Is Waxing Better than Shaving Pubic Hair?

December 12, 2022

For many people, finding the best hair removal methods becomes a struggle when dealing with pubic hair. On top of being the most private part of our body, the pubic area is also more vulnerable to sensations, including pain. People understandably want a solution that's somewhat comfortable, but effective enough to keep the area hair-free for a long time. This is what makes professional waxes so popular. After the first few treatments, most people find in waxing the perfect solution to forget all about the bushiness around their pubic area.

Of course, shaving is still the simplest option for those who don't want to go through the hassle of booking an appointment. In the end, shaving and waxing are methods that many salon-goers have tried for decades, and they're still relevant to this day. Let's make a one-on-one comparison to see just how different they can be.

How does it work?

Removing pubic hair usually takes longer due to many factors, like the care needed to treat this part of the body and the amount of hair you need to remove before getting smooth skin.

With shaving, you need to run a fresh razor many times over the area to cut the hair. Many people choose to do this right after showering/bathing; the skin is more malleable and the hairs aren't as coarse when the area isn't fully dry.

When it comes to waxing, a thin wax layer is applied to the area, making sure that the wax is evenly spread on all sides. The wax should be applied following the direction of hair growth and removed by pulling in the opposite direction. It will rip off the hairs after you let it sit on the skin for a couple of seconds, not too long or it might crack when you try to remove it. When using hard waxes, you can apply more than one layer on the same portion of the skin if you still see errant hairs after pulling the first time. This is possible because hard waxes adhere to the hairs and not to the skin, reducing the pain around your privates.

Which lasts longer?

Shaving involves running a blade over the skin to cut the hair on the surface. As such, the roots are left inside the follicles, so the new hairs start becoming visible in a matter of days. The process itself takes less time and it's always nice to have that option whenever it's needed. The downside of this is that you need to shave much more frequently to keep the smoothness around your pubic area, and that will eventually weaken the skin, leaving it even more fragile and flaky than before.

The effects of a wax treatment last an estimated of 3-6 weeks, meaning that the skin remains hair-free for weeks before you need to book a new session. The exact number of days varies from person to person, depending on their diet, levels of stress, hormonal fluctuations, etc. Still, a regular waxing routine will reduce the number of hairs growing back because waxing gradually weakens the follicles. The hair will grow finer and, in many cases, it will stop growing back altogether.

How painful is the treatment?

Shaving is painless as long as you aren't using a rusty blade. You also can't be careless; a sharp blade can easily cut the skin if you press too hard. While there's no immediate pain, shaving can still be pretty uncomfortable when it comes to the pubic area. Some hairs can get tangled around the blade, and this will obviously cause some measure of discomfort.

You can't avoid pain while waxing, but a regular waxing regime will quickly bring the pain levels down to mild discomfort. Still, the pubic area is more sensitive than other parts of the body, and a Brazilian wax can be too much to bear. This is more likely if you're new to waxing because the skin is still getting used to the burning sensation that remains after pulling off the wax.

Risks and side effects

Skin infections are always a possibility if your hair removal tools aren't properly sanitized while treating such an intimate part of the body.

Shaving might also cause irritation as the razor constantly grazes the skin. Once you've spent months shaving the area, you'll notice that the skin becomes drier and the hair grows even coarser. This also exacerbates the itchiness as the hair starts to grow back. Ingrown hairs are also very common after shaving around the pubic bone. To prevent long-term problems, moisturize the skin and try to use a razor with only two blades.

Infections and exposure to bacteria are only common with homemade waxing. A salon needs to follow the right hygienic practices to preserve its reputation, and certified estheticians will sterilize all their equipment before and after each treatment. Redness and irritation are still common, but they only last a few hours after waxing, and the post-wax treatment will go a long way to soothe the itchiness. Hard waxes are the best way to ensure an even waxing without creating chances for new ingrown hairs.

Overall, waxing has many advantages over shaving. The quality of the results becomes evident after the first try, with the skin looking a lot healthier after using professional waxes. Just make sure it doesn't stop there. If you continue shaving the skin in between wax sessions, you will disrupt the hair's regrowth cycle and undo weeks/months of progress. Pubic hair is easy to conceal, so don't try to shave it too soon; wait until it's grown at least 1/4 of an inch before getting it waxed once again.

Find the best wax formulas to pamper your client's skin. Beauty Image's products and accessories help you set a new standard when it comes to Brazilian waxing, reducing the pain to a minimum while providing long-lasting results. If you want to stock your salon with the best supplies, call TOLL FREE 888-513-8815 or fill out our website's contact form. Our specialists will tell you all you need to know about our products and monthly deals. Also, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest news and tips straight to your inbox.

If you found this article helpful then let us know in the comments section below. Likewise, feel free to share it using the share options below. Want us to cover another topic of your interest pertaining to hair removal products? If so, then like us and follow us on social media, and post to any of our social media profiles the topic you'd like us to discuss: Facebook @BeautyImageUSA, Twitter @BeautyImageUSA and Instagram @beautyimageusa