Is Waxing Better Than Shaving?
For many of us, shaving our legs was once a rite of passage that marked the end of childhood and the first step toward adulthood. But once the novelty wears off, most folks realize that there’s got to be a better way to achieve smooth, touchable skin. Today, we’ll help you determine if waxing really is better than shaving, and offer some tips to help you choose the right hair removal method for you!
Pros and cons of waxing
There are advantages and disadvantages to every depilation technique, so let’s begin with the pros and cons of waxing:
Benefits of waxing vs shaving
When you remove unwanted hair at the root, it can take three to six weeks to reappear. While it won’t permanently reduce hair growth like laser treatments, it’s a major improvement over shaving.
In addition to longer-lasting results, regrowth also returns thinner, finer, and sparser than the thicker, denser stubble that appears after a shave. When you ditch the razor, you’ll also minimize the risk of skin irritation, nicks, cuts, and potential infections from unsanitary tools.
Drawbacks of waxing vs shaving
Of course, waxing also presents a couple of trade-offs. Ripping hair from the root can hurt, especially if you have sensitive skin or you’re waxing delicate areas. You’ll also pay more per session, but you’ll only need appointments every four to six weeks.
Another drawback is that you can’t wax as soon as you see new hairs appear, as waxing requires at least a quarter-inch of hair growth. Certain topical products are also incompatible with waxing. So, if you use Accutane on your face, lip waxing may not be a good idea.
Who is waxing most suitable for?
While waxing can work for most people, it’s particularly perfect for people who:
Want long-lasting smoothness.
Prefer low-maintenance grooming routines.
Suffer from razor bumps and ingrown hairs.
Have coarse, dense, or fast-growing hair.
Want to look and feel flawless for a big event.
Related:How Long Should Hair Be To Wax?
Pros and cons of shaving
Despite our name, we can still offer an objective overview of the pros and cons of shaving. Here’s what you need to know:
Benefits of shaving vs waxing
Convenience is the primary draw of shaving. This technique lets you remove unwanted hair at home whenever you feel like it, no appointments or lengthy regrowth periods required.
It’s also cost-effective, with a decent razor and shaving cream available for just a few bucks. And when performed correctly, waxing is more comfortable.
Drawbacks of shaving vs waxing
The results of a clean, close shave are incredibly short-lived. In fact, you’ll likely notice stubble re-emerging after about 24 hours.
And believe us, it’s noticeable!
Razors slice through thick, mature hairs, meaning the regrowth is dark and coarse when compared to fresh baby hairs regenerating from the root. Shaving can also be much harder on the skin than waxing. We know it seems counterintuitive. The idea of pulling hairs from the root with hot wax doesn’t sound very comfortable, but hear us out:
Shaving is known to cause significant irritation, including razor burn, folliculitis, and ingrown hairs. Plus, the risk of nicks and cuts is really high, especially if you’re shaving hard-to-reach areas like the Brazilian zone or bikini line. And if you keep your razor in the shower between uses, you could end up with a dangerous infection.
Who is shaving most suitable for?
We understand that waxing might not be the right solution for everyone. You may prefer shaving if you:
Need a quick, convenient hair removal method.
Don’t mind frequent upkeep.
Have topical allergies or can’t tolerate wax.
Can’t accommodate regular appointments with your schedule or budget.
Related: How To Prevent Ingrown Hairs After Waxing
Is waxing better than shaving?
While we may be a teensy bit biased toward waxing over shaving, the truth is that the right solution comes down to your personal preferences. Here are a few final thoughts to consider:
Long-term maintenance
When it comes to longevity, waxing clearly outperforms shaving every time. Even though a single shave may only take 10 minutes, those moments add up quickly over weeks, months, and years. If you’re looking to reclaim your personal time, waxing is the way.
Lifestyle and overall comfort
Shaving and waxing are both uncomfortable in their own way, and sensations that are intolerable for some are a walk in the park for others. Additionally, some people are simply uncomfortable with the idea of intimate waxing services from a stranger, which is completely understandable!
Skin health and hair regrowth
Waxing doesn’t just remove unwanted hair. It also exfoliates your skin, leaving your outer layer soft and smooth. Along with thinner, finer regrowth, your skin will stay perfectly touchable for weeks at a time, even as new hairs begin to re-emerge.
Related:Does Waxing Reduce Hair Growth?
The Wax Studio has you covered with personalized waxing services!
If you’re curious about waxing but not quite sure if it’s right for you, our team is happy to help. We started The Wax Studio to help women feel beautiful and empowered in their own skin. Book a consultation today to discover your skin’s true potential!
