Most women get rid of their hair with a razor. It’s painless, even if you accidently nick yourself with the blade; it’s fast if you do it while showering; and it’s a cheap method of hair removal. Yet waxing salons and spas are thriving. Why? Because waxing is able to last up to a month, it reduces in-between stubble, it is highly effective, and it removes hair right from the root. You get instant smoothness that a razor cannot deliver, even when it’s brand new.
The Cons
- You have to wait for the hair to grow back again to a certain length. There is a re-growth cycle that hair goes through once removed.
- Yes, it will hurt. No, do not drink first to ease the pain.
- More susceptible to ingrown hairs if not treated with an exfoliant.
- More pricey, but totally worth it.
- You’re removing a layer of protection against infection. Our hair naturally protects us from outside environmental stressors and toxins.
The Pros
- Smooth skin, no more stubble. Lasts for 3 to 4 weeks.
- Hairless for longer, gets more hair than your razor could. Doesn’t leave bumpies.
- It will stop growing in as thick after a while, and the re-growth cycle will get thinner.
- Less effort, no razor cuts or burns.
There are also two types of wax used for waxing:
Soft Wax
- Melts at higher temperature.
- Stays soft after application.
- Waxing strips, aka muslin, is necessary for hair removal.
- Pulling soft wax off with a waxing strip often results in lifting and stretching of the skin along with the hair.
- Can work only when you pull the strips in the direction opposite to the hair growth.
- Cannot be reapplied to areas just waxed.
- Can often cause rash, irritation, and redness.
Hard Wax
- Melts at lower temperature.
- Simply lift and pull the hardened wax. No strips necessary.
- Hard wax hardens around the hair and not on the skin; only the hair is uprooted.
- Does not require you to pull from the direction opposite the hair growth.
- No rash, redness, irritation after.
- Can be reapplied on the areas that are just waxed.
- Good for waxing armpits and the bikini area.
