There are plenty of ways to get rid of unwanted body hair, but not all options are created equal. Keep reading to find out what the difference is between waxing, shaving, and laser hair removal. Plus, get the inside scoop on which method is best for you.
Waxing vs Shaving
Shaving is the most common alternative to waxing. It’s affordable and doesn’t hurt. Perfect, right? Well, not exactly. Waxing may hurt a little bit, but it is by far a better alternative for removing unwanted body hair. Shaving vs waxing is really about choosing the method that has the best results.
Waxing pulls hair from the root, which means the hair takes longer to grow back and, eventually, stops growing altogether. Also, waxing helps remove dead skin cells along with unwanted body hair. It’s like getting a quick exfoliation every time.
Your legs stay hair-free longer with waxing, and your hair thins out over time. If you shave, the hair only gets thicker and grows back rapidly. The more you shave, the more you have to shave to keep it up.
Does Shaving Make Hair Grow Thicker?
Not exactly. Repeat shaving will cause your hair regrowth to appear thicker over time. This is mainly because the blunt edges look and feel much coarser. The more you shave, the thicker and coarser your hair will start to feel.
Is Leg Wax Easy to Use?
Yes, there are tons of at-home products you can use yourself to remove unwanted hair. You don’t have to spend a ton of money on an esthetician. You can try roll-on wax, hard wax, soft wax, or even sugar wax. With proper waxing tools, you can achieve salon-worthy results at home – for way less!
How Long Does Leg Waxing Last?
If you wax your legs, you can expect to wax again in about four to six weeks, depending on your hair regrowth cycle. It is important not to wax or shave in between, as this will derail your schedule. Although full regrowth appears after four to six weeks, it starts gradually before.
Wax for Hair Removing
You can use a variety of depilatory waxes to remove unwanted body hair. Wax will remove the hair from the root and remove dead skin cells to reveal your softest and smoothest skin.
Alternative to Shaving
Another option other than waxing is laser hair removal. Laser hair removal can yield positive results, but it is very costly. Also, it may not work on all areas. It is not uncommon for there to be patches with hair that cannot be removed by laser and need to be waxed repeatedly to finally be rid of.
Why Is Waxing the Best Option?
Waxing is a budget-friendly choice if you choose to do it yourself at home. It may not be as cheap as shaving, but it provides longer-lasting results and also helps with your skincare routine.
Shaving will not permanently remove your unwanted body hair either, whereas waxing will. After a few waxing sessions, you’ll start to notice your hair thinning out or not growing back at all in some places. Eventually, you will be rid of your unwanted body hair for good. Waxing is both safe and effective.
Laser Hair Removal Cons
Laser hair removal may sound like an excellent option for some, but you need to know all the facts. Laser hair removal hurts more than waxing. It may possibly be unsafe for certain people. Laser hair removal is still a relatively new procedure, and there is not enough research to indicate it is 100% safe during pregnancy or during critical illness.
It is also a very expensive undertaking. You will need several costly sessions to start to see some improvement. During that time, the affected areas may not be exposed to the sun, as this may cause burns on your skin.
The Pros of Waxing
Here are some of the reasons why waxing is the ideal option for you:
- Can be done at home
- Affordable
- Provides long-lasting results (up to 6 weeks)
- Rejuvenates the skin by removing the outer layer of dead skin cells (exfoliating)
- Thins hair out over time
- Eventually, hair growth stops
- Is proven safe and effective
Tips for Trying At-Home Waxing
If you are interested in waxing yourself at home, rest assured, it’s easy enough to do on your own. Here are some tips to keep in mind to make your at-home waxing experience flawless:
- Always spread the wax in the same direction as the hair growth and then pull against the grain.
- Use a white cornstarch powder all over your legs so you can keep track of where you have waxed (to avoid pulling too much on one area) and to see thin or light hairs better.
- Test your wax on a small area of your body first to be sure it is not too hot or too cold.
- Apply with a wooden spatula for optimal results.
- Choose non-woven strips or rolls to avoid ripping or tearing when pulling hair off.
- Apply a moisturizing cream or gel afterward to help the skin heal and repair itself.
- Use a body oil to remove leftover patches of wax from your body or hands.
- With the exception of the first day after your wax, exfoliate gently every day in the shower to prevent ingrown hairs and to keep your skin looking and feeling its best.
- Moisturize the area you plan to wax daily, except the day you plan to wax. If the skin is too dry or too moist, the wax will not adhere well and will not remove the hair easily.
- Avoid pulling on the same area repeatedly because this can cause damage to the skin and create irritation.
The Bottom Line
There are several ways to remove unwanted body hair, but they all have different pros and cons. The only method that really ensures great results at an affordable price is waxing. Plus, it is safe and effective. Rather than shaving every day this summer, doesn’t waxing once a month sound like a better plan?
