To wax or to shave? That is indeed a good question. Out of all the different hair removal options that exist nowadays, these two seem to be the most popular ones. Shaving is a fast and easy way to remove body and facial hair using razors or any other kind of bladed implements, while waxing removes the hair by applying either soft body waxes or hard body waxes onto the skin so that the hair sticks to it and can be pulled out. Each one of these hair removal procedures has its own pros and cons, but if I had to choose the one with the most benefits for the skin, there is only one winner: waxing. So maybe you’re considering getting waxed but you just can’t seem to get past the pain. Don’t worry, I get it. Maybe I can help ease your mind (and the pain) by sharing the benefits you’re going to see from choosing to wax – and there are a lot of them!

1. Smooth and Even Skin

When you decide to wax you are not only removing unwanted hair, but you’re also removing dead skin. This will ensure a smooth feel and you don’t have to worry about all those spots you missed trying to get to the back of your legs in the shower (and don’t even get me started on the knee cap… razors were never meant for knee caps).

2. You’re Saving Money

Razors are not cheap and can dull out pretty fast. With waxing, you can have smooth, hairless skin for up to 6 weeks without having to purchase a single razor or the real enemy – packs of replacement heads.

3. No Discoloration

Another huge downside to shaving is discoloration; especially the underarms or any spots where the hair is extremely thick. With waxing, you are removing the hair entirely and straight out of the follicle. This will ensure no dark spots or unwanted discoloration.

4. No Irritation

Shaving can cause ‘stubbles’ which, over time, results in abrasive skin that is susceptible to irritation. This will also be made worse when shaving creams or moisturizers are added to the equation.

5. Hair Growth will Slow Down

A one-time date with waxing will give you great, lasting results. But a long-term, committed relationship with waxing will ensure you the best results.

What does this mean? Well, if you decide to fully commit to the waxing process by going every 6 to 7 weeks, you will start to see your hair growth slow down. This isn’t guaranteed for everyone, but there is a big difference between cutting the hair at the surface of the skin and removing it from the root completely. For me, at least two weeks of hairless skin outweighs the effort that goes into shaving.