Waxing vs. Shaving: Which is Better?

Medical Disclaimer: Freebird provides general information, not medical advice. For any health or medical advice, consult a licensed healthcare professional

Should you endure the pain of the strip, or stick to the trusty blade? This is the question most people have when choosing between waxing vs shaving.

I've done a deep dive on the science, read conversations on the net, and learned from people who swear by one method or the other.

Spoiler Alert: Neither waxing nor shaving is universally "better." They're tools for different goals.

I'll break down how each method works, what to expect for different body areas, and which situations call for waxing vs shaving. By the end, you'll know exactly which method fits your lifestyle, pain tolerance, and grooming goals.

How Does Waxing and Shaving Work?

Let's start with the basics.

Shaving cuts the hair right at the skin’s surface. It’s strictly a surface-level operation. Because of this, the hair pushes back up quickly, usually in one to three days.

Waxing is a different beast. It rips the hair out by the root. Because the entire hair shaft is removed, your body has to grow a whole new hair shaft before you see it again. This buys you time; waxing lasts three to four weeks.

But there is a catch. For waxing to work, the wax needs something to grab onto. That means you have to let your hair grow to at least 1/4 inch. Yes, that means you have to be hairy for a week or two before you can get smooth again. Shaving? You can do that anytime, at any length.

The Benefits of Waxing

Waxing has a cult following for good reasons. Here's why people stick to waxing despite the pain:

• Weeks of Smooth Skin: Waxing keeps you hair-free for 3 to 4 weeks. One session buys you a month of worry-free hair removal and smoother skin. That's one waxing appointment vs 12+ shaving sessions in the same timeframe.

• Hair Grows Back Softer: Waxing pulls hair from the root. Repeated waxing weakens hair follicles. After several sessions, hair grows back thinner, softer, and sometimes sparser.

• No Stubble Phase: Waxed hair grows back with a natural, tapered tip. Shaved hair grows back with a blunt edge that feels like sandpaper. Waxing eliminates that scratchy regrowth feeling.

• Exfoliation Bonus: Waxing removes dead skin cells along with hair. Your skin looks brighter and feels smoother immediately after waxing. You're really getting two treatments in one.

• Less Irritation: Waxing reduces overall skin irritation compared to daily or weekly shaving. Shaving is harsh on our skin. With waxing, your skin gets a break between sessions instead of constant blade contact.

• Better for Thick, Coarse Hair: If you have super thick or coarse hair, waxing gets cleaner results. Razors struggle with thick hair and often leave patches or require multiple passes, which can irritate the skin.

• Time Saver: One 30 to 60-minute waxing session every 4 to 6 weeks beats 10 to 15 minutes of shaving (manual razor) every 2 to 3 days. That's about two to four hours of grooming a month for waxing, compared to five to eight hours if you shave. Not everyone has the time to shave regularly.

• Precision for Small Areas: Waxing removes hair and gives you clean lines for eyebrows, upper lips, and bikini areas. You get precise shaping that's hard to achieve with a razor.

The Disadvantages of Waxing

Now for the part most people quit over:

• The Pain Factor: Waxing hurts. A guy tried waxing his head, and it was an epic failure! First-timers rate it 7/10 on the pain scale. You're literally ripping hair from roots. Pain drops to 3-4/10 after several sessions, but the first few appointments are rough.

• Hair Length Requirements: You need a certain length of hair growth (1/4 to 1/2 inch) before waxing. That's 2 to 3 weeks of visible hair if you're switching from shaving. Walking around with hairy areas for weeks isn't fun for some.

• Expenses Add Up: Professional waxing costs between $50 and $100 for each visit, depending on what area you get done. If you go every six weeks, you could spend $400 to $800 in a year. You can buy home waxing kits for $20 to $60, but learning how to use them can take time, and the results might not be as good.

• Skin Irritation: Waxing might make your skin temporarily red, bumpy, or irritated. Some people get small red dots that stick around for a day or two..

• Risk of Burns: Hot wax burns if applied too hot. Home waxers mess this up more than professionals. That's a double whammy! Painful wax burn and hair removal. Ouch!

• Rules After Waxing: For 24 hours after waxing, skip the hot showers, saunas, swimming, tight clothes, and working out. Your pores are open right after waxing, making your skin sensitive. If you break these rules, you risk getting an infection or having really bad irritation.

• When Not to Wax: Don't wax if you have active acne, eczema, psoriasis, sunburn, or open wounds. You should also skip it if you are using retinoids, blood thinners, or Accutane.

• Learning Curve for DIY: Home waxing takes practice. Your first attempts will be messy, incomplete, and frustrating. Wax gets everywhere. You'll miss spots and might bruise yourself.

The Advantages of Shaving

Shaving dominates for good reasons. Here's why most people stick with razors:

• No Pain: Shaving doesn't hurt unless you nick yourself. You control the pressure and speed.

• Instant Results: Shave right before you need smooth skin. No appointments, no planning ahead, no waiting for hair to grow. Five minutes in the shower and you're done.

• Saves You Money: A pack of basic razors costs about $10 to $20 and can last you for months. Shaving cream is only about $5 to $10. Think about that compared to spending $50 to $100 for just one waxing session.

• No Hair Length Requirements: Shave stubble, long hair, or anything in between. Waxing requires a minimum of 1/4 inch, which means you'll be hairy while you wait.

• Privacy and Convenience: Shave in your own shower whenever you want. No waxing appointments, no strangers touching you where the sun don't shine, no awkward positions.

• Fixing Mistakes is Simple: Miss a spot when shaving? Just go over it again. If you miss a spot waxing, you are stuck until your next appointment, or you have to shave, which kind of ruins the whole point.

• Better for Sensitive Skin: If you have very sensitive skin, eczema, or psoriasis, shaving the right way is a better choice than ripping hair out of skin that is already irritated.

• No Waiting Period: Shave today, tomorrow, or next week. Your schedule doesn't revolve around hair growth requirements.

The Disadvantages of Shaving

• Maintenance: Shave every 2 to 3 days to maintain smoothness. That's 120 to 180 sessions per year. The routine gets exhausting.

• Stubble Returns Fast: Hair grows back with a blunt edge within 24 to 48 hours. Your prickly skin rubbing together or against sheets can be unbearable and annoying.

• Razor Burn: Red, irritated, stinging skin happens when you shave too fast, use a dull blade, or skip shaving cream.

• Nicks and Cuts: Your shins, ankles, knees, and bikini areas are easily nicked. One wrong move and you're bleeding, and those cuts hurt for days.

• Ingrown Hairs: Shaving cuts the hair at an angle, making a sharp tip that can curl back into your skin. Ingrown hairs cause red, painful bumps that can take weeks to heal.

• Time Consuming: Shaving for 10 to 15 minutes every two or three days really adds up. You spend about five to eight hours a month standing in the shower with a razor.

• Dry Skin: Shaving takes off a thin layer of skin cells along with the hair. If you do this every few days, your skin will get dry. You will need to put on lotion all the time.

• Product Waste: Shaving cream cans, disposable razors, and replacement cartridges pile up. The waste adds up, and constant repurchasing isn't cheap long-term.

• Shadow Effect: If you have dark, thick hair, you can see the shadow of hair follicles immediately after shaving. The area never looks completely hair-free.

Waxing vs Shaving by Body Area

Let's talk about both hair removal methods (waxing versus shaving) per body part.

Head

Waxing your head is extremely painful. Never wax your head.

Shaving is the king of the dome.

For head shaving, electric shavers designed for scalps work best. They follow the curves of your head for a closer and more comfortable shave. Manual razors work too, but require more skill in navigating around ears and the back of your head. Plus, nicking your head is super painful!

Bald guys usually shave every 2 to 4 days. Some prefer the clean-shaven look daily, while others let it grow to light stubble before shaving again. I switch between trimming and shaving depending on the occasion. I use the FlexSeries Pro to shave my head, and the trimmer attachment without a guard when I prefer a buzz cut.

Legs

Legs have a massive surface area. Waxing them takes a long time and a lot of strips. Lots of pain!

Electric shaving wins here for speed and being pain-free. You can buzz over your legs in the shower in five minutes. Waxing legs offers longer results, but the "grow-out phase," where you have to hide your legs while waiting for the hair to get long enough to wax, is a dealbreaker for many.

Bikini Line

The bikini area has sensitive skin and coarse, curly hair. Shaving here increases the risk of ingrown hair because curly hair tends to grow back into the skin easily.

Waxing (especially Brazilian waxing) gives cleaner lines and less irritation long-term. You deal with one painful session, then enjoy 3 to 4 weeks of smoothness. Hair grows back finer over time, making future sessions less painful.

Shave the bikini area if you can't handle waxing pain or want immediate results. Use a trimmer first to manage length, then carefully shave with a sharp razor and plenty of shaving gel. Never dry-shave this area.

Underarms

Waxing underarms brings tears to your eyes, but you don't have to look at a "5 o'clock shadow" in your pits. Shaving armpits is easier, and takes 3 to 5 minutes. The trade-off is more frequent maintenance and potential stubble that rubs against your arms when you move.

I prefer trimming my armpits to shaving. You get 90% of the odor reduction and a cleaner look with 10% of the hassle. Freebird's FlexSeries Pro has a trimmer attachment perfect for this.

Face

Facial hair removal for women works better with waxing. You get precise shaping and 3 to 4 weeks of smooth skin. Facial waxing appointments cost between $15 to $30.

Men should shave their facial hair. Waxing a full beard can be extremely painful. Shaving gives you control over style and doesn't require waiting for growth. Freebird's BeardSeries Kit is a good tool you can try out for beard grooming.

One warning: If you use retinoids, Retin-A, or Accutane, DO NOT wax your face. These products make skin extremely sensitive, and waxing can tear skin, causing scarring. Stick to shaving or threading.

Arms

Most people don't need full hair removal on their arms. Arm hair is usually fine and light. If you want less visible arm hair, trim it with a body groomer set to 3mm to 6mm.

Full arm waxing costs $40 to $60 and isn't worth it unless you're a competitive swimmer, cyclist, or bodybuilder. Shaving arms takes a few minutes with an electric shaver.

Chest and Back

Back hair is nearly impossible to shave yourself. Professional back waxing costs $50 to $80 and keeps you smooth for 4 to 6 weeks.

Shaving chest hair gives you control and costs less. You can use a back shaver like the Mangroomer if you can't stand the pain of waxing like me.

Stomach Area

Most people trim stomach hair rather than fully remove it. A 3mm to 6mm guard keeps things neat without going bare.

If you want completely smooth stomach skin, shaving works better than waxing. The area is easy to reach and isn't prone to irritation like the bikini area.

Is it Better to Wax or Shave?

Still unsure? Here's how to decide:

Choose Waxing If You:

• Have thick, coarse, or fast-growing hair

• Can't live with stubble or frequent shaving

• Want smooth skin for weeks at a time

• Can handle pain

• Have the budget or don't mind DIY

• Want hair to grow back finer

• Need precise shaping for bikini line or eyebrows

Choose Shaving If You:

• Want zero pain or have a low pain tolerance

• Have a tight budget

• Need immediate results

• Can't wait 2 to 3 weeks for hair to grow before waxing

• Prefer privacy and DIY

• Have sensitive skin that reacts to waxing

• Don't mind shaving frequently

Manual vs Electric Shaving: Which is Better for Shaving?

If you picked shaving like me, you've got two main options:

Manual Razors

Traditional razors give you the closest shave possible. The Leaf Razor is excellent for body shaving because its pivoting head follows your body shape. No need to change angles while shaving.

The downside? Manual razors take 15 to 25 minutes for full-body shaving. You also need shaving cream, warm water, and careful technique to avoid nicks.

Electric Razors

Electric Shavers prioritize speed and convenience. Some users say they can shave their bodies in 5 minutes with Freebird's FlexSeries Pro. It's waterproof, so you can shave in the shower or dry. For women, Freebird has the FlexSeries for Women for whole body grooming.

Electric shavers eliminate nicks, cuts, razor bumps, and razor burn. The trade-off is less closeness compared to manual razors, but the difference is minimal when using high-quality electric shavers.

The Hybrid Approach (Shaving + Waxing)

You don't have to pick one hair removal routine for everything. Many people mix and match waxing and shaving:

• Wax bikini area, shave legs

• Wax in summer (beach season), shave in winter

• Wax large areas like legs, and shave quick areas like underarms

• Trim armpits and pubic hair, shave everything else

Experiment with both hair removal methods on different body parts. Your chest might handle waxing great, while your face needs shaving. There's no rule saying you must commit to one method forever.

The Bottom Line

Waxing and shaving both get rid of body hair, but they serve different needs.

Waxing is a solid choice for those seeking smooth skin that lasts longer and who have a high pain tolerance. Sure, you pay more for it, and you have to let your hair grow out before you go. But all this is totally worth 3 to 6 weeks of flawless skin. You also get a bonus: softer and finer hair.

Shaving is the way to go for quick, affordable, and pain-free results. The catch? You have to do it regularly to avoid annoying stubble regrowth.

You need to try both before you decide. Wax one area and shave another for a month. Some people love that waxing is a one-time pain that gives longer hairless days, while others prefer the convenience of shaving, like me.

The right choice depends on what you can handle, how much pain you can take, your budget, how much time you have, and your personal preference.

FAQs

Is Waxing Better Than Shaving?

Waxing is better for long-lasting results, lasting 3 to 6 weeks compared to shaving's 1 to 3 days. Hair grows back finer with waxing, and you deal with less frequent maintenance and ingrown hairs. Shaving is better for pain-free, immediate results on a budget.

What Wax to Use?

Hard wax works best for sensitive areas (face, bikini, underarms). It grips hair only, not skin, reducing pain and skin irritation.

Soft wax works for large areas (legs, arms, back, chest). It's faster and covers more surface area. Soft wax requires cloth or paper strips for removal, while hard wax firms up and gets removed without strips.

Do Dermatologists Recommend Waxing or Shaving?

Dermatologists say both hair removal methods are safe when done properly, but shaving is recommended for sensitive skin, active acne, and people using retinoids or blood thinners. Waxing is recommended for long-term hair reduction and less frequent maintenance.

Does Waxed Hair Grow Back Thinner?

Yes, waxed hair typically grows back thinner and softer after repeated sessions. Waxing weakens hair follicles over time, and some people experience permanent reduction after years of consistent waxing. Results vary by person, hair, and skin type.

Do Models Wax or Shave?

Most models use a combination of methods depending on the shoot schedule. Many wax before major shoots for long-lasting smoothness and shave for quick touch-ups between jobs. Professional models often invest in laser hair removal for frequently photographed areas.

How Do You Stay Hairless Between Waxes?

Don't shave between waxes because it resets your hair growth cycle and makes the next wax more painful. If you must remove hair, spot-wax or tweeze individual hairs. Most people just let it grow and plan waxing appointments before events.

Does Hair Grow Back Stubbly After Waxing?

No, waxed hair grows back with a tapered, natural tip that feels soft. Shaved hair grows back stubbly because shaving creates a blunt edge. This is one of waxing's biggest advantages over shaving.

Is Waxing or Shaving Better for Sensitive Skin?

Shaving is better for sensitive skin when using proper technique, sharp blades, and moisturizing products. Waxing can cause more irritation on sensitive skin, especially with hot wax or if you're using retinoids, have eczema, or have very reactive skin.

How Long Are You Completely Hairless After a Wax?

You're completely hairless for 1 to 2 weeks after waxing, with fine regrowth starting around week 2 or 3. Full smoothness typically lasts 3 to 4 weeks before you need another waxing session, though this varies by hair growth rate and body area.