The waxing vs. shaving debate is one that anyone who removes body hair on a regular basis knows well. It’s probably safe to say that most of us learned to shave the first time we wanted to remove body hair. If you’ve ever cut yourself with a razor or experienced that itchy razor burn, you’ve probably wondered if waxing is better. Many people stay away from waxing because it seems more painful than shaving, or more expensive, or more time consuming. The truth is that none of these things are true.

The Case for Shaving

To make a decision in the old waxing vs. shaving debate, let’s start by looking at shaving. It’s one of the most popular methods of hair removal for both women and men. In addition to being probably the first method you learned, it’s relatively pain-free as long as you are careful to not cut yourself. You can do it almost anywhere that you have access to water, and razors are usually pretty inexpensive. Especially if you buy an electric razor and maintain it properly, you won’t have to spend a dime again for quite some time.

On the other hand, shaving can cause ingrown hairs and itchy rashes if done incorrectly. Because shaving only removes the top of the hair, rather than the entire hair follicle, the growth that you’ll see directly after shaving will be thicker and darker than what you shaved off. You also have to make sure that you use some kind of moisturizer or gel to keep your skin from developing razor burn.

The Case for Waxing

Waxing, on the other hand, removes the hair completely down to the root. When you are considering waxing vs. shaving, the idea that your hair will actually grow back lighter and thinner than before is a clear point in favor of waxing. Waxed skin stays smoother longer, and if done correctly with the right products, you shouldn’t experience much pain. Frequent waxers will probably not notice any pain at all after a few times.

The cons of waxing include having to be careful that you use wax that works for your skin. If you have sensitive skin or are prone to rashes, you might have to look for an all-natural product before you can wax. Waxing can be time consuming in the beginning, but once your hair has started to grow in thinner, it should take less time. Inexperienced use can leave burns, so you have to watch the heat of the wax.

Verdict?

The verdict is, much like any other beauty routine, you should choose the method that works best for you. You may find the convenience and lower expense of shaving to be the best option, or you may prefer the long-lasting results of a good wax. The potential for pain or injury is about the same on either side, and both give you an immediate result of perfectly smooth body parts. Here at our salon in Santa Monica, we are always ready to help you try out your first wax so you can experience both hair removal types to help you decide on your preference. Either way, no one who sees your smooth, summer-ready legs is going to know which side you chose in the battle of waxing vs. shaving.