Waxing or Shaving: A Guide

Over the years, hair removal has become a significant part of most people's beauty regimes. Although body hair is natural and normal, a great number of folks choose to have smooth and hair-free skin, so that they can flaunt their little black dresses and sleeve-free tank tops.

One common dilemma individuals face is whether they have to wax or shave their unwanted hair. In this article, you will get a brief knowledge about these two hair removal techniques, so that you can choose what is best for you.

Before we jump into the pros and cons of waxing and shaving, here is a little scoop on the processes.

What is waxing?

Waxing is a process where hot wax is applied to the skin to grip the hair. After application and setting, it is pulled outward to remove the hair strands right from the follicles. This method of hair removal is painful, but it just hits in the spur of the moment and disappears after 4-5 seconds.

There are two well-known types of wax: soft wax and hard wax.

Soft wax is thin in density and is applied to the skin, followed by the usage of strips to remove the hair-covered wax. On the other hand, hard wax solidifies a couple of seconds after application and can be pulled directly without the help of strips. They are also way more effective as they stick to the hairs better and pick out nearly all of them in one go.

What is shaving?

Shaving is a method where a sharp razor blade is used to cut hair on the skin's surface. The root gets to stay, and the hair regrows from where it was sliced.

Most men shave their facial hair, while women stick to waxing or threading for their face.

How long does one hair removal session last?

Among all the differences between waxing and shaving, this one is the most significant. Typically, people who shave might have to repeat the process every 3 to 5 days to avoid looking and feeling like a cactus.

The waxers have got the upper hand in this department. Depending on the person, waxing lasts anywhere between 2 weeks and a month. So, if you are in a hurry to go to an important dinner or party you don't have to pull out the razor!

Which method takes longer?

While shaving takes not more than 10 minutes in the shower, a salon waxing session requires slightly more time, especially if it is a full-body wax. Waxing could take anywhere between 30 minutes and an hour. But shaving has to be done more than once a week, so the time adds up, as the hair shoots back way faster, giving the skin a stubbly appearance.

Which method can be used for all parts of the body?

Wax can be used on almost all parts of the body as the amount of wax used can be altered by the esthetician. Shaving can only be used on large and plane surfaces.

Shaving is especially dangerous while using it on uneven surfaces because of the extremely sharp blade. Shaving crevices and folds on the skin can be tricky business, as you can get nicked if you make a small mistake.

Which one is more cost-effective?

Shaving is comparatively cheaper as all you require is a razor blade and preferably some shaving cream. However, the amount of productive time spent shaving is not worth the trouble.

Getting a salon waxing treatment will cost you more, but it's a better choice as you don't have to spend on equipment, and you can book an appointment once a month.

Over time, waxing causes your skin's hair follicles to weaken with constant uprooting, and your hair will begin to grow fine and short. Eventually, you can even slow down the process of hair re-growth, decreasing the frequency of salon visits as a result.

Which hair removal technique takes the cake?

In our opinion, waxing takes the win because of all the benefits it comes with. With every wax strip that is pulled, a layer of dead skin cells gets removed too. In other words, you get a free exfoliation along with smooth and hairless skin!

You also avoid the ugly razor bumps and cuts that come with shaving.

If you decide on getting your waxing appointment anytime soon, book with us at Pink Is In Salon! We provide over 21 service options, including full body waxing and Brazilian.

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Written by Chelsea Muller