There are a lot of different hair removal methods out there. Some, like sugaring, have been around for millennia. Others, like laser hair removal, have only been around for a few decades. In this post, we’ll explore the differences between sugaring vs laser hair removal, to help you decide which is right for you. 

Comparing Sugaring vs Laser Hair Removal

Which is better, sugaring or laser? We’ll break it down by the major factors, like technique, results, pain, and cost. 

Technique

Laser hair removal uses a concentrated beam of light to destroy hair from the very root. It’s approved by the FDA as a permanent hair reduction treatment, and can only be performed by registered nurses or certified laser technicians. Nowadays, laser hair removal can work well on all skin tones. 

Sugaring, on the other hand, is one of the most ancient hair removal methods. It’s done with a paste made of sugar or honey and lemon juice, although recipes vary. It’s very similar to waxing – the sticky paste is smoothed over the skin, and then pulled off. The hair sticks to it and comes out from the hair follicle. 
Sugaring can work on all skin tones and hair colors, although the hair has to be long and thick enough for the sugaring paste to grab it effectively. 

Results

Laser hair removal is a permanent hair reduction method that inhibits the hair follicle’s ability to regrow hair. In practice, what this means is that after a series of around 6 to 12 sessions, the hair largely stops growing back. In some cases, some hair may grow back much thinner and lighter, while in other cases, hormonal changes can trigger new growth. 
However, hair growth is almost always very significantly reduced. Most people who undergo laser hair removal never have to try other hair removal methods again, with the exception of the occasional laser hair removal touch-up. 

Sugaring pulls the hair out from the follicle, so the hair usually takes 2 to 4 weeks to regrow. 
Over time, some people believe that hair removal methods that pull the hair out from the root can help reduce regrowth. While that may be true for some lucky folks, not everyone will experience hair reduction with sugaring. Laser, on the other hand, provides much more consistent, predictable, and complete long-term results. If you’re after permanent and long-term hair reduction, laser is definitely the better choice.  

Pain

We all experience pain a little differently, so with sugaring vs laser hair removal it’s hard to say which is more painful. 
With sugaring, many hairs get pulled out in small bursts. It’s a painful sensation, but most find that it’s a little more tolerable than waxing. Laser hair removal doesn’t pull on the hair – it zaps it. The process is very quick, and each pulse of light feels like a small sting. 
Neither sensation is comfortable, but some people find that pulling is worse than stinging and vice versa. 

Treatment Length 

Another factor to consider when deciding between laser hair removal vs sugaring is how long each treatment takes. 
At SEV Laser, our technicians are very quick. Treating the full legs only takes 25 minutes, while a Brazilian usually takes 10 minutes. Sugaring is a longer process, and appointments usually take 30-45 minutes. 
This means that with laser hair removal, the discomfort stops a lot more quickly, which is a huge factor.

Cost

The cost of sugaring vs laser hair removal largely depends on where and how you get them done. 
Sugaring can be done at a salon or at home with DIY materials, while laser hair removal can only be carried out by highly-trained professionals. 
When considering professional costs, laser hair removal is the more affordable choice in the long term. In the United States, a single sugaring treatment is usually only $10 to $20 cheaper than laser hair removal on the same treatment area (and we even know of a few salons that charge more!). 

However, the key difference is that with laser hair removal, you only need 6 to 12 treatments to achieve the results you want, and perhaps the occasional touch-up. With sugaring, it’s a life-long expense every 3-6 weeks. It’s hard to argue with a one-off cost! 

Plus, at SEV Laser, we offer laser hair removal packages that help keep costs lower. 
That said, if you decide to create your own sugaring paste and do it yourself, the costs are pretty negligible. That said, you’ll have to rely on your own hair removal skills. You’ll also have to tolerate the pain and mess of DIY sugaring. 

Aftercare and Recovery 

The aftercare and recovery for laser hair removal vs sugaring are actually very similar. After your treatment, your skin will probably be a little red or irritated for a couple of days. Soothing lotions or aloe vera can help calm the skin and reduce redness. 
You’ll want to avoid sun exposure, exercise, and hot water after either treatment, to prevent irritating the skin further. However, within a few days, your skin will likely be back to normal.

Bottom Line

At SEV Laser, we love the convenience of permanent hair reduction. Who can resist long-term results? We think it’s clear that laser hair removal is the winner for the simple reason that it’s much more long-lasting. As such, it’s also much more affordable in the long term. At SEV Laser, we believe in offering high-quality laser hair removal at accessible prices to everyone. If you’d like to give it a try, go ahead and book your appointment.