Waxing vs Shaving: Which is better for hair removal?

If you have that dreaded fuzz on your legs, back, bikini line, underarms and face, you may wonder which is better - waxing or shaving? Waxing and shaving have been fighting a long-drawn battle for years. Though shaving has existed since pre-historic times when men used stone ‘knives’ to remove the hair from their bodies, this good old fashioned method still has many advantages over (the more contemporary) waxing.  Here is the low-down on which hair removal method is better. Waxing or shaving? You decide.

Which is easier - waxing or shaving?

All you need to shave is a good razor and you can do it anytime you feel you need one. Many people shave in the shower or bath, so it’s quick and easy. Waxing may take a bit longer. For starters, you need to wait for your hair to grow to at least ¼ inches before it can be effectively removed. There is also some prep work involved in waxing when such as heating up the wax.  If you’re going to a waxing salon, you need to find an appropriate time to make an appointment, not to mention the effort commuting to and from the venue. All in all it just adds up in making waxing slightly more inconvenient.

How long does waxing or shaving last?

In general, waxing lasts a bit longer than shaving. Legs are a common waxing area so you may ask - how long does leg waxing last? Leg waxing lasts for about two weeks. And people who go to a professional waxing salon generally go every four weeks. How long does shaving last? Hair grows back much quicker with shaving as you are not removing the hair follicle from the root. Underarm hair grows 50% faster than other parts of your body so it’s hard to give a solid number. But for most body parts, you might have to shave every two to four days.

Which is more painful - waxing or shaving?

Shaving doesn’t hurt as you’re just cutting the hair at its base. You might get razor bumps or rashes though and that can be annoying. Does waxing hurt? It depends on your pain threshold. Waxing would not hurt more than getting your eyebrows plucked. After all, you are removing the entire hair follicle. After a while, most people get used to the ‘pain’.

Does shaving make hair thicker?

No. It may seem that shaving makes your hair grow back thicker. The truth is, you are cutting the area where the hair is thick and dark so when it grows back it may seem denser. It is just not physiologically possible for shaving to change the thickness, colour or growth rate of your hair. All you’re doing when you shave is cutting the hair.

Which costs more - shaving or waxing?

Shaving is probably the least expensive - all you need are a couple of razors and maybe some shaving cream. Home waxing is only slightly more expensive. Going to a professional waxing salon is the most expensive but the results might be better. Considering you might not have to go that often (compared to shaving), a professional waxing salon might be worth the money.

And the winner is...

There doesn’t seem to be a clear winner. It really depends on your preference and how much hair you want to remove. Maybe you’d like to do a mixture of both waxing and shaving. For example, some people shave their underarm hair, use wax strips for their legs and get a bikini wax professionally done. You might also want to consider the type of skin you have. If you have sensitive skin, shaving might be a good option but you need to find a razor that’s gentle on sensitive skin.

Have you thought of a hair removal method besides waxing or shaving?

If you’re tired of always having to wax or shave, there is a long-term solution to hair removal. Laser hair removal is becoming increasingly popular for people who want to get rid of their body hair once and for all. Laser hair removal is performed at a skin clinic or laser clinic by professional laser clinicians. At Clinica Lase, we use lasers to destroy the root of the follicle and prevent future hair growth. Laser hair removal can remove up to 90% of unwanted hair. As it targets the melanin in your hair, it is most effective for people with dark hair and fair skin.