Quick answer
Laser hair removal is the best long-term option for most body areas with dark hair, because a course of sessions gives lasting reduction. Shaving is cheapest and easiest short-term but lasts only a day or two. Waxing lasts 3 to 6 weeks but can cause ingrown hairs and irritation. Threading is best for precise brow and facial shaping, especially for sensitive skin.
Key takeaways
- Laser gives long-term reduction; the other methods are temporary.
- Shaving is quick and cheap but regrowth starts within a day or two.
- Waxing lasts 3 to 6 weeks but requires growing hair out between sessions.
- Threading is the most precise method for eyebrows and small facial areas.
- Many people combine methods: laser for body areas, threading for brows.
On this page
Four ways to remove hair
Most people use more than one method over the years. Here is how the four most common professional and at-home options compare, so you can choose the right one for each part of your body.
The comparison at a glance
| Method | How long results last | Pain | Ingrown hairs | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laser hair removal | Long-term reduction after a full course | Quick snap per pulse | Reduces them over time | Legs, underarms, bikini, back, chest, face with dark hair |
| Waxing | 3 to 6 weeks | Moderate to high | Common | Larger areas, if you are fine with regrowth phases |
| Shaving | 1 to 3 days | None | Common, especially on the neck and bikini | Quick fixes, between laser sessions |
| Threading | 2 to 4 weeks | Brief pinching | Rare | Eyebrows, upper lip, chin, sides of the face |
Pros and cons of each method
Pros
- Laser: long-term reduction and fewer ingrown hairs
- Shaving: painless, cheap and done at home
- Waxing: smooth for several weeks per session
- Threading: precise, chemical-free and gentle on sensitive skin
Cons
- Laser: needs a course of sessions and works poorly on light hair
- Shaving: stubble, razor bumps and constant upkeep
- Waxing: painful for some, ingrown hairs, must grow hair out
- Threading: best for small areas only, not large body areas
Laser hair removal
Laser heats the pigment in the hair root and damages the follicle's ability to regrow. Over about 6 to 8 sessions, most people get significant, long-term reduction. It is ideal for body areas you are tired of maintaining, and for people prone to razor bumps. It does not work well on white, grey, red or very light blonde hair. Read the full laser hair removal guide.
Waxing
Waxing pulls hair out from the root, so skin stays smooth for several weeks. The downside is that hair must grow to a certain length before the next wax, it can be painful, and it often causes ingrown hairs and irritation on sensitive skin. Waxing also lifts a layer of skin, so it is usually avoided while using retinoids.
Shaving
Shaving is fast, painless and inexpensive, but it only cuts hair at the surface, so stubble returns within a day or two. Frequent shaving is a common cause of razor bumps, especially on the neck, underarms and bikini line. It is the recommended method between laser sessions, because it leaves the root in place.
Threading
Threading uses a twisted cotton thread to lift out rows of hair from the follicle. It is very precise, uses no heat or chemicals, and is a favourite for shaping eyebrows and tidying the upper lip, chin and sides of the face. It is not practical for large body areas. See threading vs waxing for brows.
At Blissful Touch
Laser Hair Removal in NE Calgary
See treatment times, what to expect and quick answers on our Laser Hair Removal page, or book online any time.
Cost over time
It helps to think in years, not visits:
- Shaving: small ongoing costs for razors and creams, forever.
- Waxing: a salon visit every 3 to 6 weeks, for as long as you want smooth skin.
- Threading: a short, affordable visit every 2 to 4 weeks, for brows and face.
- Laser: a higher up-front cost for a course of sessions, then occasional maintenance.
For body areas you maintain often, laser commonly ends up costing less over time. See current prices on our booking page.
Our recommendation
- Body areas with dark hair (legs, underarms, bikini, back, chest): laser for long-term freedom.
- Eyebrows: threading for precise, adjustable shape.
- Small facial areas: threading, or laser if the hair is dark and you want long-term results.
- Between laser sessions: shaving only.
Not sure which is right for you? Call us on (403) 831-6277 and we'll help you build a plan.
Frequently asked questions
Is laser hair removal cheaper than waxing in the long run?
For many people, yes. Laser costs more up front, but after a full course you need only occasional touch-ups, while waxing costs continue every few weeks for years. The exact break-even point depends on the area and how often you wax.
Can I wax between laser sessions?
No. Waxing removes the hair root that the laser needs to target. Shave between sessions instead.
Is threading better than laser for eyebrows?
For eyebrows, threading is usually the better choice because it gives precise, adjustable shaping, and brow trends change over time. Laser is long-term and is not usually used to shape brows close to the eye.
Which method is best for sensitive skin?
Threading is gentle for small facial areas because it uses no heat or chemicals. For body areas, laser often reduces the irritation and ingrown hairs that shaving and waxing cause. Always mention sensitive skin when you book.
Which method causes the fewest ingrown hairs?
Laser, over time, because it reduces the number and coarseness of hairs. Shaving and waxing are the most common causes of ingrown hairs.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Results vary from person to person. If you have a medical condition, are pregnant or take prescription medication, check with your doctor before any treatment and tell us when you book.
About Blissful Touch
Blissful Touch is a massage and skincare spa at #110, 3565 20th Ave NE in NE Calgary, near Sunridge. Founder Jamilah is a licensed professional and instructor in aesthetics and massage therapy. Meet Jamilah · See all services
