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Shaving VS Laser Hair Removal

Hair removal is like a ritual. Why? Because you have to repeat the process multiple times. Sometimes over a time period, like laser hair removal. Other times forever, like shaving. Finding the best hair removal for you can be tricky. You may have to try them all before you find what works for you. 

When choosing a hair removal method, you need to consider cost, time, efficiency. We’ve already discussed why you should ditch waxing for laser hair removal. The pain and all. Today, we are discussing why you should ditch shaving for laser hair removal.

How does shaving work

Shaving requires a razor. Not to be a Captain Obvious, but it is obvious. There are plenty of razors out there. However, if you are shaving your legs, you are more likely to pick your usual Venus or BIC razor.

Small, simple, cheap, they are ideal. Plus, they do the job well. A few minutes under the shower and your skin is as smooth as silk. To avoid razor burns, cuts and dry skin we advise that you use a shaving cream. It makes the experience smoother.

If you shave other parts, we advise that you be careful. Some areas of the body are harder to reach. The thing you need to know about shaving is that it just cuts the hair. Flat at the surface of the skin. It is like cutting grass.

Shaving does not alter hair growth. You just cut the hair. Therefore the hair keeps growing. That is why you need to shave every other day. Your hair may also look darker and thicker. This is because you see the flat top instead of the thin tip of the hair.

Pros and cons of shaving

Like any other hair removal method, shaving has both pros and cons.

Pros of shaving

Time. Shaving is time-efficient. No need to spend a lot of time on shaving your underarms. Your legs may take longer. But still. It remains fairly fast and can be done in the morning before you go to work.

Cost. In the short-term, shaving is cheap. You may buy a pack of five razors for just ten dollars. That would last you a month let’s say. Even though you will have to frequently buy new razors, the cost is still significantly lower than waxing.

Convenience. Shaving is convenient. As said above, it is fast. Done under the shower, you are ready in no time for work. It does not require booking appointments nor freeing a lot of time. So all in all, a very easy method to get around with.

Cons of shaving

Short-term results. Shaving does not alter the hair growth cycle. You just cut the hair flat at the surface of the skin. Thus, the hair growth does not stop. And the hair grows back immediately. It will do so every time and forever.

Frequency. Since shaving is a short-term hair removal method, you can not expect long-term hair growth reduction. Razors cut the hair instead of targeting the root or follicle. Thus, the hair keeps growing after being cut. That is why you need to shave several times a week. Which is quite tedious, let’s be honest.

Long-term cost. In the short-term, ten dollars here and there seem like nothing. However, in the long-term, the cost adds up. Since shaving does not reduce hair growth, chances are you will need to shave for years and years. And will have to invest in razors, blades, cream, etc.

Cuts and burns. The thing with blades is that they irritate the skin. Or straight cut through it. Side effects of shaving include redness, cuts, razor burns and bleeding.

Ingrown hair. Another side effect of shaving is ingrown hair outbreaks. Shaving cuts the hair in the direction opposite to growth. Thus, the hair may curl under the skin, unable to get out. Ingrown hair if not treated can lead to infections.

How does laser hair removal work

Laser hair removal is a long-term hair growth reduction method. It is FDA approved and will reduce hair growth by 95%. 

Laser treatments rely on selective photothermolysis. It is a precise microsurgery technique used to target tissue in a specific area. It matches the specific wavelength of light and heats the tissue and destroys it with a laser without affecting or damaging surrounding tissue.

During a session, the laser produces energy that targets the pigments in the hair. After the melanin has absorbed the energy, it travels to the follicle. There it turns into thermal energy. The heat damages the hair follicle, preventing any further growth.

Laser hair removal works when the hair is actively growing, during the anagen phase of growth. It is the only time the hair and follicle connect. Unfortunately, only 20% of all hair is in this specific phase at any point in time. Thus, one session can only treat 20%.

A six session treatment will ensure that all hair is targeted and treated. Each session must be six weeks apart so that the hair can move into the right stage of growth.

Pros and cons of laser hair removal

Laser hair removal is a cosmetic procedure that must be performed by certified laser technicians. Like any other hair removal method, it has pros and cons.

Cons of laser hair removal

Short-term cost. Laser hair removal can seem like a big investment. Most of the time, you indeed need to pay for your package upfront. At Spektrum Laser Spa, we offer payment plans to help you finance your treatment.

Side effects. Although side effects and risks are rare, they still exist. Such risks include minor burns, irritated skin, redness, hyperpigmentation. However, they will fade within a few hours.

Exposure to the sun. Patients need to reduce their exposure to the sun to a minimum during their laser hair removal treatment. This may complicate things if you have planned a holiday in the sun.

Pros of laser hair removal

Money savings. Laser hair removal will help you save big over time. Indeed, in the long-term, it is the cheapest hair removal method. Simply because you will not have to invest beyond that initial cost.

Time. Sessions can last as little as ten minutes. You can come in for your treatment over your lunch break. Larger areas need more time. However, overall, laser sessions are shorter than waxing appointments.

Ingrown hair. Removing hair in the direction opposite to growth can lead to ingrown hair. The hair may curl up under the skin while regrowing or straight not being able to pierce through the skin. Laser hair removal removes the hair completely and thus the problem before it even becomes on.

Permanent results. Laser hair removal reduces hair growth by up to 95%. As the hair follicles are permanently damaged, they are unable to produce any more hair. Therefore, results last.

Pain. Laser hair removal is not painful. Next to waxing, it is nothing. The sensation felt is akin to pinching or rubber bands snapping against the skin. It is tolerable and not uncomfortable.

Shaving vs laser hair removal

Shaving and laser hair removal are both very hair removal methods. Now, it is time to decide which is best and will provide the best results.

In terms of speed and convenience, shaving seems to win. No need to book an appointment as a few minutes under the shower will do. That is if the area is a small one of course. Laser hair removal will require an appointment and adjusting your schedule around it. However, sessions even for large areas are fast.

In terms of cost, it is important to consider the long-term. Indeed, shaving is cheap in the short term but the cost will add up with time. On the other hand, laser hair removal is a big investment in the short-term. However, once your treatment is done, you will no longer need to spend money on hair removal. Thus, you will save money.

Now, let’s focus on what matters most: the results. Shaving is a very short-term hair removal method. The hair keeps growing shaves after shaves. On the other hand, each laser session will remove 20% of body hair.

Thus, after your six sessions, you should be rid of most of your hair forever. If you were ever inconvenienced by growing hair during a holiday, be assured that this won’t happen again after you complete your laser hair removal treatment.

To conclude, laser hair removal is cheaper and more effective than shaving. Results are permanent. You will no longer need to spend money on hair removal.

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