Is It Better to Shave or Wax?
“Is it better to shave or wax?” is one of the most popular questions we hear from our clients. It’s a good question, too, and luckily, we have a good answer:
Waxing, overall, is better than shaving. But if our word isn’t good enough for you, consider these the reasons why it is better to wax instead of shave:
Waxing Results Last Longer Than Shaving Results
With shaving, it only takes a couple of days for the hair to begin growing back, meaning you’ll be shaving again. Shaving cuts hair off at the thickest section of the follicle, which means it’ll grow back pretty quickly. It may also grow back thicker due to being shaved at the thickest section of the hair follicle.
Because waxing pulls hairs out from their roots, it takes much longer for the hair to grow back compared to shaving. Waxing results can last nearly three weeks, and as a bonus, the hair grows back thinner and sometimes, even lighter in color.
Waxing is the More Efficient and Effective Hair Removal Method
Shaving is a temporary solution to hair removal that doesn’t address the root of the problem. You have to shave again and again to keep up with the growth, which can become expensive if you’re constantly buying new razors and shaving cream. Not to mention, it takes up valuable time in your day.
Waxing is by far the more efficient and effective hair removal method.
Waxing is Better for Sensitive Skin
Razors are known for aggravating skin, and it’s even worse if you have sensitive skin. Even if you don’t have sensitive skin, shaving pubic hairs with a razor often results in a rash of little red sores that itch and may even hurt.
With waxes, there are multiple different types of waxes you can choose that work best with your skin type or lifestyle. If you have allergies, go with hypoallergenic wax. If you want to avoid products that use animal testing or products, there are lots of vegan wax options as well.
With razors, you don’t have a large selection of products to choose from. Sure, you have shaving creams and soaps, but you’re still using a metal blade that irritates your skin.
Ingrown Hairs are Less Likely to Occur with Waxing
While it is still possible to get ingrown hairs from waxing, they occur less frequently than the ingrown hairs you get from shaving. When you shave, hairs are cut in the middle of the follicle, which results in the hair growing back and getting stuck under the skin.
Waxing, on the other hand, pulls most of the follicles out entirely, right from the root. Of course, there are some hairs that might not be long enough for the wax to reach properly, but this occurs less often with waxing.
Waxing Eliminates Razor Bumps and Razor Burns
Razor bumps are a type of ingrown hair that occurs when the shaved hair curls back on itself and grows into the skin. Many people who shave often experience razor bumps, especially if they have sensitive skin.
Razor burns are red, irritated patches of skin that can occur after shaving. They’re often caused by using a dull razor blade.
Razor bumps and burns occur when shaving, so if you switch to waxing, you won’t have to deal with these irritating conditions.
Waxing Exfoliates Your Skin
When wax is pulled off of your skin, it removes hairs and dead skin cells, dirt, and oil. All of these things clog up your pores, which can lead to the creation of pimples. When the wax removes dead skin cells, dirt, and oil, it prevents breakouts and leaves your skin looking and feeling healthier than ever.
Waxing has a Better, Smoother Finish
One of the most annoying things with shaving is when you run your hands over where you just shaved, and you still feel stubble! After all of that work and time spent trying to get rid of those hairs, they’re still there!
With waxing, you won’t have to worry about finding stubbly spots you’ve missed or couldn’t get rid of hair. Waxing removes hair from the root, leaving your skin smooth and free of stubble.
Waxing FAQs
What are the Benefits of Waxing?
To recap, here are the benefits of waxing instead of shaving:
- Longer lasting results
- Takes less time
- Fewer ingrown hairs
- No razor burns or bumps
- Exfoliates skin
- A smoother, better-looking finish
Which Parts of Your Body Does Shaving or Waxing Work Best For?
Shaving and waxing work best on the following areas:
- Bikini area
- Legs
- Underarms
To remove hair from the labia (vagina lips) and the buttocks, a Brazilian wax is the safest option.
What is the Best Method for Hair Removal?
Although it’s not a focus of this blog, laser hair removal is our preferred method of hair removal.
What are the Side Effects of Waxing and Shaving?
Shaving side effects may include:
- Nicks and cuts
- Razor burn
- Razor bumps
- Ingrown hairs
- Itching
- Folliculitis (a red bumpy rash)
Waxing side effects may include:
- Pain
- Redness
- Irritation
- Temporary sun sensitivity
Note that many of the waxing side effects may be avoided or reduced by having it done by a professional.
Ditch the Razor: Book a Waxing Session at Nashville Skin Company
If you’re sick of razor burns and dealing with stubble and ingrown hairs, book a waxing session at Nashville Skin Company today.