When it comes to hair removal, the choices are endless. You can shave, sugar, wax, or have your hair removed via laser. While everyone sticks to a method most appropriate for their skin, both sugaring and laser removal are incredibly popular forms of hair removal. Sugaring VS Laser Hair Removal
Despite the growing popularity surrounding sugaring and laser hair removal, both methods have pros and cons.
We’ll discuss the benefits and drawbacks of sugaring and laser hair removal below.
But first…
What Is Sugaring?
Sugaring refers to the hair removal method that involves a mixture of sugar, lemon juice, and water. These combined ingredients make a sticky paste that’s applied to the skin in the opposite direction of the hair growth. The technician then pulls the sugar paste off in the direction of the hair growth, and the hair goes with it.
What Is Laser Hair Removal?
According to professionals who provide the best laser hair removal in Burnaby, it’s a medical procedure involving a beam of light that concentrates on the hair follicles. The light is converted into energy when in contact with melanin, removing hair from the skin. Most treatments begin with six monthly sessions and follow-up treatments scheduled as needed.
Sugaring Vs. Laser Hair Treatment
Pain Levels
Pain cannot be concretely categorized, as it depends on a person’s pain tolerance. Various factors should be taken into consideration, such as skin sensitivity and pain threshold. For laser hair removal, skin and hair color can factor into whether there will be more or less pain.
Sugaring is considered less painful than laser treatment, as the paste doesn’t require heating and adheres to the hair rather than the skin. The only discomfort you may feel is when the paste is pulled to remove the hair. The pain is similar to that of waxing.
Laser hair removal is a little more painful and invasive, as it involves burning your hair follicles with the energy from light. Some people have likened the pain to a burning sensation on the skin. The burning feeling derives from the laser as it targets the melanin in your hair. The darker your skin tone or hair color is, the more melanin you have, which means you’re at a higher risk of feeling pain during the procedure.
Side Effects
Sugaring may leave you with some irritation and inflammation, as the sugar paste removes many skin cells. Removing skin cells causes the sore or irritated feeling that many experience after sugaring.
Although rare, laser hair removal can cause blistering, crusting, and scarring in some cases but the main risks associated with laser hair removal are your skin/hair type and color. The common side effects include skin irritation and skin pigment changes.
You must take care of your skin if you’re experiencing skin irritation or inflammation. Many people have questions such as “Do I have to avoid the sun after treatment?” or “Can you go into a hot tub after sugaring and laser hair removal?” The answer to those questions is NO! Too much heat or direct sunlight can cause permanent damage to your skin.
Money
Sugaring is the less expensive option, depending on the area of the body you want to treat. It can be done by a professional or (if you’re bold enough) by yourself in the comfort of your home.
Laser hair removal leans toward the more expensive side, as multiple treatments are necessary and must be done by a certified aesthetician. Depending on the area you want to treat, the procedure can cost anywhere between $200 to $900+.
Effectiveness
The effectiveness of both methods can be considered in two ways: Immediate and long-term.
Sugaring is an immediately effective method; it leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth after just one session. The downside is that the effects will only last as long as it takes for the hair to grow back. You can expect to be hair-free for at least 3 weeks before it begins to grow back thinner.
If you want a more natural method, sugaring is the right move. It works with every skin tone and hair color since it doesn’t target pigment.
Laser treatments are a long-term investment, as they take about 5 to 6 monthly sessions to achieve the permanent absence of hair. The most significant drawback is that it can take time and patience (and a little bit of pain), but it can achieve the positive results you’re searching for.
People with fine hair may not see a notable difference because the laser targets the melanin in darker hair the best.
Whatever method you choose will depend on whether you’re looking for immediate or long-term hair removal. We hope we’ve narrowed down the benefits and drawbacks when considering which alternative is right for you. Good luck, and remember to take care of your skin post-treatment.
Looking for tips to maximize the lifespan of your hair removal machine? Check out our guide on maintaining optimal performance and longevity of your device at House of Coco.
