Laser vs Waxing vs Shaving: What’s Really Worth Your Time (and Money)

Kiran Massey
Oct 27
3 min read

If you’re tired of dealing with endless hair removal, you’ve probably asked yourself this question: Is laser hair removal really worth it — or should I just keep waxing or shaving?

At Wavelengths Laser Loft in Halifax, we help clients answer that question every day. Let’s break down the pros, cons, and long-term costs of each method so you can make an informed choice that fits your body, your budget, and your lifestyle.

🪒 Shaving: Fast, Cheap… and Constant

Shaving is the easiest option — and the most temporary. It cuts the hair at the surface, which means it grows back quickly and often feels thicker due to the blunt edge of the regrown hair.

Pros:

✅ Quick and convenient — great for last-minute touch-ups✅ Inexpensive (at least at first)✅ Easy to do at home

Cons:

🚫 Hair grows back in 1–3 days🚫 Causes razor burn, ingrown hairs, and stubble🚫 Can darken skin or cause irritation over time, especially for sensitive areas🚫 Doesn’t reduce hair growth at all

Long-Term Cost:

Let’s do the math — razors, shaving cream, and replacement blades add up. The average person spends $200–$400 a year just to keep shaving. Over 10 years, that’s $2,000–$4,000, and your hair still grows back the same (or worse).

💛 Waxing: Smooth Results — But Painful and Pricey

Waxing removes hair from the root, so results last longer than shaving. But it comes with its own set of downsides — namely, pain, regrowth irritation, and ongoing cost.

Pros:

✅ Smooth for up to 3–4 weeks✅ Works for most hair types✅ Reduces hair density slightly over time

Cons:

🚫 Painful — especially in sensitive areas like the bikini line or underarms🚫 Can cause ingrown hairs and skin trauma🚫 You need to grow your hair out before each session (no shaving in between!)🚫 Repeated irritation can lead to scarring, hyperpigmentation, or HS flare-ups

Long-Term Cost:

A typical full-body wax costs around $100–$200 per month, or $1,200–$2,400 per year.Over 10 years? That’s $12,000–$24,000 — and your hair still returns.

💎 Laser Hair Removal: Permanent, Gentle, and Surprisingly Affordable

Here’s the game-changer. Laser hair removal doesn’t just remove hair — it disables the follicle that grows it. Using concentrated light energy, the laser targets pigment in the hair root, stopping it from growing back.

At Wavelengths Laser Loft, we use the Alma Soprano Titanium, a triple-diode, in-motion laser system that’s:

Safe for all skin tones, from fair to deep brown
Comfortable, thanks to built-in cooling technology
Fast, treating large areas like legs or backs in half the time of older systems

Pros:

✅ Permanent hair reduction — up to 90% less regrowth✅ Virtually pain-free with advanced cooling✅ Prevents ingrown hairs and razor bumps✅ Great for conditions like PCOS, HS, and body acne✅ Skin becomes smoother, softer, and less irritated

Cons:

🚫 Requires multiple sessions (5–8 average)🚫 Doesn’t work on white, grey, or red hair🚫 Needs sun avoidance before and after treatment

Long-Term Cost:

Laser feels expensive at first — but it’s far cheaper over time.

Area	Average Price (per session)	Total for 6 sessions	Lifetime savings vs waxing
Underarms	$60	$360	$5,000+
Bikini Line	$80	$480	$7,000+
Full Legs	$225	$1,350	$15,000+
Full Face	$75	$450	$5,000+

And unlike waxing, you’re investing in permanent results — not just temporary smoothness.

🧠 So… Which One’s Right for You?

Concern	Best Option
Sensitive skin, HS, or ingrown hairs	Laser Hair Removal
Tight budget and short-term fix	Shaving
Occasional events, not long-term	Waxing
Low pain tolerance	Laser (modern triple diode)
Long-term smoothness & convenience	Laser Hair Removal

🌈 Real Talk: Laser Isn’t Just for “Pretty Girls”

Laser hair removal is for anyone who’s tired of the cycle of shaving, itching, and irritation — athletes, trans women, new moms, HS sufferers, men with beard bumps, and anyone who wants to feel clean, comfortable, and confident in their skin.

Unlike old-school clinics, Wavelengths Laser Loft is a private, inclusive home studio that welcomes every body type, gender identity, and skin tone. Whether you want a little thinning or total removal, you’re in expert hands — without judgment.

🌞 Halifax’s Best Kept Grooming Secret

Because Wavelengths is home-based, there are no big overhead costs or package traps — just fair, per-session pricing, AfterPay options, and results that speak for themselves.

Clients describe the experience as “a warm massage,” and most see visible results after their second or third session. Once you start, you’ll wonder why you ever put up with waxing burns or shaving rash.