It may be frustrating not knowing the differences between waxing and shaving when trying to choose what is best for you. I chose to write this article so sit back, have a read and hopefully by the end of it you will have a clear understanding of the differences between waxing and shaving.
Waxing and shaving are two methods of hair removal but they are certainly very different. Waxing removes the hair from the root by using a warm wax that is applied to the skin then tugged off. Whereas shaving only trims the hair from the skin surface by a small blade leaving the skin feeling smooth for only a short period of time.
When it comes to choosing between waxing and shaving it is all down to preference and really depending on your own skin type. None of us are the same so it’s a personal choice and I’m here to help you decide which method of hair removal will work best for you. Below I will cover different points to help give you a better understanding including some good tips and personal experiences of my own. Now let us get to it.
What Is The Difference Between Waxing And Shaving?
Waxing and shaving are two methods of hair removal and for someone that hasn’t experimented with either, I thought showing the differences on a table would make it easier to understand.
Here I have made a table to show all the differences between waxing and shaving:
| TREATMENT | WAXING | SHAVING |
| EQUIPMENT NEEDED | HOT/WARM WAX, WAX HEATER, PAPER OR FABRIC STRIPS, PRE/POST LOTIONS | RAZOR, SHAVING FOAM/CREAM |
| AREAS OF BODY | ALL AREAS | LARGER ARES |
| PAIN LEVEL | MILD TO MODERATE DEPENDING ON THE INDIVIDUAL | MINIMAL PAIN/DISCOMFORT |
| SKIN TYPE | ALL – WITH EXTRA CARE TAKEN WITH SENSITIVE SKIN | ALL – WITH EXTRA CARE TAKEN WITH SENSITIVE SKIN |
| HAIR LENGTH | 1/4 INCH FOR WARM WAX – AS SHORT AS 2MM FOR SOME TYPES OF HOT WAX | ANY LENGTH |
| RESULTS | 4-6 WEEKS | 1-3 DAYS |
| RISKS OR SIDE EFFECTS | PAIN/DISCOMFORT, SPOT BLEEDING, REDNESS, SWELLING, IRRITATION, INGROWN HAIRS. | INGROWN HAIRS, CUTS/NICKS, ITCHING, FOLLICULITIS, IRRITATION. |
Does Waxing Or Shaving Cause More Ingrown Hairs?
Both waxing and shaving cause ingrown hairs but waxing generally seems to cause more. The reason for this is due to the hair possibly snapping during waxing resulting in the hair not being removed fully from the root. These hairs then start to curl and get trapped under the skin. They grow in the wrong direction leaving you with very sore red bumps.
Check out this really interesting article of mine for all you need to know about ingrown hairs from waxing.
An ingrown hair is a hair on the body that grows inward instead of penetrating the skin and can occur if it is not removed properly whilst waxing. The hair may have been forced to grow back into the skin by wearing tightly fitted clothing immediately after a wax.
Ingrown hairs are not dangerous and they can be very sore and irritating. Ingrown hairs can also appear very red in colour and raised. They will most likely cause pain and irritation, making them very itchy.
Ingrown hairs can be anywhere on the body and both men and women can suffer from these.
Is Waxing Better Than Shaving?
When it comes to deciding which is better; waxing or shaving, it comes down to the individual. Everyone has different skin types, expectations, and so on. There is no right or wrong and some people may opt to do both. The table below shows some pros and cons between each method of hair removal:
| Waxing Pros | Waxing Cons | Shaving Pros | Shaving Cons |
| Results can last 4-6 weeks | Painful treatment in some areas. Mild to moderate pain | Cost effective – razors and shaving cream low cost | Results only last 1-3 days |
| Skin will feel silky smooth and hair growth will start to reduce through time | Can be a lot more expensive than shaving | Quick and easy at home treatment | Shaving can cause ingrown hairs, cuts/nicks, itching, folliculitis and irritation. |
| Hot wax method can be used for sensitive and intimate areas | Hair needs to be at least ¼ inch long | Hair can be shaved at any length so no need to wait for it to grow | Blunt blades will cause razor burn and irritation. |
| Waxing can cause bleeding, redness, swelling, irritation and ingrown hairs. | Pain free treatment |
Is It Safe to Wax Or Shave During Pregnancy?
Waxing and shaving are considered to be safe ways of hair removal throughout pregnancy. Just like any other time, special care should be taken when using razors as to be sire not to case any cuts or nicks of the skin.
Our skin tends to become a bit more sensitive during pregnancy, meaning that waxing may be slightly more uncomfortable and skin could appear redder after the treatment. Extra blood flow is supplied in the pubic area throughout pregnancy meaning there is a higher risk of bleeding and could be more painful.
During pregnancy, our hair tends to appear thicker, probably in areas where you least would like it to! But do not fret. Removing hair is still safe throughout pregnancy, we just need to take special care whilst doing so.
In Summary
So now that you know the difference between waxing and shaving its up to you to decide which is best for you.
Have a go at experimenting with both. There is no right or wrong and its completely OK to mix it up. By this I mean, you could perhaps shave certain parts of your body and wax others.
Personally I like to use hot wax for more sensitive areas and for facial waxing but a quick shave of the legs every few days suits my lifestyle. So don’t get yourself hung up about it. Trial and see what works best for you. Speak to friends or colleagues or ring your local beauty salon for waxing advice and they can answer any questions you may have.
Whichever you choose, enjoy your silky smooth skin.