Choosing the right method for you
The best hair removal method depends on your skin type, hair type, lifestyle, goals and how much maintenance you’re comfortable with. Some clients want a quick fix before a weekend away, others are investing in long-term reduction. The guide below explains how each option works so you can choose with confidence.
Shaving
Shaving cuts the hair at the skin’s surface. It’s quick, painless and inexpensive, but regrowth appears within a day or two. Some clients also experience razor bumps, irritation or ingrown hairs, especially in the bikini and underarm areas.
Waxing
Waxing removes hair from the root, so results last longer than shaving — typically three to six weeks. It can be uncomfortable and may cause redness, irritation or ingrown hairs, particularly on sensitive areas.
Plucking, threading and epilation
These methods remove individual hairs from the root with great precision, which makes them ideal for brows and small facial areas. They’re slow and uncomfortable across larger areas and aren’t practical for legs, arms or the back.
Hair removal creams
Depilatory creams dissolve hair at the skin’s surface using chemical actives. They’re a convenient at-home option, but they can irritate sensitive or reactive skin and aren’t suitable for every area of the body.
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)
IPL uses broad-spectrum light across multiple wavelengths at once. Because the energy isn’t a single focused beam, IPL is generally less targeted than laser and its suitability depends heavily on skin tone and hair colour. Many clients see a gradual reduction over a series of sessions, but results vary.
Laser hair removal
Laser hair removal delivers a precise wavelength of light that is absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicle. The energy gently disables active follicles, supporting long-term hair reduction over a course of sessions. At Soraya Skin Clinic we use the Alma Soprano Titanium, which combines multiple laser wavelengths with integrated cooling and SHR gradual heating technology. The larger applicator size means sessions are efficient, while the built-in cooling keeps treatments comfortable and well tolerated across a wide range of skin and hair types. Suitability is always assessed during consultation, and results vary.
Why hair growth cycles matter
Laser only works on hairs that are actively growing. At any given time, your hair is in one of three phases:
- Anagen — the active growth phase, when the follicle is full of pigment and most receptive to laser.
- Catagen — a short transition phase where the hair stops growing.
- Telogen — the resting phase, where the hair eventually sheds before a new cycle begins.
Because only a portion of your hair is in anagen at any time, multiple sessions spaced weeks apart are needed to treat each follicle during its growth phase.
Laser for hormonal hair growth
Laser hair removal may help manage excess hair growth related to hormonal factors such as PCOS, although results can vary and maintenance sessions may be needed. Your therapist will discuss your individual situation during consultation.
Preparing for laser hair removal
- Shave the treatment area around 24 hours before your appointment.
- Avoid waxing, plucking or epilation for at least four weeks beforehand.
- Avoid sun exposure, sunbeds and fake tan in the lead-up to your session.
- Pause active skincare (retinol, AHAs/BHAs) on the treatment area for a few days before.
- Arrive with clean skin — no deodorant, makeup or moisturiser on the treated area.
What happens during your appointment
During treatment, your therapist assesses your skin and hair, prepares the area, provides protective eyewear and adjusts the laser settings to suit your skin type, hair type and treatment area.
What to expect after treatment
Mild redness or a gentle warmth in the treated area is normal and usually settles within a few hours. Your therapist will give you tailored aftercare at your appointment.
- Use SPF 50+ on all exposed areas daily.
- Avoid hot showers, saunas and intense exercise for 24–48 hours.
- Avoid scrubs, retinoids and chemical peels on the treated area for at least 48 hours.
- Use a gentle moisturiser if the skin feels dry.
- Keep the area clean and avoid touching unnecessarily.
So which method is best?
Shaving, waxing, threading and creams all have their place for short-term smoothness. If your goal is long-term hair reduction with less maintenance over time, professional laser hair removal is generally the most effective path — and results vary based on your individual skin and hair.
Hair removal methods at a glance
| Method | How it works | Results | Pros | Cons | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shaving | Cuts hair at the skin's surface with a razor. | Lasts 1–3 days. | Fast, painless, low cost, easy at home. | Stubble returns quickly; may cause razor bumps or ingrown hairs. | Quick fixes between longer-term treatments. |
| Waxing | Removes hair from the root using warm or cold wax. | Lasts 3–6 weeks. | Smoother finish; hair often grows back finer over time. | Can be painful; risk of irritation, redness and ingrown hairs. | Clients who prefer a short-term root-level removal. |
| Plucking, threading & epilation | Removes individual hairs from the root with tweezers, thread or a small device. | Lasts 2–4 weeks. | Very precise — ideal for brows and small areas. | Slow and uncomfortable for larger areas; can cause ingrown hairs. | Eyebrows, upper lip and detailed shaping. |
| Hair removal creams | Chemical formulas dissolve the hair shaft at skin level. | Lasts a few days to a week. | Painless and convenient at home. | Can irritate sensitive skin; not suitable for all areas. | Clients seeking a quick at-home option on tolerant skin. |
| IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) | Uses broad-spectrum light across multiple wavelengths to target pigment in the hair. | Gradual reduction over many sessions; results vary. | Can cover larger areas; widely available. | Less targeted than laser; suitability depends on skin and hair type. | Lighter skin tones with darker hair seeking gradual reduction. |
| Laser hair removal (Alma Soprano Titanium) | Focused laser energy targets the hair follicle while gentle cooling protects the skin. Can also be used with fake tan, unlike many IPL devices. | Long-term hair reduction across a course of sessions; results vary. | Targeted, well tolerated, suitable for a wide range of skin and hair types. Works with fake tan. Can help reduce shaving irritation, razor bumps and ingrown hairs over time. | Multiple sessions required; suitability assessed during consultation. | Clients wanting long-term reduction on face or body with professional care. |
Frequently asked questions
Related services & locations
Ready for long-term hair reduction?
Book a consultation at Soraya Skin Clinic in Prahran/Windsor or Doncaster East. We’ll assess your skin and hair, answer your questions, and tailor a plan with the Alma Soprano Titanium.
