetologist looks at your skin and hair and tells you how often waxing is worth repeating for you.

Book straight into a Brazilian wax or full leg wax, or choose an area on the waxing page. Our studio is in Matinkylä, Espoo.