Laser Hair Removal vs Waxing
Laser or Waxing in Rainford, St Helens
Both treatments are offered at our salon on Church Road, Rainford. Here is how they compare on cost, sessions, how long results last and which hair and skin types each suits.
Laser or Waxing: The Short Answer
Neither is better. They suit different people. Waxing costs less per visit and works on any hair colour, but it never stops: you are back every four to six weeks. Laser hair removal is a bigger commitment up front, and in return it gives permanent hair reduction, with a maintenance session every three to four months once your course is done.
We offer both at our Rainford salon, so there is no reason for us to push you one way. This page sets out the honest comparison, with our real prices from our booking system.
At a Glance
| Waxing | Laser hair removal | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Pulls the hair out from the root | Targets the pigment in the hair follicle so it stops producing hair |
| How often | Every four to six weeks, for as long as you want smooth skin | A course of six to twelve sessions, then maintenance every three to four months |
| Result | Smooth until the hair grows back | Permanent hair reduction: less hair, growing finer and slower |
| Hair colour | Works on any hair colour | Needs hair with pigment. Blonde, red and grey hair does not respond well |
| Skin type | Most skin types | All skin types on the SMARTdiode Pro, assessed by Fitzpatrick skin type |
| Hair length | Needs some growth to grip | Shave before each session, never wax or pluck |
| Before you start | Nothing for most areas | A consultation and patch test for every new client |
| Cost | Lower per visit, but ongoing | Higher per session, then occasional maintenance |
What Each Costs at Our Salon
Prices per visit for waxing and per session for laser, from our online booking. Laser packages that combine areas work out cheaper: see the laser hair removal page for the full list.
| Area | Waxing, per visit | Laser, per session |
|---|---|---|
| Underarms | £18 | £39 |
| Bikini line | £20 | £39 |
| Brazilian | £32 | £69 |
| Hollywood | £35 | £89 |
| Half leg | £23 | £69 |
| Full leg | £30 | £89 |
| Upper lip | £10 | £19 |
| Chin | £12 | £19 |
A laser course is usually six to twelve sessions. Waxing repeats every four to six weeks for as long as you keep it up.
When Waxing Is the Better Choice
- Your hair is blonde, red or grey, so laser will not work well on it
- You want smooth skin for a holiday or an event soon, rather than a long-term result
- You would rather pay less per visit and keep things flexible
- You are not ready to commit to a course of sessions
See our waxing and men's waxing treatments.
When Laser Is the Better Choice
- Your hair is darker than your skin, so the laser has pigment to target
- You are fed up of regrowth, ingrown hairs or rashes from shaving and waxing
- You want less hair for good, not just smooth skin for a few weeks
- You are happy to shave between sessions and avoid tanning while you have treatment
Laser is carried out by Leah on the SMARTdiode Pro, a medical-grade diode laser. Every new client has a consultation and patch test first. Read more about laser hair removal, bikini, Brazilian and Hollywood laser, laser for facial hair and laser for men.
Switching From Waxing to Laser
Stop waxing as soon as you decide to start laser. Waxing pulls the follicle out, and the laser needs the follicle in place to target it. From your patch test onwards, shave the area instead, and avoid plucking, epilating and sunbeds.
If laser is not right for your hair, we will say so at your patch test, and waxing is still there as an option.
Laser or Waxing: Your Questions
Is laser better than waxing?
Neither is better, they suit different situations. Waxing is lower cost per visit and repeats every four to six weeks indefinitely. Laser is a bigger upfront commitment that gives permanent hair reduction, with maintenance every three to four months.
Can I wax between laser sessions?
No. Waxing pulls the follicle out and the laser needs the follicle intact to target. Shave instead, from the point you start laser onwards.
What if my hair is too fair for laser?
Then waxing is the better option. Laser only works on hair carrying pigment, so blonde, red and grey hair does not respond well.
Which is cheaper?
Waxing costs less per visit but never stops. Laser costs more upfront, from £19 a session for a micro area up to £89 for a large area, but a course of six to twelve sessions then drops to occasional maintenance.
Does laser hair removal work on blonde, red or grey hair?
No. Laser targets the pigment in the hair follicle, and blonde, red and grey hair does not carry enough pigment to respond well. Leah will tell you at your patch test if she does not think your hair will respond.
Do I need a patch test?
Yes, every new client. It is required for insurance and it establishes that treatment is safe for you. If your skin reacts to the test, for example with blistering, treatment does not go ahead.
How should I prepare?
Shave the area rather than waxing or plucking it, because the laser needs the follicle intact to target. Avoid tanning and sunbeds before and after treatment, and mention any sun holidays at consultation.
Is laser hair removal permanent?
It gives permanent hair reduction rather than permanent removal. After a course you are left with significantly less hair, growing finer and slower, and most people keep it that way with a maintenance session every three to four months.
How much does it cost?
Per session, £19 for a micro area such as the upper lip, £39 small, £69 medium and £89 for a large area such as full legs. Packages start at £99 for underarms and Hollywood, £129 with half legs and £139 with full legs.
Is there step-free access?
No. The treatment room and the laser machine are upstairs, so you do need to be able to manage the stairs.
Both Options, in Detail
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