Why I Switched from Waxing to IPL Hair Removal—And Never Looked Back

Let me start with this: I used to swear by waxing. I'd book my appointments religiously every few weeks, brace myself for the sting, and walk out with smooth skin, telling myself it was worth it. But deep down? I dreaded it. The pain, the cost, the irritation, the awkward growing-out phase-I tolerated it all for the sake of being "hair-free."

Then, one day, I stumbled across a blog post about IPL hair removal. It sounded too good to be true. Permanent hair reduction? At home? Without the pain of ripping out hair by the root? Still skeptical, I did a little digging. Fast forward a few months, and let me tell you: switching from waxing to IPL was one of the best beauty decisions I've ever made.

Here's why I'll never go back.

1. The Pain Factor (or Lack of It)

Waxing hurts. There's no sugarcoating it. Hot wax, sensitive skin, hair yanked out all at once-it's basically controlled torture. With IPL (which stands for Intense Pulsed Light), there's none of that. Yes, the first few sessions felt like little zaps-kind of like a rubber band snapping-but compared to waxing, it was a breeze.

Once I got used to the sensation, it didn't even bother me anymore. It felt more like a warm flash than anything painful. Plus, most modern devices have different intensity levels, so you can ease into it.

2. No More Waiting for Regrowth

One of my biggest frustrations with waxing was the "grow it out" phase. You can't wax hair that's too short, so you're stuck walking around with stubble or worse, visible hair, until it's long enough. With IPL, you shave before your treatment-yes, shave.

That alone was a game-changer for me. I didn't have to hide my legs in jeans between sessions or plan beach trips around my waxing schedule. Smooth skin, all the time.

3. Time-Saving and Convenient

Waxing meant appointments, commuting, waiting, and carving out time in an already packed schedule. With IPL, I could do it from the comfort of my own home, whenever I had a spare 20-30 minutes. Most sessions were quick, especially once I got used to the process. I'd just throw on a show, grab my device, and go.

And here's the kicker: over time, the sessions got even faster because there was less hair to deal with.

4. Long-Term Results

This is what really sealed the deal for me. After a few months of consistent IPL use (I did weekly treatments at first, then spaced them out), I started noticing less hair. Then finer hair. Then in some areas-no hair at all.

It didn't happen overnight, but it was gradual and undeniable. Unlike waxing, where the hair always came back, IPL was actually reducing the amount that grew back in the first place.

Now I only need the occasional maintenance session every few months, and my skin stays smoother than it ever did with waxing.

5. Less Irritation, Fewer Ingrowns

Waxing left me red, bumpy, and prone to ingrown hairs. No matter how much I exfoliated or moisturized, I'd still get those annoying red bumps. With IPL? Almost none.

Since you shave before treatment instead of pulling hair from the root, there's much less trauma to the skin. My legs and underarms look clearer, feel smoother, and feel less irritated than they ever did post-waxing.

6. Cost-Effective in the Long Run

Let's talk money. Waxing adds up-fast. I was easily spending hundreds of dollars a year at salons. IPL devices may seem pricey upfront, but many of them pay for themselves within a few months if you compare them to regular waxing appointments.

And you own the device. That means unlimited treatments, no tipping, no hidden costs-just you, your device, and your time.

7. Confidence Boost

There's something incredibly freeing about not worrying whether your legs are "waxed in time" for a night out, or if your bikini line is beach-ready. Since switching to IPL, I've felt more confident in my skin-literally. It's smoother, softer, and consistently hair-free.

I no longer schedule my life around hair removal. I just… live it.

Read the article: Moisturizer or Sunscreen First? Here's What Actually Works

Final Thoughts

I know IPL isn't for everyone. It works best on certain skin and hair types, and you have to be patient with the results. But for me, it was a total game-changer. I wish I had made the switch years ago.

Waxing had its moment. But now? I've packed away the strips and spatulas for good-and I've never looked back.