• Skin Care

Is Waxing Better Than Shaving?

Medically reviewed and edited by Taryn Facella-Scheuer, ANP-C

Whether you’re aiming for smooth legs, a hair-free bikini line, or a clean face, you may be wondering if you should shave or wax.

Both waxing and shaving have their pros and cons, and the best method depends on your preferences, pain tolerance, skin sensitivity, and lifestyle. 

In this article, we’ll guide you through the main differences between waxing and shaving so you can achieve hair-free skin in the way that suits you best.

The Differences Between Waxing and Shaving

Waxing involves applying cold or hot wax to the skin to remove unwanted hair. 

This method involves applying wax directly to the skin or using cloth or paper strips with wax. They are then applied and quickly pulled off, removing hair from the root.

Shaving involves using a razor – either manual or electric to cut the hair at the skin’s surface.

There are several differences between waxing and shaving, and understanding these differences may help you make the right choice for your skin.

Pain and discomfort

Waxing is typically more painful than shaving, especially for people with sensitive skin. This is because waxing removes hair by pulling it out from the roots, which can be painful.

When you wax, you may experience redness, irritation, or even minor bleeding, especially if you’re doing it for the first time.

Shaving is generally painless, although if not done correctly, it may cause nicks, cuts, or razor burn.

Shaving can also lead to skin irritation, especially if the razor is dull or the skin isn’t properly prepared.

Hair regrowth

Since waxing removes hair from the hair follicle, it takes longer for the hair to grow back. Results may last between four to six weeks, leaving your skin feeling smooth for longer.

Hair that regrows after waxing is often finer and softer because it grows back slowly — this can minimize the risk of unpleasant stubble.

Shaving only cuts the hair at the skin’s surface, making hair regrowth quicker. New hairs may appear within a few days, and they tend to grow back with a blunt tip, which can feel coarser and stubbly.

Effects on your skin

Waxing removes dead skin cells, providing some mild exfoliation. Regular waxing can also weaken hair follicles over time, potentially reducing hair growth and thickness in the future.

Shaving also exfoliates the skin, though to a lesser extent than waxing. 

Additionally, shaving can cause razor burn, bumps, and ingrown hairs, particularly if the skin is sensitive or you don’t use shaving cream.

Convenience and time

Waxing sessions take longer than shaving, especially when done at a salon. But since waxing results last longer, it requires less frequent maintenance compared to shaving.

Shaving is quicker than waxing and can be done daily if needed. It’s more convenient and can be easily performed at home without much equipment.

With waxing, you also need to wait until your hair grows long enough to be waxed again. With shaving, you can shave stubble as soon as it starts to show.

Cost

Professional waxing can be expensive, especially for large areas of the body. In fact, the average cost of a full body wax is between $152 and $280 per session. 

Home waxing kits are more affordable, but they still cost more than shaving supplies over time.

Shaving is generally cheaper, with the cost limited to razors and shaving products. Investing in high-quality razors and frequent replacements can add up, though.

Suitability for different areas

Waxing is suitable for all areas of the body, including sensitive regions like the bikini line, underarms, and face. It’s also particularly effective for larger areas like chest hair, the legs, and the back.

It also allows for precise shaping and removal of hair, making it the ideal choice for smaller areas like eyebrows.

Shaving can be used on all parts of the body, but it’s most commonly used for legs, underarms, and facial hair. 

It’s less suitable for areas like the bikini line due to the higher risk of irritation and ingrown hair. 

When is Waxing Not Suitable?

While waxing can be an effective and safe method for hair removal, it may not be suitable for everyone. 

Here are some groups of people who should avoid waxing or consult a healthcare professional before doing so:

People with sensitive skin or skin conditions

Individuals with very sensitive skin may experience redness, swelling, or irritation after waxing. If you have sensitive skin, exercise caution when waxing.

Those with eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, or other chronic skin conditions should also avoid waxing, as it can worsen these conditions and cause flare-ups.

Finally, you should never wax over sunburned skin because it can cause severe pain and further damage the skin after sun exposure.

Individuals using certain medications

If you’re taking certain medications or topical treatments, waxing should be avoided. These include:

• Retinoids: Topical or oral retinoids can make the skin more sensitive and prone to tearing or damage during waxing. Common retinoids include Retin-A, Differin, and Accutane. 

• Blood thinners: People taking blood-thinning medications, such as Warfarin and Heparin, may be more susceptible to bruising and bleeding during waxing.

• Antibiotics: Some antibiotics increase skin sensitivity, which could lead to bad reactions from waxing. Doxycycline, minocycline, and tetracycline are among those that cause skin sensitivity. 

People with certain health conditions

If you have one of the following conditions, waxing may not be the best option for you:

• Diabetes: People with diabetes may have slower healing times and a higher risk of infection when waxing.

• Varicose veins: To prevent irritation and complications, people with varicose veins should avoid waxing on or near the affected areas.

• A compromised immune system: People with weakened immune systems due to medical conditions or medication may have a higher risk of infection from minor injuries caused by waxing.

Pregnant women

Pregnancy can make the skin more sensitive and prone to pain, redness, and irritation from waxing. The hormonal fluctuations that women experience during pregnancy can also affect hair growth patterns and the skin’s response to waxing.

If you are pregnant, it’s a good idea to consult a doctor before you wax.

If you’ve had recent exfoliation or skin treatments

Avoid waxing if you’ve recently exfoliated your skin with chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or other abrasive treatments. 

These treatments can make the skin more sensitive and prone to damage from waxing.

If you’ve recently undergone laser hair removal or skin resurfacing treatments, you should also avoid waxing in the treated areas to prevent skin damage. 

Avoid waxing for at least four to six weeks after these treatments to avoid skin irritation.

If you’ve had allergic reactions to waxing

Some people may be allergic to certain ingredients in wax, such as fragrances, resins, or preservatives. If you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to wax, it’s best to avoid waxing again, as allergic reactions can be dangerous.

Individuals who have recently had surgery 

Do not wax over any areas that have recently undergone surgery or have open wounds, as this can cause infections and irritation.

9 Tips for Waxing at Home

If you feel that waxing is the right option for you and want to give it a go at home, here are some tips for doing so safely and effectively: 

• Choose the right wax: You’ll need to decide between soft and hard wax. Soft wax is suitable for larger areas, while hard wax is better for sensitive areas.

• Perform a patch test: Apply the wax to a small area of your skin to check for allergic reactions or sensitivities to it.

• Prepare your skin: Clean the area you want to wax with mild soap and water and ensure it’s completely dry. You can also lightly dust the area with baby powder to absorb excess moisture so that the wax adheres better. 

• Test the wax temperature: If you’re using hot wax, test a small amount of it on the inside of your wrist to ensure it’s warm but not too hot to avoid burns.

• Apply the wax correctly: Apply the wax in the direction of hair growth. For soft wax, apply a thin layer and remove it with a cloth strip. For hard wax, apply a slightly thicker layer and let it harden before pulling it off.

• Remove the wax properly: Hold your skin taut and pull the wax off quickly in the opposite direction of hair growth. Ensure you stay as close to the skin as possible to minimize pain and reduce hair breakage.

• Soothe your skin: Gently press your palm to the skin or apply a cool compress or towel to the area you’ve waxed to reduce pain and redness. Next, use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to hydrate and calm the skin. 

• Avoid heat: Steer clear of hot showers, saunas, and sun exposure for 24 hours post-waxing to prevent skin damage and irritation.

• Know when to visit a salon: For hard-to-reach or sensitive areas, consider professional waxing to avoid accidents and ensure better results.

Where Can I Get More Health and Wellness Advice?

At LifeMD, we care about your well-being and want to help you live a healthy life. That’s why we can connect you with licensed healthcare professionals online who can provide health and wellness advice or treatment for a variety of health conditions.

Make your online appointment to get started.

Taryn Facella-Scheuer, ANP-C

Taryn earned her Bachelor’s in Nursing from Rutgers University, her Master’s in Nursing from Fairleigh Dickinson University, and her Master’s in Adult Gerontology Critical Care from the University of Pennsylvania. She has provided care to a wide array of patients across various healthcare settings. Fitness is Taryn’s passion. She weight lifts and runs regularly, and she also enjoys cooking and traveling.

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