Let’s tackle the timeless question of hair removal – the battle between shaving and waxing.
Some folks choose to shave or wax to enjoy smooth, hair-free legs, underarms, faces, and bikini lines. Others opt for it to flaunt hairless chests and backs.
But which is simpler and kinder to your skin (and wallet)? Let’s breaks down the good and not-so-good sides of both methods.
different types of shaving
This table outlines the different shaving methods, detailing their specific characteristics and techniques to help users choose the most suitable method for their needs and preferences.
| Shaving Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Manual Razor Shaving | Traditional razors with replaceable or fixed blades. |
| – Cartridge Razors: Multiple blades in a cartridge. | |
| – Safety Razors: Single, sharp blade for precision. | |
| Electric Razor Shaving | Razors powered by electricity for dry or wet shaving. |
| – Foil Electric Razors: Oscillating blades under foil. | |
| – Rotary Electric Razors: Circular heads for contours. | |
| Wet Shaving | Shaving with water, cream, gel, and additional tools. |
| – Shaving Cream or Gel: Softens hair for a smooth cut. | |
| – Pre-Shave Oil: Adds extra hair softening and protection. | |
| – Shaving Brushes: For lathering cream or soap. | |
| Dry Shaving | Electric razors used on dry skin without creams. |
| Specialized Shaving | Unique methods requiring specific techniques. |
| – Straight Razors: Long, sharp blades for skilled use. | |
| – Disposable Razors: Single-use, fixed blade razors. | |
| Alternative Shaving | Different approaches outside traditional methods. |
| – Safety Razor with Shavette: Uses disposable blades. | |
| – Shaving Powders: Chemicals to dissolve hair. |
Shaving Advantages
- Quick and easy to do at home, can be a part of your daily routine.
- Razors and shaving cream cost less compared to salon waxing.
- Shaving isn’t painful as it only takes out the hair from the skin’s surface, leaving the root untouched.
- You can shave at any hair length.
Shaving Disadvantages
- Can cause irritated hair follicles, itching, ingrown hairs, and razor burn.
- Results stay for only 1 to 3 days.
- Dull blades can lead to irritation and cuts.
Shaving Tips
Take your time while shaving and if your skin is sensitive, use moisturizing products. Never shave without any moisture, and opt for shaving cream over soap.
Shave towards the end of your shower or bath, when your skin is softened and pores are open.
A big shaving no-no is going “against the grain.” Instead, shave in the same direction your hair grows to prevent ingrown hairs.
types of waxing
| Waxing Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Soft Waxing | Uses soft, warmed wax applied thinly and removed with strips. |
| – Strip Waxing: Uses cloth or paper strips for hair removal. | |
| Hard Waxing | Involves a thick layer of hard wax that’s peeled off directly. |
| – Stripless Waxing: No cloth strips, wax hardens and lifts. | |
| Cold Waxing | Ready-to-use wax strips without heating, applied and removed. |
| Hot Waxing | Melts wax and applies it to the skin, then removes when cool. |
| – Depilatory Waxing: Removes hair from the surface of skin. | |
| – Pellet Waxing: Small wax beads melted for precise use. | |
| Sugar Waxing | Uses a paste made of sugar, lemon, and water for hair removal. |
| – Mixture is applied, then pulled off in the opposite direction. | |
| Chocolate Waxing | Incorporates cocoa or chocolate extract in the wax formula. |
| – Known for a pleasant aroma and potentially gentler results. | |
| Fruit Waxing | Utilizes fruit-based waxes, often containing natural extracts. |
| – May offer additional skin benefits due to fruit properties. | |
| Brazilian Waxing | Removes most hair from the bikini area, leaving a strip. |
| – Popular for its thoroughness in hair removal. | |
| Vajazzle Waxing | Brazilian waxing combined with application of crystals. |
| – Adds decorative elements post-waxing. |
different types of wax dabs
| Type of Wax Dab | Description |
|---|---|
| Shatter | Hard, translucent, and brittle concentrate resembling shattered glass. |
| Crumble | Dry and brittle concentrate with a crumbly texture, easier to handle. |
| Budder | Soft, malleable concentrate with a texture similar to creamy butter. |
| Live Resin | Extracted from fresh, frozen cannabis plants, retaining original flavors. |
| Rosin | Created by applying heat and pressure to cannabis flowers, kief, or hash. |
| Pull and Snap | Exhibits both shatter and taffy characteristics, stretchy yet snaps when pulled. |
| Sugar Wax | Features a sugary, crystalline texture, usually moist and easy to manipulate. |
| Sap | Runny, liquid concentrate often used in vape pens due to its consistency. |
Waxing Advantages
- Skin can feel smoother, and hair might grow back thinner over time with waxing.
- Waxing can act like exfoliation, helping your skin.
- Results last around 3 to 4 weeks.
Waxing Disadvantages
- Some find waxing painful, depending on their pain tolerance. Since hair is removed from the root, some say it’s more painful than shaving. The hot wax can also burn the skin if not used carefully.
- Waxing might lead to inflamed hair follicles, pain, redness, ingrown hairs, and skin irritation.
- If you’re using retinoid anti-aging or acne products, waxing facial hair might cause scrapes, infections, or even scars. So, be sure to do your research before giving it a go.
- Hair needs to be ¼” to ½” long for waxing.
Waxing Tips
Waxing needs some know-how, so if you’re new to it, start at a salon or get guidance from someone experienced.
Be cautious with wax temperatures to avoid burning your skin when heating it.
For the best outcomes, treat yourself to a salon visit with a professional.
When to Reconsider Shaving or Waxing?
Sensitive Skin
If you have super sensitive skin, waxing might be more uncomfortable. Also, if your skin reacts to certain ingredients, waxing could lead to problems. Shaving could irritate and cause cuts, potentially leading to scarring. Doing a patch test beforehand can help you decide.
Medication
Certain medications can make your skin more sensitive. If you’re on antibiotics, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), using Retinol-based creams, Accutane, or Hormonal birth control, it’s wise to skip waxing and shaving for the moment.
Past Experience
If you’ve had bad reactions to waxing or shaving before, it’s best to avoid them. Consider a patch test before trying a new approach.
Pain Threshold
Shaving is painless, but you might get small cuts if not careful. Waxing involves some discomfort. If you can handle it, waxing might be your choice.
Time Constraints
For a quick fix, go for shaving when you’re in a rush or your hair is too short for waxing. But if you want longer-lasting results and have the time, waxing is the way to go.
Hair Length
Waxing works best with hair at least half an inch long. If your hair is super thick or long, trim it a bit before shaving or waxing for a smoother experience.
Which Results Last Longer?
The duration of results varies, influenced by factors like the area being treated. For instance, bikini and underarm hair could grow faster compared to hair on the arms and legs. To make a fair comparison between waxing and shaving, focus on similar areas.
Hair growth occurs in cycles—growth, rest, and shedding—so you’re only removing a portion of hair each time. Typically, waxing maintains results for about four weeks before regrowth becomes noticeable. Consistent waxing can help extend the time between sessions.
When it comes to shaving, achieving completely smooth skin requires daily or every-other-day shaving. Individuals with lighter or thinner hair might go a bit longer before needing to shave again, but usually, it’s around a couple of days at most.
PACKING UP
Getting your skin waxed by a technician may be more expensive than shaving. This is because of the various tools involved and the service cost. However, if you purchase a waxing set you may not have to constantly invest in parlor services. Shaving is much cheaper on the pocket, as you incur only the costs of the razor and the lubricant.
FAQ’S
Is it better to shave or wax?
It depends on personal preference and goals. Shaving is quick but needs frequent repetition. Waxing removes hair from the root, providing longer-lasting smoothness.
Is it more painful to shave or wax?
Waxing might cause discomfort due to hair removal from the root. Shaving generally doesn’t cause pain unless cuts or irritation occur.
Is waxing good for pubic hair?
Waxing can effectively remove pubic hair, but it might cause discomfort. It’s essential to consider pain tolerance and skin sensitivity.
Does waxing make hair thicker?
No, waxing doesn’t make hair grow back thicker. It might appear coarser initially due to hair regrowth, but that’s temporary.
How many times do you have to wax before hair stops growing?
Hair reduction might occur after multiple waxing sessions. Consistency can lead to thinner regrowth or more extended periods between sessions.
Is waxing or shaving better for pubic hair?
Waxing can offer smoother skin for a longer duration compared to shaving, but it’s a matter of personal choice.
What are the cons of waxing?
Potential cons include discomfort during the process, skin irritation, and the need for hair to grow to a certain length for effective waxing.
What is most painful area to wax?
Sensitivity varies, but areas with thinner skin or denser hair, like the bikini line or underarms, might be more sensitive.
How long do waxes last?
Results can last anywhere from 3 to 6 weeks, varying by individual hair growth cycles.
What is a Brazilian shave?
A Brazilian wax removes hair from the pubic area, including the bikini line, labia, and often the buttocks.