Laser hair removal is becoming a very popular hair removal method because many people believe it can yield more permanent results than shaving or waxing.
While for some people that can be true, as estheticians you have to do your best to encourage your clients to keep up with their waxing routines!
The best way to maintain your waxing business is by staying updated with the waxing vs. laser hair removal debate and educating your clients accordingly.
Table of Contents
- Cost Differences Between Waxing and Laser Hair Removal
- Skin Types and Waxing vs. Laser Hair Removal
- Hair Types and Waxing vs. Laser Hair Removal
- Offering Waxing Packages to Boost Business
- Final Thoughts
Cost Differences Between Waxing and Laser Hair Removal
While waxing does require more maintenance than laser hair removal (after all sessions are completed), it is still a more cost friendly option initially.
The average cost of a single waxing session can range from $10 to $100, depending on the size of the area. Smaller areas like the upper lip or eyebrows may cost $10-$20, while larger areas like the legs or back could cost $50-$100.
The average cost of a single laser hair removal session can range from $200 to $500, depending on the size of the treatment area.
Larger areas like the back or legs will be on the higher end of that range, while smaller areas like the upper lip or underarms will be on the lower end.
Most people require 6-8 sessions to achieve the desired results, so the total cost for a full treatment can range from $1,200 to $4,000.
There may also be additional costs for numbing creams, consultation fees, and maintenance touch-up sessions.
READ: Advanced Soft Wax Guide for Professionals
Skin Types and Waxing vs. Laser Hair Removal
One of the most important things to educate your clients about if they’re inquiring about laser hair removal is the effectiveness on certain types of skin.
The ideal candidate for laser hair removal is someone with light colored skin, because the laser is able to find dark pigment in follicles on light colored skin more easily due to the contrast.
For clients with darker colored skin, special lasers like the Nd:YAG are used but might be more expensive.
Laser hair removal should also be done with extra precaution and care for those with sensitive skin. It can be done, but the laser should remain on lower settings which means in the long run the client might have to pay for more sessions to see effective results!
All in all, waxing is a much more skin friendly and wallet friendly option. Our wax formula was specifically designed with clean moisturizing ingredients to be gentle on all skin types.
Hair Types and Waxing vs. Laser Hair Removal
Educating your clients on what type of hair laser hair removal works on is equally as important if they’re considering laser hair removal.
Dark, coarse hair responds best to laser treatment. Light blonde, red, gray hair, and fine hair is generally less responsive.
Laser hair removal is more effective on coarse hair because coarse hair typically contains more melanin than fine hair and since the laser works by targeting melanin in the hair follicle, more pigmented hair absorbs more of the laser energy.
Coarse hair also grows from larger follicles, so the laser has more surface area to target and damage more easily.
Our founder, Liz Lugo, prioritized making a wax that was safe for use on all hair types. Whether you’re waxing clients with fine thin hair or coarse curly hair, smooth hairless skin is still achievable.
Offering Waxing Packages to Boost Business
One advantage that laser hair removal providers have, business wise, is guaranteed repeat business and upfront money. Since laser hair removal requires multiple sessions, they’re already securing more time with the same clients.
As an esthetician who waxes, you can do the same by offering packages! One suggestion is offering waxes in 3, 5, or 8 packs with a discounted rate of $10 per wax to incentivize them to buy.
A $30, $50, or $80 loss off multiple waxes isn’t that much in the grand scheme of things, especially if you’re already saving on product by buying in bulk!
Offering packages is a not only a great way to establish a solid relationship with your client while but also show them that you’re invested in their results.
For example, if a client comes to you concerned about hair regrowth not being sparse enough you can confidently say, “We’ll see how it looks at your next session,” since they’ve already paid upfront.
Final Thoughts
Educating your clients on why waxing has remained at the forefront of the hair removal industry, especially as laser hair removal becomes more popular, is key!
There are some key things to point out in addition to the cost differences. Laser hair removal might not work on dark colored skin or hair that isnt coarse.
A good way to steer your clients in the right direction (yours, with waxing!) is to offer packages that save them money.