Waxing vs. Shaving: Why Waxing Is The Better Choice

When it comes to removing unwanted body hair, waxing and shaving are the two most popular options.

They’ll both leave the treatment area bare, but one technique offers serious perks over the other.

If you’re ready to discover why waxing is the best method for natural hair removal, then you’re in the right place! Join us as we dive into the wonderful world of waxing.

What is waxing?

Waxing uses different types of wax to remove hair at the root. Warm wax is applied to the skin and allowed to dry briefly before being quickly removed with a strip or by hand.

You can wax pretty much any part of your body. Facial hair, pubic hair, and those wiry suckers that show up along your bikini lines are no match against the right wax. Whether you need to remove hair from your upper lip or bare your arms and legs, this is the way to do it.

Of course, waxing isn’t a permanent hair removal method. However, even laser hair removal isn’t a guarantee either, and it comes with greater risks. Meanwhile, depilatory products like hair removal creams contain harsh chemicals and don’t last nearly as long.

What are the benefits of shaving?

Shaving is a convenient way to remove hair yourself. You simply lather on shaving cream and use a razor to remove hair along the skin’s surface, leaving the root intact. Many appreciate that it’s cheap, easy, and doesn’t require an appointment. All you have to do is hop in the shower and get to it.

Why we believe waxing is superior to shaving

Shaving might be a handy hair removal technique, but waxing comes with some serious perks. Here are a few things to consider about waxing vs shaving.

There’s a variety of waxing options available

There’s no shortage of hair removal wax out there. Many types cater to a range of different skin and hair types.

Hard wax is applied warm, then, as the name implies, hardens and adheres to the hair instead of the skin. It works best without a wax strip, as it solidifies and comes off in one piece. It’s great for removing both thick and fine strands.

Soft wax is applied the same way, but you need a strip to remove it. Unlike hard wax, it attaches to both the hair and skin, so it can cause some irritation. If you have sensitive skin, you might opt for a cream-based, warm, soft wax to remove body and facial hair.

Cold wax, pre-made wax strips, sugar wax, and other trendy options are also on the market.

While we can’t speak for store-bought solutions to use at home, trained professionals offer safe ways to remove unwanted hair through waxing.

Bacteria is less likely to appear with waxing

Every time you shave, you run the risk of infection. This risk increases when you shave quickly, apply too much pressure, use a dull razor, or don’t use a proper shaving cream. Tiny nicks might not seem like a problem, but if they allow bacteria to enter the hair follicle, they can quickly develop into folliculitis or cellulitis.

You also have to consider where you store your supplies. A razor kept in the shower will harbor bacteria, mildew, and rust, which will transfer to your skin.

This bacteria becomes downright dangerous when it comes to shaving your pubic hair. While you could try an electric razor to avoid cuts and bumps, these shavers won’t give you the smooth skin you crave.

The results of waxing last a lot longer

One of the top benefits of waxing is that the results last much longer than shaving. After your appointment, you can expect smooth skin for up to four weeks. This means you can enjoy silky, hair-free skin for a whole month with only a single session. With shaving, hair grows back within a couple of days.

Waxing has no chance of cuts or razor bumps

Another joy of waxing is that you never have to worry about cutting yourself while precariously balancing in your slippery shower. On top of that, razor burn is a thing of the past!

Now, that doesn’t mean you’ll never have a reaction to waxing. After all, a wax can cause inflamed hair follicles, which can give you itchy, irritated skin. However, these responses are generally less common than complications from shaving.

Hair grows back thinner after multiple wax sessions

Because waxing completely removes hair follicles, it’s common for strands to grow back thinner and finer, especially after multiple treatments. Over time, you might notice that your hair becomes more supple–and fewer of them are popping up! That certainly beats the prickly stubble we get from shaving.

In the battle of shaving vs waxing, wax wins!

Skin becomes exfoliated after waxing 

Another waxing benefit is that it naturally exfoliates the skin. Not only will you be hair-free, but you’ll also have soft, smooth skin.

To get the best results, gently exfoliate the treatment area the day before your appointment to slough off the outermost layer of dead particles. That way, the wax can effectively remove any remaining bits, leaving you with silky, touchable skin.

Unlike shaving, ingrown hairs are less likely to happen

Shaving can deform the hairs it leaves behind, causing them to grow back toward the skin as they get longer. This can trigger inflammation as your body sees the hair as a dangerous intruder.

While ingrown hairs are possible after waxing, they’re less likely as long as you follow your esthetician’s guide on aftercare. Exfoliation, moisturizer, and an ingrown hair serum go a long way in preventing those pesky bumps!

Find out why waxing is better than shaving at Studio Wax!

If you’re still not convinced that waxing can give you better, smoother, hair-free skin for longer, allow us to introduce you to the wonders of waxing! At Studio Wax, we’re dedicated to helping you get the best skin of your life. And we offer a lot more than hair removal. You can get a hydrafacial, brow lamination, or lash tint from one of our trusted experts.

Book an appointment at our Bellevue spa to get started today!