Difference Between Waxing and Shaving

Waxing vs Shaving

Though both are used for the same purpose, there is difference between waxing and shaving. Waxing and shaving are two essential personal care activities that are important for maintaining personal hygiene. They are both methods that are used to remove unwanted hair on a person’s body. However, both methods are distinctly different from one another which give out different results, as well. Therefore, regardless of what one’s preferred method of hair removal may be, it is important that one is informed of all options when it comes to personal hygiene. This article attempts to be of useful in that aspect.

What is Waxing?

Waxing is a painful process where the hairs on the body are being pulled out or uprooted by way of wax (a sticky substance designed to stick to the hair). It is considered a semi-permanent hair removal method as after waxing, the hair regrowth is observed to be quite slow. This is because hair is uprooted from the root itself instead of being merely cut above the skin’s surface. After a wax, the new hair takes four to six weeks to grow back. Wax is of two types namely hot wax and cold wax. Hot wax is usually heated up prior to applications whereas cold wax does not need heating. There are also two methods of waxing called strip wax and non-strip wax. Strip wax is applied thinly on the skin using a cloth or paper strip that is applied firmly to the skin and is ripped off along with the hair. Non-strip wax requires no cloth or paper strips as the wax itself is applied on the skin and later removed. This is considered less painful that the more commonly used strip wax.

What is Shaving?

Shaving is the act of removing unwanted body or facial hair with the use of a razor or a shaver. An inexpensive method that can be done by almost anyone, shaving is not painful unless one cuts themselves on the blade of the razor. Shaving cream is also used to minimize the irritation it causes to the skin as constant rubbing of the razor against the skin is bound to leave the skin inflamed. It is also better to watch out for ingrown hairs, razor bumps and the like since shaving can be an issue for certain individuals.

What is the difference between Waxing and Shaving?

Waxing and shaving are both hair removal methods that are utilized to remove hairs in the body.  Some areas of the body where waxing and shaving are performed more commonly are the armpits, face, eyebrows and the pubic region. 

Waxing is painful, but it has a more lasting effect as after waxing, hair only grows back within 2-8 weeks. Whereas, shaving is painless, but with shaving, hair grows back within a week. If you consider the process, waxing involves using wax and strips, and it is a tedious process which requires someone else to do it most of the time. Whereas, shaving can be easily done by oneself. For shaving, you only need a razor or a shaver. Also, waxing is somewhat expensive. Shaving is more of a cost effective solution.  


Waxing vs Shaving

• Waxing is very painful and usually entails a professional to do the job for you while shaving is pain free and you can do this on your own.

• Waxing is a tad expensive compared to that of shaving because you no longer need to purchase any waxing kits to shave. A razor will do.

• Waxing takes a long time before the hair starts to grow back, in shaving however, hair grows back as soon as the day after you last shaved.


Further Reading:

  1. Difference Between Waxing and Sugaring
  2. Difference Between Threading and Waxing