I'd say about 95% of my new clients come to me after coming off of shaving, wanting to commit to waxing. Of course, as an esthetician, I am going to tell you why I believe in waxing exclusively. I don't even own a razor anymore! However, I know that there's still a few of you out there, avoiding to make that phone call to me because you're just not quite sure, right?
Here's a quick look at the pros and cons of waxing and shaving:
Professional Waxing
How it works: Warm wax is applied to the area and removed in the opposite direction of the hair growth, pulling hairs out at the root.
Best for: All body parts.
Pros: Temporarily removes hair at the root for an average of around three weeks of smooth skin (two to five weeks depending on your hair type/thickness).
Cons: Waxing needs some regrowth in order to be effective, as the wax needs at least 1/4-inch of stubble to adhere to. Treatments can be moderately painful, as hair is being ripped out at the root, but become more tolerable over time. Waxing can also lead to ingrown hairs, however there are home care methods that you can do to prevent this problem.
Cost: Anywhere from $10-65 at Glow Skin Therapy, depending on areas waxed. Prices vary at other waxing shops.
Tip: Don’t drink and wax. Some people come in after consuming alcohol thinking it’ll ease the pain, but alcohol tightens pores, making it much more painful. Stimulants such as coffee can also increase sensitivity.
Shaving
How it works: Removes hair at the skin’s surface by cutting it off with a razor.
Best for: Legs, underarms and those with fine, lighter hair.
Pros: Inexpensive, painless, quick and easy, and shaving creams used can help moisturize the skin, keeping it soft.
Cons: Regrowth happens quickly, and since hair is cut off at the surface, regrowing hair is blunt, not tapered, so it can appear thicker. Razor burn, nicks and cuts can happen. And regular shavers can also be prone to ingrown hairs.
Cost: Razors and shaving cream can be inexpensively purchased at any grocery or drugstore. Today’s razors, such as Schick’s new Intuition Pure Nourishment ($9.59, drugstore.com), also contain moisturizing strips that help nourish the skin and lather as you shave for a smoother, easier, one-step shaving experience.
Tip: For those who can’t quit their shaving habit, “growth reduction” products promise to help inhibit hair regrowth and thus reduce the frequency of shaving required.
So now that you know the difference, are you ready to schedule an appointment with me?
