Treatment comparison
Laser Hair Removal (Cynosure) vs LYCON Waxing
Laser hair removal vs LYCON waxing in Newark. Laser disables the follicle, waxing leaves it intact. The clinical difference, and which one suits you.
Side by side
At a glance
| Compare | Laser Hair Removal (Cynosure) | LYCON Waxing |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Targeted light energy is absorbed by pigment in the follicle and converted to heat, disabling the hair-producing cells | Low-temperature wax removes the hair from the root, leaving the follicle intact |
| Effect on the follicle | Permanently disabled, once treated during an active growth phase | Survives, replenishes and produces a new hair |
| Sessions needed | A course of around 6 to 8 or more sessions is usually needed for progressive reduction | Usually a single session repeated every few weeks as maintenance |
| Results timeline | Hair reduction builds gradually across the course as follicles are treated in active growth phases | Immediate smoothness after treatment |
| How long it lasts | Long-lasting reduction is expected, with occasional maintenance depending on area and hormones | Results typically last for weeks depending on growth rate and area treated |
| Downtime | Little to none. Temporary redness or small bumps can occur and usually settle quickly. | None. Temporary redness can happen, especially straight after treatment. |
| How it feels | Brief snaps of heat, generally well tolerated | Designed to be more comfortable than many traditional waxes |
| Cost structure | A fixed course, priced by the area treated. Prices by area are set out on the treatment page | A recurring appointment for as long as you want the hair gone |
The science
How each treatment works
Laser Hair Removal (Cynosure)
The clinic uses Cynosure Elite+, which combines Alexandrite 755nm and Nd:YAG 1064nm wavelengths to target hair follicles with precision through selective photothermolysis. This dual-wavelength approach allows treatment across a broad range of skin tones and body areas while aiming to protect the surrounding skin. Because laser can only affect follicles in their active growth phase, a course of sessions is needed rather than a single visit.
Full Laser Hair Removal (Cynosure) details →LYCON Waxing
LYCON waxing uses premium, low-temperature waxes designed to grip the hair rather than the skin. This makes treatment more comfortable and kinder on delicate areas such as the bikini line, underarms or face compared with harsher traditional waxing methods. The clinic positions it as a hygienic, discreet treatment for people who want immediate smoothness without the daily upkeep of shaving.
Full LYCON Waxing details →Clinical perspective
Which is right for you?
Waxing removes hair. Laser removes the follicle.
Waxing pulls hair from the root but the follicle survives, replenishes its blood supply and produces a new hair within weeks. Laser uses targeted heat to permanently disable hair-producing cells at the follicle level.
When you wax, hair is removed at the root but the follicle survives. It replenishes and produces a new hair within four to six weeks. The cycle continues indefinitely. Laser works at a different level. Cynosure Elite+ delivers targeted light energy absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicle, converting to heat that permanently disables the hair-producing cells through selective photothermolysis. Because hair cycles through active and resting phases, a course of sessions is needed to catch each follicle in active growth. Once treated, those follicles do not return to active production.
Waxing costs less per session. Over time it costs considerably more.
Regular waxing on legs, underarms and bikini line over three to five years typically costs more in total than a full laser course covering the same areas.
A single waxing appointment is less expensive than a laser session. The comparison changes when viewed across time. Waxing requires a fresh appointment every four to six weeks, indefinitely. A laser course of six to eight sessions typically achieves long-term reduction that removes or substantially reduces the need for ongoing appointments. Most clients find that the cumulative cost of waxing across two to three years already exceeds the cost of a laser course that delivers years of smooth skin. Waxing is a recurring expense. Laser is a fixed course with lasting return.
If you are planning laser, waxing cannot run alongside it
Waxing removes the pigment from the hair bulb, leaving the laser with nothing to target. Anyone undertaking a laser course must shave, not wax, throughout.
Laser hair removal targets melanin in the follicle. Waxing physically removes the hair shaft and its pigment from the bulb, so there is nothing for the laser to target in that follicle. The two cannot be used interchangeably during an active laser course. Shaving is the appropriate method for managing regrowth between sessions throughout the course. Waxing remains available for clients who prefer it as a standalone treatment or who are not candidates for laser at a given time.
Finding the right fit
Who each treatment suits
Laser Hair Removal (Cynosure)
- Those who want to stop the maintenance cycle rather than manage it, and are prepared to commit to a course to do so
- Those already waxing the same areas year after year, for whom the cumulative cost has overtaken the cost of a course
- Those with persistent regrowth on the face or body who want a long-term reduction rather than a few smooth weeks
LYCON Waxing
- Those who want immediate smooth skin without committing to a clinical course
- Those who are not suitable for laser at a given time, for example due to recent sun exposure, certain medications or skin condition
- Those for whom laser is not the first choice for a particular area or skin type
Common questions
Frequently asked
What is the difference between laser hair removal and waxing?
Is laser hair removal permanent?
How many laser sessions will I need?
Can I wax between laser sessions?
Who is waxing most appropriate for?
Which areas can Cynosure laser treat?
Related reading
Go deeper
Explore each treatment
Read the full treatment details
65 London Road, Newark
Still not sure which is right for you?
Your clinician will assess your skin, talk through both options and give you an honest recommendation, including if neither is the right choice. No obligation to proceed.
Medically reviewed by Dr Shahe Boghossian, Medical Consultant, GMC 5204600. Last reviewed 2 Aug 2026. Page updated 10 Aug 2026.
