To better understand the difference between these two hair removal methods, let’s examine how they work. Laser hair removal offers lasting results upon completion of treatment while hair removal cream is a quick-fix solution that requires ongoing maintenance.

• Laser hair removal is a targeted treatment in which the laser’s energy damages the follicle and inhibits future growth. With treatments approximately every five weeks, clients can maintain and enjoy smooth, hair-free skin. It’s a choice that offers long-lasting results and far less maintenance than other outdated hair removal methods. 
• Hair removal cream is a temporary solution. The cream is applied topically, and hair is dissolved at the skin’s surface. Regular applications are necessary to maintain hair-free skin. Results will last only a few days to a week.

Effectiveness

Laser hair removal works best on dark coarse hair with contrasting skin tones, but with the right laser technology, it will work on all skin tones and nearly every hair color. Most Milan Laser Hair Removal clients will achieve optimal results with seven to 10 treatments spaced five weeks apart.

Hair removal creams are less effective on coarse hair and may not work on all skin tones because of the potential for skin irritation.

Time Commitment

With laser hair removal, multiple treatments are required – one roughly every five weeks – to achieve lasting hair-free results. Hair removal creams offer quick treatments, but frequent applications will be required, at least weekly, if not multiple times a week.

Cost

Laser hair removal is an investment to go hair-free and stay that way. More money is paid upfront, but the permanent results make the investment more cost-effective in the long run.

Hair removal cream is relatively inexpensive; however, it’s an expense you’ll need to budget for permanently to maintain hair-free skin. That cost will add up over time. But the good news is, Milan Laser Hair Removal has fantastic payment plans available that can fit into your monthly budget. 

Safety and Side Effects

Laser hair removal clients are in the hands of qualified professionals. And at Milan Laser, we’re staffed with medically trained professionals. Safety is the biggest benefit. The risk of side effects dwindles in the care of professionals too, but some potential side effects include temporary discomfort, redness, and irritation.

With hair removal cream, the chemical components could irritate the skin or cause an allergic reaction. Applying a small amount of cream to the skin before full application is recommended in case the skin has a bad reaction.

“I’ve actually had a couple clients who I’ve talked to personally that have used that in the past before laser hair removal,” said Milan Laser Provider Educator Mary H. “I know it’s a more affordable option right off the bat, but it only works temporarily. We’ve had some clients who have had some pretty bad burns from it. That’s pretty scary if it’s left on too long. One client even had to see a doctor because of the burns to figure out what to do.

“If they’ve used hair removal cream in the past, we treat them the same. We just ask that they not use it within five weeks of getting treated just because we want that full hair cycle to grow out.”