When it comes to grooming, there is no right or wrong way to do things (and we fully embrace the au naturale look, too). Waxing and shaving are the most prevalent procedures of hair removal, despite the fact that they are drastically different in every other way. Waxing is a method that uses warm wax to mechanically remove hair follicles from the root, whereas shaving uses a razor blade to trim hair from the skin’s surface. Which strategy is superior relies on a number of criteria, some of which you value more highly than others.
The process
Waxing is the process of applying a cold or heated depilatory wax to undesired hair and then removing it quickly and securely. You’ll need to grow your hair to about a quarter of an inch, which requires time and patience, whether you use an at-home wax product or go to a professional. If you want to get your wax done at a salon, you’ll need to make an appointment ahead of time. To avoid the aggravating grow-out time, many people choose not to use this type of hair removal. Shaving is as easy as hopping in the shower whenever you need to or whenever it is most convenient for you.
Shaving can take anything from a few minutes to ten minutes, depending on how much hair you’re removing and where you’re removing it (underarms or entire body). Waxing is also a rapid procedure, with a session lasting up to 30 minutes depending on the location. If you’re waxing at home, take into account the time it takes to heat the wax to the proper consistency, as well as the number of tries it takes to find the ideal procedure that works for you if you’re a beginner.
The Benefits of Waxing vs. Shaving
“Waxing lasts longer because hair is eliminated from the follicle, whereas shaving only removes the hair at the surface,” Shays explains. “Waxing keeps you smoother for longer since undesired hairs flatten out and, in some situations, don’t grow back at all. Many people have reported less irritation as a result of waxing, including less ingrown hairs and breakouts.”
Both waxing and shaving, according to Nazarian, have their own advantages, though shaving can be done whenever you feel the need. Shaving every day isn’t forbidden, but “it’s best not to use a shaver with too many blades—multiple blades might be too harsh on sensitive skin, especially if used regularly,” she says. “Only two blades are required.”
Which Areas Do Waxing and Shaving Work Best For?
Waxing is a technique that can be used on any part of the body. Shays, on the other hand, advises against using it on the head or on the face if you have really coarse hair.
Shaving is the same, but when it comes to delicate areas like the bikini line, take extra precautions. “Shaving creams with strong scents should be avoided because they can irritate these sensitive skin areas. It is best to use unscented, hydrating, and non-soap cleansers. Despite the lack of foam, they will provide a smooth, easy surface for the razor to glide across and will prevent over-drying or discomfort “According to Nazarian, Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar ($5) or moisturising gel cleansers, she says, will give moisture to the skin without removing it of its natural oils.
Side Effects
The risk of adverse effects is always present with every aesthetic therapy. If you’re on prescription meds like Accutane or antibiotics, or if you’re on prescription acne or anti-aging products, a wax could remove some of your skin, creating a glossy area or friction burn, according to Shays. People may have an allergic reaction or break out in rare situations.
“Make sure you go to a waxing specialist who has been trained in the art of waxing.” “They could damage your skin or break your hair if you’re in the hands of someone who is rushed or inexperienced,” she warns.
“Ingrown hairs, irritated skin, and razor burn are all possible side effects of shaving, while burns, erosions, and irritated skin are all possible side effects of waxing. Neither will, however, alter the size or appearance of your pores “According to Nazarian,
If any hair-removal approach causes irritation, Nazarian recommends treating the region “with a hydrocortisone 1 percent cream, gentle cleansers, and effective emollients such as Vaseline.”
Tell your dermatologist if you see unpleasant red bumps after waxing or shaving that don’t go away with over-the-counter soothing lotions or hydrocortisone. “This condition could indicate more severely inflamed hair follicles and epidermis, necessitating the use of a topical antibiotic or prescription-strength anti-inflammatory steroid cream,” Nazarian explains.
Overall, the decision between the two approaches is entirely up to you and your personal taste. For some people, the discomfort of waxing is enough to make them put up with all of the unpleasant aspects of shaving. Others find the thought of shaving every day to be just too time-consuming. There is no such thing as a “better” or “worse” method; only what is best for you.
Source byrdie