Waxing and threading pull hair out from the root, so the result lasts a few weeks before the hair grows back. Laser hair removal damages the follicle so it grows less hair, giving long-term reduction over a course of usually 6–8 sessions. Waxing and threading cost less per visit; laser costs more at the start but you stop paying for regular appointments once the course is done.
This guide compares the three on results, comfort, skin problems and cost over time, so you can decide what suits you.
At a glance
| Waxing | Threading | Laser hair removal | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How it works | Pulls hair out with wax | Pulls hair out with twisted thread | Light energy damages the follicle |
| Result lasts | About 3–6 weeks | About 2–4 weeks | Long-term reduction after a full course |
| Best for | Arms, legs, body | Eyebrows, upper lip, small facial areas | Face, underarms, arms, legs, body |
| Ingrown hairs | Common | Possible | Usually reduced |
| Cost pattern | Low per visit, repeated for years | Low per visit, repeated for years | Higher up front, then occasional top-ups |
Results: how long does each last?
Waxing and threading remove the whole hair, but the follicle is untouched, so a new hair grows back in a few weeks. Laser works differently: the light is absorbed by the pigment in the hair and travels down to the follicle, damaging its ability to grow hair. Because laser only affects hairs that are in their growth phase, you need a course of sessions, spaced 4–6 weeks apart for the face and 6–8 weeks for the body.
After a full course, most treated hair does not grow back, and what does is usually finer and lighter. Some people, especially those with hormonal hair such as PCOS, need occasional maintenance sessions. Read our guide to PCOS facial hair and laser for more on this.
Pain and comfort
- Waxing stings as the strip is pulled, especially on the underarms and bikini line.
- Threading feels like quick plucking; the upper lip is often the most sensitive.
- Laser feels like a quick, warm snap. Modern machines such as the Soprano Titanium we use have built-in cooling, and most people find it easier than waxing.
Skin problems: ingrown hairs, bumps and darkening
Pulling hair out repeatedly can cause ingrown hairs, bumps and, in some people, darkening of the skin in the underarms or bikini line. Because laser reduces the number of hairs growing, it usually reduces ingrown hairs too. Laser does need care on darker skin: the settings must be chosen for your skin tone, which is why we always start with a patch test and a doctor sets the machine.
Cost over time
Waxing and threading are cheap per visit, but most people repeat them every few weeks for years. Laser is priced per area, with packages for a full course. For example, our guide price for underarms is ₹1,499 per session or ₹6,999 for a 6-session package; upper lip is ₹999 per session or ₹4,999 for a package. A good way to compare is to add up what you currently spend on waxing or threading for an area in a year, and compare it with the one-time package price. See our laser hair removal cost guide and full prices on the laser hair removal page.
Can I wax or thread between laser sessions?
No. Laser needs the hair root in place to target the follicle, so stop waxing, threading and plucking about four weeks before your first session and throughout the course. Shaving is fine, and you should shave the area 24 hours before each session.
Which should you choose?
- Choose laser if you are tired of regular waxing or threading, get ingrown hairs, or want a long-term result before a wedding or a move.
- Stay with threading for shaping eyebrows, where you want precise control of the shape.
- Waxing still makes sense if you only remove hair occasionally, or while you decide.
Popular first areas for laser are the underarms and face. If you have a wedding coming up, read when to start laser before your wedding.
Frequently asked questions
Is laser hair removal permanent?
It gives long-term reduction rather than a guarantee of permanent removal. Most treated hair does not grow back; some people need occasional top-ups. Individual results vary.
Does laser work on fine or light hair?
Laser works best on dark hair. Very fine, grey, white or light blonde hair has little pigment, so laser is less effective on it.
Is laser safe for Indian skin?
Yes, when the machine is set correctly by a trained team. We start with a patch test, and your doctor sets and reviews the settings at every session.
