When it comes to removing unwanted hair, there’s no single “best” method for everyone. Your hair colour, skin, budget, pain tolerance and how much time you want to spend all matter. If you’re weighing up laser vs waxing, or wondering where electrolysis fits in, this side-by-side guide explains how each works, the pros and cons, and who each one tends to suit.
A quick note: at Sunmoon Beauty we offer laser hair removal, not electrolysis or waxing. We’ve aimed to keep this comparison fair, because the right choice is the one that suits you.
Waxing: quick, familiar and temporary
How it works
Warm or cold wax is applied to the skin and removed quickly, pulling hairs out from the root. Sugaring works in a similar way.
Pros
- Works on all hair colours, including blond, red and grey
- Smooth results for roughly three to six weeks
- Low cost per appointment and widely available
- Instant results with no series of sessions needed
Cons
- Hair must grow out between appointments, often to a few millimetres
- Can be painful, especially on the bikini line, underarms and face
- May cause ingrown hairs, bumps, redness and irritation
- Costs keep adding up because it never ends
- Can lift or irritate skin if you use retinoids or certain acne treatments
Best for
Women who want occasional, quick results, have light or grey hair, or aren’t ready to commit to a treatment plan.
Laser hair removal: long-term reduction
How it works
Laser light is absorbed by the pigment in the hair and turns into heat, which damages the follicle and reduces its ability to grow hair. Because hair grows in cycles, you’ll need a series of sessions spaced several weeks apart.
Pros
- Long-term hair reduction after a full series, with lighter maintenance afterwards
- Treats larger areas, like full legs or back, relatively quickly
- No need to grow hair out. You shave between sessions.
- Many people find it helps reduce ingrown hairs and razor bumps
- Over time, it can cost less than years of regular waxing
Cons
- Works best on dark, coarse hair. Light blond, red, grey and white hair usually responds poorly.
- Requires multiple sessions and patience
- You need to avoid tanning and protect treated skin from the sun
- The laser type and settings need to suit your skin tone, so a consultation and patch test matter
- Results vary, and some maintenance sessions may be needed
Best for
Women with darker hair who want to spend less time on hair removal over the long term, especially for areas like the underarms, bikini, legs and face. Read more about how many laser sessions are usually needed.
Electrolysis: one follicle at a time
How it works
A trained electrologist inserts a very fine probe into each individual follicle and applies a small electrical current to destroy it. Each hair is treated one by one.
Pros
- Works on all hair colours, including grey, white, blond and red
- Generally considered the method that can offer permanent hair removal for treated follicles
- Suitable for a wide range of skin tones
- Very precise, which makes it useful for small areas such as eyebrows or stray chin hairs
Cons
- Slow, because each hair is treated individually
- Usually requires many appointments over months or longer
- Can be uncomfortable
- Not practical for large areas like full legs or back
- Possible temporary redness, swelling or, rarely, scarring if not done carefully
Best for
Small areas, light or grey hair that laser can’t target well, and finishing off stray hairs after laser. If electrolysis sounds right for you, look for a qualified, experienced electrologist.
Side-by-side comparison
Results
Waxing: temporary, about three to six weeks. Laser: long-term reduction after a series, with some maintenance. Electrolysis: can be permanent for treated follicles.
Hair colour
Waxing: any colour. Laser: best on dark hair. Electrolysis: any colour.
Speed
Waxing: fast per appointment. Laser: fast for large areas. Electrolysis: slow, best for small areas.
Comfort
Waxing: a sharp pull. Laser: a warm, snapping sensation. Electrolysis: a stinging or heat sensation with each follicle. Everyone’s tolerance differs.
Long-term cost
Waxing: low per visit but ongoing for years. Laser: higher upfront, lower over time. Electrolysis: depends on the number of hairs and appointments.
What does laser cost at Sunmoon Beauty?
Here are a few examples from our current price list:
- Upper lip: $20 per session
- Underarms: $40 per session
- Bikini Classic: $50 per session
- Full Brazilian: $100 per session
- Full legs: $150 per session
- Full Brazilian + Full Legs + Underarms bundle: $250
- Full body: $350 per session, or packages of 3 ($750), 6 ($1,400) or 9 ($1,950) sessions
Prices can vary depending on your skin and hair. See all options on our laser hair removal page.
Can you combine methods?
Yes, and many women do. A common approach is to use laser to reduce most of the dark hair on an area, then use electrolysis for any remaining light or grey hairs. If you’re switching from waxing to laser, stop waxing a few weeks before your first session and shave instead, so the root is in place for treatment.
An Ottawa perspective
Ottawa’s seasons can help you decide. If you plan to start laser, fall and winter are ideal, since it’s easier to keep skin out of the sun. Waxing can be handy for a last-minute summer event, while laser is a longer-term plan for women in Findlay Creek, Riverside South, Leitrim and beyond who would rather not book waxing appointments every month.
Frequently asked questions
Is laser better than waxing?
For long-term hair reduction on dark hair, many women prefer laser because it reduces regrowth over time. Waxing is better for light or grey hair and for quick, one-off results.
Can I wax between laser sessions?
No. Waxing removes the root that laser needs to target. Shave between sessions instead.
Does Sunmoon Beauty offer electrolysis?
No. We offer laser hair removal. If electrolysis is a better fit for your hair, we recommend seeing a qualified electrologist.
Which method hurts the least?
It varies. Many people find laser more comfortable than waxing, while electrolysis can feel stinging. Pain tolerance and the area being treated make a big difference.
Not sure which is right for you?
We’ll give you honest advice on whether laser suits your hair and skin. Book a free skin consultation at our women-only studio in Findlay Creek, or book a laser session on Fresha. You can also call (437) 241-6099, Monday to Saturday, 10 AM to 7 PM.