So let’s dive right on into the benefits of waxing.
1. Less regrowth
The best known benefit of waxing is that the hair doesn’t grow back very quickly.
Waxing removes the hairs from the root. With shaving, the hairs are cut off close to skin level. Even with a very close shave, this still leaves a considerable amount of the hair just below the surface ready to appear in a day or two. This is really important to understand if you are considering whether waxing is better than shaving.
As a result, with waxing you get an incredibly smooth finish. No post-shower stubble or missed areas! Even those who experience fast regrowth can expect to enjoy the benefits of waxing for 3-4 weeks.
What’s more, if you make waxing a routine habit with your beautician, then you’ll find the right frequency for you, ensuring you see less regrowth overall.
2. Finer regrowth
It’s not just about the amount of regrowth, it’s also about the type of regrowth you’ll experience.
With shaving, as we said, you cut off the hair. This results in a blunt cut. Hairs aren’t naturally blunt! It’s why hair regrowth after shaving feels stubbly.
With waxing, the hair is removed at the follicle. This means that when the hair regenerates and grows back, it does so with a finely tapered end. This end is finer and not stubbly, meaning that even whilst waiting for your next wax, your skin won’t feel as hairy as it would do post-shaving.
Over time, individual hairs may stop growing back altogether and you end up with a sparser coverage of hair.
3. Waxing is like exfoliation
A build-up of dead skin cells and grime on your skin can cause outbreaks, blemishes and dryness. It’s why we exfoliate, in order to remove it all.
With waxing, all of this is removed for you, as part of the process. The result is that the waxed area is smooth, radiant, clean and fresh. That said, it’s not specifically an exfoliation method, and for best results we recommend you exfoliate a few days before having a wax. Don’t exfoliate for 48 hours either side of your waxing appointment as this can make your skin more sensitive.
4. Waxing banishes shaving rash
Shaving rash is inflammation of the skin caused by irritation. If you’re prone to shaving rash then one of the main hot wax benefits is that you should be able to avoid it ever again. With shaving you’ll be exposing the area to friction every few days, which only makes inflammation worse. With waxing, you can avoid this for over a month at a time giving your skin a chance to calm down.
5. Fewer ingrown hairs
Shaving can be a disaster for many people in terms of ingrown hairs. Ingrown hairs can be painful and look unsightly. At worst, they can become infected and lead to scarring.
A professional waxing specialist will knowledgeably ensure they remove the wax strips in the way best proven to reduce the risk of ingrown hairs. This involves a fast removal whilst the skin is held tight.
If you’re particularly prone to ingrown hairs then let your beautician know, and also make sure you exfoliate and moisturise well, two days after the wax.
6. Waxing says goodbye to itching
Many people find that immediately post-shave they experience itching, and then as soon as regrowth starts, the itching ramps up again. With waxing, you’ll experience the brisk sting and a subsequent prickle, but then you should be itch-free for longer.
What’s more, you won’t need to reach for any shaving products which irritate your skin or make the itchiness worse.
7. Waxing means no more shaving cuts
You may have had twenty years’ experience shaving your legs and still somehow nick your ankle with the razor. It’s not surprising as you need a good lather for a clean shave which means that you, your hands and the razor are all slippery!
A professional waxing treatment will not result in nicks or cuts, or any type of skin damage.
8. It’s an opportunity for pampering and you time
Shaving is a beauty chore. Booking in for a wax, especially in the comfort of your own home, is a chance to be looked after and cared for by a professional beautician, and a chance to take some time out of your busy day to do something to make you feel good and beautiful. There may be the quick sting of the strips of wax being removed, but the soothing warmth of hot wax, and the professional touch of the beautician, is definitely pampering.