By Rebecca Hll, Digital Content Writer

• Cost – waxing is more affordable upfront than laser treatments. Shaving is the cheapest option by far for clients, but is not as long-lasting as waxing, and can cause ingrown hair, razor burns and cuts
  
  
• Instant results – there is no waiting period with waxing, unlike with laser treatments, as clients typically need 8-12 sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart to see the full benefit
  
  
• Permanence - Waxing and shaving are not permanent, – but can reduce hair growth over time
  
  
• Treating all hair types - You can, of course, wax and shave hair that has less melanin (the compound that produces pigment) –, but you cannot laser treat hair with little pigment (think blonde, grey, white and red). For lighter pigment hair, electrolysis hair removal treatment is recommended instead.
  
  
• Ingrown hair and skin irritation – both waxing and shaving can irritate the skin and result in ingrown hairs, versus laser treatments which promise to eliminate these conditions. However, waxing can help to exfoliate, leaving your clients with smoother skin.
  
  
• Training – Waxing training is the quickest to learn, usually taking just a few days; however laser hair removal training generally lasts a few weeks, as it requires a great deal more technical knowledge and often prior qualifications. Electrolysis training takes the longest, due to its precision, with more complex techniques taking 1 to 4 months, or more for galvanic methods.
  
  
• Pain – shaving is relatively pain-free, unless you cut yourself, of course! However, waxing can be fairly painful, especially if proper skin prep is not undertaken. Electrolysis targets every single hair follicle (ouch!) and can be especially painful for those with very pale skin and dark hair. This is because the laser targets the pigment in each hair and not the skin, so as a general rule, the thicker and darker the hair, the more it tends to hurt.
  
  
• Risks – laser clients must avoid sun exposure before, after and during their laser treatments, as the skin is so sensitive. Laser treatments are particularly risky on the face as it is always exposed to the sun and skin damage is more visible. It’s also difficult to treat tanned skin as tanning changes the pigment in the skin and the laser settings for skin type would not be correct.

With much improved modern waxing technologies, hair removal waxing experiences are not as painful as they used to be in the past. We also offer up our top pain management tips. Encourage your client to:

•   Exfoliate 24 hours before their appointment to remove dead skin and help prevent ingrown hairs
•   Avoid caffeine and alcohol beforehand which can increase skin sensitivity
•   Take a mild pain reliever (like paracetamol, or ibuprofen) 30 minutes before their appointment, if needed
•   Breathing tips – if your client is experiencing discomfort, it’s recommended they breathe deeply and stay relaxed during the session
•   Use numbing creams or sprays specifically formulated for waxing treatments
•   Stick to a routine—waxing every 4–6 weeks makes regrowth finer and the experience less painful over time

Highly renowned in the professional beauty industry for its exceptionally hygienic and innovative no double-dipping technology, the Phd Safewax waxing system is a top choice for salons prioritising client safety and cleanliness.
Using a unique, patented applicator system, each wax application is performed with a single-use nozzle attached directly to a specially designed tube of wax, eliminating the need to return the applicator to a communal pot. This not only ensures applications remain sterile but drastically reduces the risk of cross-contamination between clients. This closed, tube-based system guarantees the wax remains sealed, while delivering smooth, consistent results to all parts of the body. Ideal for use across sensitive areas, such as bikini waxing, the Phd Safewax system uses controlled application to help reduce wax wastage, while maintaining a consistent temperature throughout the treatment. The ergonomic design of the applicators ensures precision, streamlining the waxing process. Suited to salons and training centres with strict protocols, the Phd system combines professional performance with superior standards of hygiene. Trusted by salons worldwide, Phd sets the standard for safe, hygienic hair removal, and reassuring clients that their wellbeing is a top priority.

Pre- and post-wax care are essential for achieving the best results and maintaining healthy skin. Pre-wax care, like gently exfoliating and cleansing your client’s skin before waxing, helps remove dead skin cells and allows the wax to grip the hair more effectively, reducing the chance of breakage or irritation. Clean, dry skin also ensures better adhesion and minimises discomfort.

Post-wax care is just as important. Calming the skin after waxing with a soothing lotion or aloe vera, avoiding heat (like the sun, hot showers or saunas), and steering clear of tight clothing can help prevent irritation, ingrown hairs, and breakouts. Proper care before and after waxing helps to promote long-lasting smoothness, minimises redness and keeps your client’s skin calm.

Hot wax and warm wax are both highly effective hair removal methods but serve different purposes. 

Hot wax, otherwise known as ‘hard wax’, is applied thickly and allowed to cool slightly before being removed without a strip. It’s ideal for sensitive areas like the bikini line, underarms, and face, as it only grips the hair—not the skin—reducing discomfort and irritation.

Warm wax (or ‘strip wax’), on the other hand, is applied in a thin layer and removed with a fabric or paper strip. It’s best suited for larger, less sensitive areas, such as the legs, arms, chest, and back, where speed and efficiency are key. Choosing the right wax type helps ensure effective hair removal with minimal discomfort and optimal results.