Waxing vs. shaving: What are the key differences?
Shaving involves trimming the hair right at skin level, so the root is intact and the hair just has to grow a little bit for it to break through your skin again. That usually takes anywhere from a few days to a week.
On the other hand, waxing pulls your hair out at the root, so it takes longer for the hair to regrow. With waxing, you likely won’t see any regrowth for at least a week and sometimes longer: It can be several weeks before that hair is very noticeable, especially if you wax consistently.
But with only that one data point in mind, you may still be wondering what else to consider if deciding “Should I wax or shave?” So let’s get down to the root of the issue, pun intended.
What are the benefits of shaving?
There are a few benefits of shaving, no matter who you are:
- Shaving is relatively convenient: All you need is a sharp razor, shaving cream or cleanser, and water for an effective shave.
- Shaving is accessible: You can get a cheap razor and shaving cream for a few dollars, though it’s generally worth spending a bit more for a good quality razor, and you’ll need to replace it or the blades regularly.
Downsides to shaving
While shaving can help you achieve a sleek, smooth look, there are a few downsides to consider:
- Frequent shaving can lead to skin irritation and ingrown hairs. This can be especially frustrating for those with sensitive skin.
- Shaving can be time-consuming given how often you need to shave to keep skin smooth and hair-free. You may find that you need to shave daily to maintain your desired look, which can be a hassle.
- Shaving is only a temporary hair-removal solution. The hair will usually continue to grow back at the same thickness it always has, which means you’ll need to keep up with the routine regularly.
What are the benefits of Waxing
There are several benefits of waxing that make it stand apart from shaving — and that keep people coming back to the irresistible allure of waxing hair removal treatments. Here are a few:
- Effective: When you wax consistently, your hair will likely grow back finer and sparser over time, so you’ll look better even between hair removal sessions.
- Gentle: Waxing can be less aggravating to your skin than shaving, which can cause razor burn and ingrown hairs.
- Easy: A professional can do it for you, ensuring you get the possible results with minimal effort. Plus, they can reach areas on your body that you physically can’t.
- Exfoliating: Waxing is its own step in your exfoliation routine, helping you remove dead skin cells and other impurities that can clog pores to reveal brighter, glowing skin.
- Affordable: While waxing is more expensive than shaving, it is considerably cheaper than other options such as electrolysis and laser hair removal, which don’t work for everyone. (Psst: Special offers for first-time customers make it even more affordable.)
- Long-lasting: Depending on the body part you’re waxing, the hair removal can last [link to new “How Long Does a Waxing Last?” article] anywhere from 2–4 weeks.
Are there any side effects to waxing?
Like shaving, your skin can become temporarily red and inflamed following your waxing. This is normal and all part of the process. That said, proper pre-exfoliation and waxing aftercare [link to new after-care article] can help minimize those side effects, which usually disappear after a few hours. You also need to wait for your hair to be at least ¼” long before you can effectively wax.
Finally, if you have a low pain tolerance, waxing can be a little uncomfortable, but that discomfort will likely lessen over time. Working with an expert trained in the process can also minimize discomfort. Our highly trained Cerologists use waxing techniques that are tailored for minimal pain.
Does waxing or shaving last longer?
When it comes to waxing vs. shaving, waxing wins the battle for the longer-lasting hair removal method. While your hair will start to grow back just a few days after shaving, waxing lasts several weeks before you’re ready to head back for another appointment. And your hair will be less noticeable than it was before you started waxing.
Is waxing or shaving better for my skin?
The answer to this ultimately depends on the person and their unique skin, but in general, waxing services mean ditching the all-too-common razor burn (and unsightly bumps!) that comes with shaving.
The biggest benefit to your skin, though, is that a waxing service doubles as a skincare treatment due to the exfoliation that comes with body waxing. Waxing regenerate. This also boosts skin cell regrowth and overall collagen production.
In short: Your skin will be smoother for longer and feel healthier, more hydrated, and absolutely radiant.
What to expect during a waxing service
At Waxing the City, expect to feel pampered! Your Cerologist will take you to a private, comfortable room and talk through the hair removal process with you, whether you’re having your brows, legs, bikini area, or any other part of the body waxed.
Unlike your standard waxing experience, At Waxing the City we know that all waxes are not created equal. For that reason, we use two types of signature wax that are specially formulated for maximum comfort and efficiency:
- For the face and sensitive areas of the body, we use a hard wax that hardens or “shrink wraps” around the hair shaft and lifts it directly from the skin.
- For larger body areas such as legs, arms, back, and chest, we use a soft wax that is removed with a cloth strip.
How to prepare for waxing services
Several days before your appointment, you should gently exfoliate the area . Make sure you clean the area thoroughly and use a moisturizer that isn’t too heavy, oily, or greasy. When heading to your appointment, you should wear whatever makes you feel comfortable; your Cerologist can give you disposable underwear if you’d like them during a bikini wax or Brazilian wax.
How much does waxing hurt?
That depends! Waxing should never be extremely painful, but some people may experience discomfort if they have a lower threshold for pain tolerance — especially at their first wax. Your Cerologist will ensure you are as comfortable as possible, and the right wax can help minimize some of that pain. The good news is that waxing will likely become less painful over time as your hair will be finer and sparser.
Pro tips for a more comfortable wax
If you’re worried about your sensitivity, you can take an over-the-counter ibuprofen about 30 minutes before your appointment to help minimize your discomfort. We also recommend that women consider scheduling bikini or Brazilian wax appointments during the first two weeks of the menstrual cycle, when the skin can be less sensitive.
And did you know that something as simple as avoiding caffeine and alcohol right before hair removal services can make you less sensitive to pain?
How often should you get a wax?
The frequency of waxing services can depend on various factors, including your hair growth rate, the area of the body being waxed, and personal preferences. In general, here are some guidelines for hair removal on different areas of the body:
- Facial hair: Every 2 to 4 weeks. Facial hair tends to grow back more quickly than body hair.
- Underarms: Every 3 to 4 weeks. The hair in this area typically grows back at a moderate rate.
- Legs: Every 4 to 6 weeks. Leg hair often grows more slowly compared to other areas of the body.
- Bikini: Every 3 to 4 weeks. This can vary depending on the style of bikini wax and your personal preferences.
- Brazilian: Every 3 to 4 weeks. This can vary depending on the style of Brazilian wax and your personal preferences.
- Back and chest: Every 4 to 6 weeks. The hair growth in these areas may be slower, but it can vary from person to person.
Consistency in how often you get hair removal treatments done will mean seeing more of the ongoing benefits of waxing — like softer, finer, and sparser hair.
Will hair stop growing after a certain number of waxes?
We wish! No, your hair will probably continue to grow, but it will become softer, finer, and sparser over time if you wax regularly
A final word on waxing vs. shaving
So is waxing better than shaving? Shaving is, in theory, easier. But when you factor in the time in the shower, maybe balancing on one leg, and how quickly your hair starts to grow back, the benefits of waxing start to quickly outpace those of shaving. A waxing appointment can feel like treating yourself, and you’ll see the longer-term benefits as your hair starts to lighten and thin out over time. Not to mention the benefit of having someone else do a perfect job, so you don’t miss a spot or nick yourself by accident!