Your Guide to Waxing vs Shaving
While shaving is the go-to hair removal method for many, waxing offers numerous benefits you won’t get from a razor. In fact, we’re pretty confident you’ll at least consider giving wax a go after we break down the advantages of waxing vs shaving. Ready to see what all the hype is about? Join us for a comprehensive guide to waxing vs shaving!
What to expect with waxing vs shaving
Here are some of the fundamental differences between waxing and shaving:
What’s the process for waxing vs shaving?
With waxing, you’ll visit your hair removal expert, who will apply a hot wax solution and remove it by hand or using dedicated strips. This technique pulls hairs from the root. Most people shave at home, using a razor blade and shaving cream to slice off hair at the skin’s surface.
How long does waxing take vs shaving?
Waxing is typically quick and easy, taking only minutes to complete. For an area like your upper lip, you can be in and out in about five minutes. Larger treatment areas, such as full legs or back, may take around half an hour.
Shaving may take less time than waxing, depending on the size of the area. However, you’ll need to repeat the process every couple of days to maintain your results.
How long does waxing last vs shaving?
One of the most notable benefits of waxing is that the results last substantially longer than shaving. With a consistent waxing schedule, you can enjoy silky-smooth skin for weeks at a time. On the other hand, you’ll only get one or two days out of shaving.
Benefits of waxing vs shaving
If you’re excited about the potential for long-term hair removal with waxing, here are more advantages of waxing vs shaving:
Waxing lasts longer over time
A few days after your first waxing session, you might see new strands of hair emerge from your skin. While this can feel discouraging, it’s important to remember that this is normal since wax can’t remove strands beneath your skin. Here’s the good news: as you establish a consistent waxing schedule, your hair growth cycles should sync up.
In turn, your hair removal expert will extract a greater percentage of hairs during subsequent appointments. If you stick to your esthetician’s aftercare instructions, you should enjoy the results of waxing for longer after each session. We’d like to see a razor do that!
Waxing can reduce hair regrowth
It isn’t uncommon for follicles to be damaged during waxing. When this happens, those follicles may stop producing new hairs, leading to lighter regrowth in the future. Although this reduced hair growth won’t be as noticeable as the results from laser hair removal, it can still make a big difference over time.
Fewer hair removal sessions with waxing vs shaving
Shaving can require daily sessions to maintain silky skin. While each shave may only take a few minutes, the time quickly adds up when you consider how frequently you must perform this ritual. Many clients can wax once every four to six weeks to enjoy silky smooth skin.
Waxing is gentler on the skin
Each time you shave, you slice off hairs at the skin’s surface, causing thick, coarse hairs to become trapped under the skin. This method also poses a number of safety risks for sensitive skin, including cuts, irritation, and infection. If you store your razor in the shower between uses, you could be asking for trouble. However, waxing can be easier on your skin to limit damage and potential complications.
Waxing leaves skin smoother
Waxing naturally exfoliates dry skin, removing dead skin cells along with unwanted facial and body hair. It also minimizes the risk of side effects like ingrown hairs and inflamed follicles, which can present as dreaded razor burn.
How to prepare for waxing vs shaving
Here’s a guide to prepping for waxing vs shaving:
Hair needs to grow for waxing
For the best results, you’ll need to avoid shaving and plucking between waxing appointments. Growing your strands will help your esthetician remove more hairs during each waxing session to promote syncing your growth cycles. That said, some trimming may be necessary if your hair is substantially longer than one-quarter of an inch. Ideally we are looking for the hair to be the length of a grain of rice, which for most is about two to three weeks of growth.
Exfoliation for shaving vs waxing
No matter your hair removal preferences between waxing vs shaving, exfoliation can ensure a more effective treatment. In both cases, it’s wise to gently exfoliate around 48 hours before your session for the best results.
Aftercare for waxing vs shaving
Aftercare is generally similar for waxing and shaving, but post-wax skin may require a little more TLC. Some people experience redness and inflammation, which can be managed with a cool compress, gentle lotion, and soothing aloe vera. Your wax specialist will go over post care with you to ensure best results as well.
Experience the difference between waxing vs shaving at Stormie Skin & Wellness!
If you’re ready to see the benefits of waxing vs shaving firsthand, it’s time to visit the experts at Stormie Skin & Wellness! We can help you eliminate unwanted hair from your toes, bikini line, upper lip, and everything in between. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!