What is Shaving?
Shaving is a method used to remove hair in which a razor is used to cut hair from the skin’s surface, but not from the root. It is the most widely used method to remove hair around the world. Shaving with a quality razor allows hair to be removed in a way that it is not visible on the skin’s surface.
Typically, men use razors to shave their facial hair, and women use them to remove hair all over their body. Shaving lightly exfoliates the skin by picking up shedding skin in the process of removing hair.
What is Waxing?
Waxing is a method of removing hair where wax is heated and applied to the area containing unwanted hair. After the wax is applied, it is then removed by pulling it quickly off the skin, removing hair follicles from the root. The most popular types of hair removal wax are soft wax and hard wax.
Soft wax is a traditional form of wax that requires wax removal strips that are placed over the wax and then pulled to remove the wax from the skin. As the strip is pulled, the wax removes the hair at the follicle. When waxing large areas of the body, multiple strips should be used.
Waxing with hard wax has surpassed soft wax as a go-to for waxing hair removal since no strips are required to pull the wax. Instead, the wax is applied, sets on the skin and pulled by gripping the edge of the wax. Waxing also exfoliates the skin by picking up dead skin cells. Compared to shaving, waxing exfoliates the skin much more and leaves it looking and feeling smoother for longer.
The Benefits of Waxing vs. Shaving
Because waxing vs. shaving are very different methods, each is going to have it’s own set of drawbacks and benefits. Also, keep in mind that of course these pros and cons of waxing vs. shaving also depend on you and what you consider to be a benefit and drawback!
Let’s explore the benefits of waxing vs. shaving.
Pros of Shaving
The pros of shaving revolve around its convenience and affordability. Razors are available for very reasonable prices at almost any grocery or convenience store, and you’re able to shave in the convenience of your own home.
However, how quickly the shaving process is depends on the area you’re removing hair from, and how regularly you keep up with your hair removal.
Cons of Shaving
The cons of shaving revolve around their lack of long term results, and the side effects of shaving.
Shaving does not remove hair at the root - it only cuts the hair follicle at the skin’s surface. This allows the hair to grow back at a quick pace, and with the blunt end that causes that dreaded prickly feeling that stubble has. Additionally, shaving has to be done very regularly, and even daily for certain areas - which can be extremely inconvenient and annoying for those who experience a lot of hair growth.
In addition to its extremely short term results, shaving can also cause razor burn, irritation, and ingrown hairs. When you use this method of hair removal, you often have to go over the area you wish to remove hair from multiple times, which can break up the skin and cause breakouts and inflammation.
Pros of Waxing
Waxing pros are all about the hair removal process’ long term results and convenience. Though you can buy razors for cheap at the grocery store, waxing services are still affordable (though generally still more than razors), and need to be done less often.
One waxing appointment allows you to remove all of the hair from the desired area in one quick session. These results will last for multiple weeks, and can even thin out hair growth over time. In contrast to shaving, the value you’re receiving for the money you spend on your appointment is incomparable! Waxing services are quick, easy, and provide you with a lot of value for your money.
Because waxing removes hair by the root and in on session, this also saves you from the irritation and razor burn caused by shaving.
Though you can still experience inflammation from waxing, not having to constantly irritate and go over your sensitive skin with a razor can really keep your skin looking its best - even beyond hair removal!
Cons of Waxing
Waxing cons involve the discomfort in the process. Because waxing removes hair at the root, it can cause discomfort or small levels of pain (that will abate quickly) to those having the process done.
Additionally, as is the case with any hair removal process, there is always a chance of inflammation or ingrown hairs from waxing. However, the chance of these waxing side effects can be significantly reduced by practicing the proper pre and post-wax care routine.
Practicing the best pre and post-wax skin routine can also help to keep skin exfoliated and ease discomfort caused by waxing. Prior to your appointment, always cleanse and exfoliate to prepare the skin for hair removal. By cleansing skin and ridding it of dead skin cells or debris, you’ll allow for an easier and less painful hair removal process.
The best way to avoid ingrown hairs or inflammation from waxing is to incorporate an ingrown serum into your post-wax care routine, and apply it within 24 hours of your wax. Always make sure to also apply a gentle lotion or oil to freshly waxed skin to ease and reduce inflammation and provide skin with moisture and hydration.
What's Better for Your Skin?
No matter which way you look at it, waxing is better for your skin than shaving. Shaving frequently can cause red bumps, breakouts, discoloration, and hyperpigmentation from the friction made by constantly running a razor over delicate and sensitive skin, which isn’t something anybody wants!
In contrast, waxing the skin actually exfoliates and removes dead skin cells from the areas of hair removal, which lessens hyperpigmentation and discoloration (even when these conditions are caused by past shaving!). Practicing pre and post-wax care will also help to keep skin not only hair-free, but also smooth and free from inflammation and irritation.
The Verdict
Shaving and waxing are the two main methods used for removing unwanted hair, and each have their own respective strengths and shortcomings.
That being said, when taking a close look at the pros and cons of shaving vs. waxing, we can see that waxing is the best method to remove hair if you want the very best results and to keep your skin looking its best for longer.
When seeing a trained professional, waxing puts an end to ugly razor bumps, itchiness, and hyperpigmentation that causes areas of the body to turn darker than the rest.
Yes, shaving can save you when there is an unexpected party or event that you want to attend.
Still, after reading the benefits of waxing vs. shaving, it is clear why estheticians and other skin professionals will recommend waxing over shaving. Shaving is a quick fix, but waxing is the best!
If you're wanting to give waxing a go, you can book your waxing appointments with one of our trained estheticians at True Skin Spa and the see the difference for yourself! Be sure to check out our March 2023 Waxing Specials on our website, which is the perfect way to introduce yourself to the best method of hair removal!
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