New Year, Smooth You: Laser Vs Waxing Vs Electrolysis, What’s Right For You?

If you want 2026 to be the year you stop thinking about hair removal, January is the perfect time to map out a plan. You have three brilliant options with different strengths, timelines, and budgets, and the best choice depends on your goals, hair and skin type, and how permanent you want the result to be. Here is a clear, myth-busting guide to laser hair removal, waxing, and electrolysis, so you can choose with confidence.

Quick overview: what each method does best

• Laser hair removal: Best for larger areas and dark hair on any skin tone with the right device. Our SMART diode laser is fast and effective, and reduces hair dramatically across a course. Great for legs, underarms, bikini, back, chest, and arms.
• Electrolysis: The only method classed as permanent hair removal. Ideal for light, grey, red, or very fine hairs that lasers cannot see, and for small areas like the upper lip, chin, nipple line, and odd resistant hairs after laser.
• Waxing: Brilliant for quick, smooth results on any hair colour. Great for events or holidays, and for those who prefer a pay-as-you-go approach. Intimate waxing, brows, and body areas all respond well to professional technique.

Can you do laser hair removal on intimate areas?

You can laser the bikini area, including Brazilian and Hollywood styles. We treat the bikini line, extended bikini, and full intimate areas safely with appropriate protocols. You will need to shave the treatment area 24 hours before your appointment so the laser can target the follicle under the skin. We do not laser internally. If you are prone to ingrown hairs or shadow after shaving, laser can be a game-changer for comfort and confidence.

Is it better to wax or laser pubic hair?

It depends on your goals and timeline.

Choose laser if you want long-term reduction, fewer ingrowns, and less upkeep. Expect a course of 6 to 8 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart, with top-ups once or twice a year after your course. Choose waxing if you want instant smoothness for an event or holiday without a course commitment. Hair needs to be about 4 mm long for the wax to grip, and most people repeat every 4 to 6 weeks.

Many clients start with laser for the bulk of the reduction, then keep occasional waxing for shape tweaks, or switch to electrolysis for any light or grey stragglers.

Tip: If waxing is your choice, you can naturally include our waxing Egham service for local convenience and professional results.

SMART diode laser, explained

Diode laser targets pigment in the hair to heat and disable the follicle. Our SMART diode is designed to treat a wide range of skin tones safely with appropriate settings, and to work quickly on larger areas. It excels on dark brown or black hairs. It is less effective on blond, red, white, or grey hairs because there is little pigment to absorb energy, and that is when electrolysis comes in.

What it feels like: most people describe quick pinpricks with warmth. Sensitive zones like the bikini can feel sharper, but it is fast and tolerable. Cooling, careful settings, and experienced technique help a lot. Course expectations: hair grows in cycles, so you need repeat sessions to catch follicles in the active phase. Most people see reduction after 2 to 3 sessions, with a strong result after 6 to 8. Hormonal areas may need more.

Pre-care: shave the area 24 hours before, avoid sun and fake tan, and pause retinoids or exfoliating acids on nearby skin 3 to 5 days before treatment. We carry out a consultation and patch test first to confirm suitability and settings.

Aftercare: avoid hot baths, vigorous exercise, or sauna for 24 hours, use a gentle moisturiser, and apply SPF on exposed areas.

Electrolysis, answered

Is electrolysis 100% permanent? Electrolysis is considered permanent hair removal when performed in a correct series because it treats each follicle directly with a tiny probe and current. Hairs must be targeted across growth cycles, and hormonal factors can stimulate new follicles later in life. For hairs already treated effectively, results are permanent.

How painful is electrolysis? Sensation ranges from a light sting to a brief prickle per hair. Most people tolerate it well, especially on small zones. We tailor settings for comfort, and short sessions are an easy way to begin.

How much does electrolysis cost in the UK? Pricing varies by region and session length. You typically pay for time blocks, for example, 10, 15, 30, or 60 minutes. For our latest pricing and to plan your timeline for electrolysis ascot, book a consultation and we will map it out with you.

Best uses: light or grey hairs that laser cannot target, small areas, or final tidy after laser.

Pre-care and aftercare: keep the area clean and skip active exfoliants for a couple of days after. Avoid heat and heavy workouts for 24 hours and use a soothing, non-fragranced moisturiser as advised.

Waxing, the event hero

Waxing gives immediate smoothness on any hair colour. It is perfect for last-minute plans and for those who prefer not to commit to a course. Intimate waxing is quick in skilled hands, and Lycon wax is known for comfort. Pre-care: grow hair to at least 4 mm, exfoliate gently 24 to 48 hours before, and arrive with clean skin. Avoid heavy lotions and tight clothing post-appointment.

Aftercare: no hot baths or heavy workouts for 24 hours, avoid scrubs for 48 hours, then exfoliate regularly to prevent ingrowns. Moisturise daily.

Common, real-world questions

Do most girls shave down there? Personal grooming is entirely individual. Many people shave, many wax, and many choose laser. Your best option is the one that matches your skin, hair, comfort level, and lifestyle. You can switch or combine methods as your needs change.

Can you mix methods? Yes. A popular route is laser for reduction, electrolysis for any light regrowth, and occasional waxing for shape before a holiday. Your therapist will help you space treatments correctly.

Budgeting and timelines

• Laser: higher upfront spend with long-term savings. Plan 6 to 8 sessions, then occasional top-ups.
• Electrolysis: pay by time, ideal for small areas or light hairs. Total hours vary with hair density and goals.
• Waxing: lower per-visit cost, ongoing maintenance every 4 to 6 weeks.

If you want a local, professional route into laser, explore laser hair removal ascot to see how a tailored course could reduce your daily maintenance.

Safety first: consultations and patch tests

A consultation and patch test help confirm the safest settings for laser, and suitability for electrolysis or waxing if you have sensitivities. Share any medications, recent sun or tanning, and skin conditions. Expect honest advice on what each method can and cannot do, including realistic timelines and results.

Pre-care checklist

• Laser: shave 24 hours before, avoid sun and fake tan, pause exfoliants nearby, arrive with clean skin.
• Electrolysis: arrive with clean skin, avoid caffeine right before if you are sensitive, and skip heavy actives after.
• Waxing: grow hair to 4 mm, light exfoliation 24 to 48 hours before, clean skin on the day.

Your personal plan

• Dark, coarse hair on larger areas: SMART diode laser is likely your fastest route to long-term reduction.
• Light, grey, or red hairs, or tiny zones: electrolysis is the gold standard.
• Last-minute smoothness or occasional maintenance: waxing is simple and effective.

If you are nearby and want a broader self-care day while you are planning hair removal, our Virginia Water salon includes a full menu of relaxing treatments to pair with your consultation.

Ready to feel smooth and confident all year?

Book a free consultation and we will map your plan, complete your patch test, and give you clear expectations on sessions, comfort, and costs. You will leave knowing exactly what suits your skin, hair, and schedule, whether that is SMART diode laser, electrolysis, waxing, or a blend that gets you to your goal.