Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes
Last Updated: April 2026
Author: Kate, Licensed Medical Aesthetician — First Ave Medical Spa, Vancouver BC
If you’ve been going back and forth between laser hair removal and waxing in Vancouver, you’re not alone. Both methods remove unwanted hair — but they work very differently and deliver very different long-term results.
Here’s an honest comparison to help you decide which option makes more sense for your skin, lifestyle, and budget.
Waxing pulls hair from the root using warm wax and fabric strips. Results last 3 to 6 weeks before hair grows back and the whole process repeats.
Laser hair removal uses concentrated light energy to damage the hair follicle itself, reducing and eventually stopping hair growth over a series of sessions. Unlike waxing, laser targets the follicle directly — significantly reducing future hair growth without harming surrounding skin.
| Laser Hair Removal | Waxing | |
|---|---|---|
| Results | Long-term reduction | Temporary (3–6 weeks) |
| Pain level | Mild snapping sensation | Moderate to high |
| Ingrown hairs | Eliminates them | Can cause them |
| Skin irritation | Minimal | Common |
| Sessions needed | 6–8 sessions total | Every 4–6 weeks forever |
| Best for | Dark hair, all skin tones | All hair colours |
| Downtime | None | Redness for a few hours |
Waxing feels affordable per appointment — but the costs never stop. Most Canadians spend far more on hair removal than they realise when you add up regular appointments, travel time, and aftercare products year after year.
Laser hair removal often requires a higher upfront investment, but after completing the main treatment cycle, maintenance sessions are minimal — and many clients eventually spend less over time compared with years of waxing appointments. Canada MedLaser
At First Ave Medical Spa, we offer package pricing that reduces the per-session cost significantly. A free consultation will give you an accurate total based on your specific treatment areas.
Waxing pulls hair from the root every single session — the discomfort stays consistent no matter how many times you go.
Laser hair removal in Vancouver feels like a quick rubber band snap against the skin. Discomfort decreases with each session as hair becomes finer and fewer active follicles remain. At First Ave Medical Spa, our GentleMax Pro system includes a built-in Dynamic Cooling Device that sprays a cooling mist before each laser pulse — making treatments noticeably more comfortable than older technology.
This is one of the clearest advantages of laser over waxing.
Waxing pulls hair against its natural growth direction, which frequently causes ingrown hairs — especially on the bikini line, underarms, and legs. Laser hair removal does not cause ingrown hairs because it damages the follicle directly rather than bending or redirecting hair growth. For clients who already struggle with chronic ingrown hairs, laser is often the most effective long-term solution available.
Laser is not the right choice for everyone. Waxing may be the better option if:
Vancouver’s mild, overcast climate is actually ideal for laser hair removal year-round. According to the Canadian Dermatology Association, avoiding sun exposure before and after laser treatments leads to better results and reduces the risk of side effects like skin discolouration. BC’s cooler months make it especially easy to protect treated areas between sessions.
Waxing has no seasonal restrictions — but in Vancouver’s damp climate, post-wax irritation and ingrown hairs can be more persistent, particularly for sensitive skin types.
Can I wax between laser hair removal sessions? No — you must not wax, pluck, or tweeze during your laser treatment series. Waxing removes the hair root that the laser needs to target. Shaving between sessions is perfectly fine.
How many laser sessions replace years of waxing? Most Vancouver clients complete 6 to 8 sessions over 6 to 12 months. After that, occasional annual touch-ups replace what would otherwise be a lifetime of waxing appointments.
Is laser hair removal safe for all skin tones in Vancouver? Yes. At First Ave Medical Spa we use GentleMax Pro with dual-wavelength technology — Alexandrite and Nd:YAG — which safely treats all Fitzpatrick skin types including darker skin tones. All devices are approved by Health Canada.
Does laser work on all body areas? Yes — underarms, legs, bikini line, face, back, arms, and chest can all be treated. The only area where laser cannot be used is directly around the eyes.
If you are tired of the waxing cycle, laser hair removal in Vancouver at First Ave Medical Spa could be the last hair removal decision you ever make.
👉 Book your free consultation — our team will assess your skin type, discuss your goals, and build a personalised treatment plan.
Already curious about what the treatment involves? Read our full guide: Laser Hair Removal Vancouver — What to Expect