Laser Hair Removal Cost in Springfield Missouri compared to Waxing and Shaving

By: Our Team

2/20/2024

The Cost-Effectiveness of Laser Hair Removal: A Comprehensive Comparison

In the pursuit of silky-smooth skin, individuals have experimented with various hair removal techniques, from traditional shaving to the more enduring waxing. However, in recent years, laser hair removal has emerged as the most promising solution, boasting both efficacy and long-term cost efficiency. Despite its initial investment, laser hair removal proves to be the most financially savvy method of hair removal available today, especially when compared to alternatives like shaving and waxing.

Understanding Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal involves the application of concentrated light beams to target hair follicles, inhibiting future hair growth. This procedure, performed across different body areas, ensures a prolonged reduction in hair growth, if not permanent elimination, after a series of sessions.

The Cost Comparison

While the immediate costs of laser hair removal may seem daunting, a closer examination reveals its superior cost-effectiveness, particularly when juxtaposed with shaving and waxing, considering both short-term and long-term expenses.

1. RAZOR BURN RANT (in theory)

If I could chop off my little toe and never have razor burn with shaving again, I would do it. However… If I even give myself the smallest cut myself while shaving the blood almost causes me to pass out… so, even with the chopping off idea I still couldn’t do it. But I can do Laser Hair Removal and never worry about Razor Burn that makes my privates look like I used to street walk. 

2. No Need to Let Hair Grow Out

When you do Laser Hair Removal you’re going to get your best results when you shave before your appointment. With waxing, you will need to let the hair grow out to achieve your desired results. This is for sure a bummer because 1 inch of hair will definitely affect your social calendar *wink wink*.

3. Long-term Results

The fundamental advantage of laser hair removal lies in its long-term efficacy. Unlike shaving, which necessitates frequent upkeep, or waxing, which requires regular appointments every few weeks, laser hair removal provides enduring results. After a series of sessions, the need for continuous maintenance diminishes significantly, resulting in substantial time and cost savings in the long run.

4. Reduced Product Expenditure

Traditional hair removal methods often demand a range of products, including razors, shaving cream, waxing kits, and depilatory creams. The cumulative cost of these products can accumulate over time. Conversely, laser hair removal obviates the need for such recurrent purchases, resulting in notable savings over the long term.

5. Time Savings

Time, as a valuable commodity, also factors into the cost-effectiveness equation. Laser hair removal sessions, although initially requiring multiple appointments, are relatively swift, typically lasting between 15 to 30 minutes per session, depending on the treatment area. Once the initial series of sessions is completed, the time spent on hair removal maintenance dwindles significantly, offering considerable time savings in the long term.

6. Waxing as a Comparison

Waxing, a popular alternative to shaving, shares some similarities with laser hair removal in terms of longevity but often falls short in cost-effectiveness. While waxing provides relatively longer-lasting results compared to shaving, it still necessitates frequent salon visits every few weeks, incurring ongoing expenses. 

Calculating Cost-Effectiveness

To assess the cost-effectiveness of laser hair removal against shaving, waxing, and other alternatives, a comprehensive comparison is imperative, considering both immediate and long-term costs.

Example Calculation:

Let's compare the cost of laser hair removal for the legs with shaving and waxing over a five-year period:

Laser hair removal for the legs: A package of four sessions costs $1,900, with touch-up sessions every two years at $50 each. Over five years, the total cost amounts to $2,000
*touch-ups can be a necessary part of the laser hair removal process; this is due to hormone changes, or hair just trying to grow back through a little bit and most people with our technology don't need a touch up for about 3-5 years. We always keep touch-up cost low as opposed to charging a higher price for ‘unlimited laser hair removal’  because ‘unlimited laser hair removal’ is a marketing gimmick… and we don’t like that. 

Shaving for the legs: Assuming disposable razors cost $10 per pack, lasting one week, and shaving cream costs $5 per month. Over five years, the total cost sums up to approximately $650.

With Shaving I believe that we have to add time spent: For those of us who like having smooth legs everyday, we'll estimate you spend about 15 minutes each day shaving your legs from top to bottom. Not including your bikini (make it an even 20 minutes for your legs and bikini). Of course this may not be the case in the winter or on a day you're running late but for arguments' sake let's leave it at 15 minutes per day. That is: 

  • 105 minutes a week, 
  • 450 minutes a month (7.5 hours), 
  • 5,475 minutes a year (92 hours!) That's crazy. 
  • In 10 years you will have spent 54,750 minutes or 913 hours just shaving your legs! 
  • Let me take this one step further by saying if you make $20 an hour, and you chose to work for those hours instead of shaving your legs (and be prepared because this is going to hurt a little). 
  • In one month you could have made an extra $150 instead of spending that time shaving, in one year you could have made $1,840 and in 10 years you could have made a whopping $18,260

Waxing for the legs: With each waxing session priced at $65, and considering the need for a session every four weeks, the annual cost amounts to $780. Over five years, the total cost equals $3,900. 

The Math > $65 (12) = $780 (5 years) = $3,900

In this example, laser hair removal proves to be the most cost-effective option, despite its higher per treatment cost, due to its long-term benefits and reduced need for ongoing maintenance.

Laser hair removal stands out as the most financially prudent choice for hair removal, offering enduring results, reduced product expenditure, and substantial time savings compared to alternatives like shaving and waxing. While the initial cost of laser hair removal may appear steep, its long-term cost-effectiveness outweighs the expenses associated with other methods. Ultimately, the decision to opt for laser hair removal should be viewed as an investment in both convenience and savings, delivering smooth, hair-free skin without the burden of frequent upkeep.


* All information subject to change. Images may contain models. Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary.