What are the differences between Waxing and Shaving
What is Waxing and shaving?
Waxing is applying warm wax or strips over unwanted hair and removing them efficiently from hair roots by force.
There are two types of wax: hard wax and soft wax.
Soft wax requires strips to remove hair and is made with rosin, oils, and other additives. When soft wax is applied, the strip is placed on top to remove the hair against the direction of growth. Soft wax is more suited for large areas such as backs and legs.
Hard waxes firm up on their own and are made from beeswax, resin, and oils. Unlike soft waxes, hard waxes remove hair without strips. This is good for sensitive area, such as full face; underarm; male brazillian waxing.
Shaving is using razor blade to trim the hair from the top surface of the skin.
Razors come in several types, namely safety razors, straight razors, and electric shavers.
Until the 20th century, straight edge razors were most popular and looked like exposed blades.
Razors typically in safety razors are disposable and look like the ones you can find in the shops these days.
Although being more expensive, electric shavers can Provide a good clean shave and they are easy to carry around.
Essentially, razors just need to scrape the top edge of your skin in order to remove hair. And, many prefer to use shaving cream or gel while using a razor.
The Pros of waxing
The hair removal results last longer because waxing removed hair from the follicles. Skin feels less irritated, decreased ingrown hairs and breakouts. Normally waxing results can last up to 3-4 weeks
The Cons of waxing
You need to be patient for your hair to grow roughly 1cm. And It’s hard to perform it yourselfif you are not experienced.
Performing wax incorrectlycould bruise your skin. And treatment is a bit painful since it pulls out the hair roots. For some people, waxing may cause redness or rushes after waxing treatment
The Pros of shaving
Shaving can be done during shower or anywhere and anytime and any length. It’s convenient and fast procedure which can be done by many at home.
Because it’s a very fast procedure, itcan be used on big areas. And because it’s only shaving off the top layer of hair, the shaving procedure is mostly painless. All you need for shaving is shaving blades and shaving cream which is somehow a more economical option upfront.
The Cons of shaving
Regrowth will be very fast, usually next day the hair is starting to come out. The razor blades could cause irritated and dry the skin, especially on sensitive skin and sensitive area. You will experience itchiness or rashes after shaving.
It will cause more in-grown hairs and breakouts. And you may experience razor cuts or razor burns. Folliculitis may occur as well. Skin conditions such as acne or eczema may increase discomfort after the shave.
The cost of waxing vs shaving
For professional waxing, the cost varies depends on the area you want to do. Normally, price can be $ around $169 per area.
What you need for shaving are shaving cream and razor blades which also cost from $15 to $30 upfront. Shaving is the more economical way to get rid of surface unwanted hair. But keep in mind, how often you need to re-shave your hair and how often you need replace shaving blades.
Does waxing hurt more than shaving?
Yes, waxing can be more painful than shaving. Because waxing is using mechanical force to remove hair from roots. Normally each remove can take large area of unwanted hair.
But good news is the more you do the waxing, your body will be used to it which means the less pain you will feel.
The preparation of waxing vs shaving
There are some steps you should follow before hair removal:
Shaving: exfoliate the skin; removing deodorant or any lotions.
Waxing: Exfoliate the skin, remove body lotion; trim hair to around 1cm long; take warm shower to soften follicles.
The aftercare of waxing vs shaving
After waxing
Caring for your skin and maintaining your hairless region will be largely in your hands.
In the process of pulling hair from the follicles, waxing also snatches at the top layer of the skin leaving pores to open. If these pores get infected with bacteria, pimples and other bumps are more likely to appear. So, it’s important for you to keep the recently waxed area clean.
Do keep away from products containing pore-clogging ingredients such as mineral oil or heavy creams and lotions.
Do not touching an unwashed hand to waxed area can have a chance lead to irritation.
Do keep away from pools, beaches and saunas until your pores have had enough time to close up again.
Do not do exfoliant immediately afterward and instead hold off for two-to-three days.
After shaving
After shaving, your skin needs more protection from the sun, shaving can make skin even more sensitive to sun exposure. Hence, it is vital to apply sunscreen every time you go outside.
Shaving makes your skin dry. Moisturize your skin right after shaving. Avoid hot shower, this will more skin drier out.
If your skin gets irritated or itchy every time you shave, you must take a break from shaving. You can opt for other methods of hair removal such as waxing.