Waxing v shaving: What is best?

So, what is really best for us? Let's break it down for you.

Shaving - Pro's, con's and myths...

Shaving is convenient when it comes to our busy lives. We can just hop in the shower in the morning, quickly shave, and be on our way for the rest of the day. Or if you have an unexpected date, going swimming, girly night out...whatever it is, shaving is a quick fix. However is this really what is best for our skin and hair? We have all heard the myth that shaving can make our hairs grown back quicker and thicker, but I can tell you that it isn't true. Yep, you heard it. False! We have plenty layers of skin that our hair follicles are buried deep down in, so a razor blade cannot actually reach the root of the hair follicle which could potentially change the pigment, thickness and stimulate hair growth. If you do see a change in the way your hair grows out, it is down to hormones, DNA and possibly medication. BUT...when we do shave, the hairs are cut at an sharp angle and we usually do it when our hair is at it's thickest point in the shaft, hence, the 'thicker' feel to our hair when we shave. Our hair's are also continuously growing so when we shave we are only trimming the hair, so unfortunately when we do shave ladies, that is why the hairs grow back straight away! However, when it does come to our skin, shaving is not always the best. It does cause us to have more ingrown hairs because when we shave it can cause the hair follicles to grow in different directions. This can lead to blemishes and some discomfort. We have all been there with that pesky shaving rash!

Waxing - Pro's, con's and myths...

Yes Yes Yes...It can be painful! Depending on your pain threshold, waxing can be a completely different experience for many of people. But why can it hurt? It is because the hair follicle is being pulled directly from the root and it can trigger our nerve ending's in the process causing that instant shock. The pain will subside in a matter of seconds, it can just leave our skin a little tender after. Our daily life can also influence the 'pain' you feel when waxing. Stress, tiredness and our menstruation can make us just that little bit more sensitive. Now to point out a huge benefit...if you do persevere and have frequent sessions (recommended every 4 - 6 weeks) you will have a better overall skin and hair and it will become less painful. How come? It all comes down to our hair cycle. There are 3 different stages of hair growth; anagen, catagen and telogen, and they all grow together at the same time! So the goal is to get the hair's to grow in sync with one another and therefore you will end up removing all your hairs in the correct stage of your growth cycle. This will result in longer lasting results, skin feels nicer as waxing also exfoliates the skin at the same time, your hair's are fluffier when they grow back and the more you wax, the longer you will eventually be able to go in between appointments! Yes it may take time to get there, but trust me...It is worth it!

P.S Being a beauty therapist I would also like to let you all know that we have seen it all before! So never be shy about booking an appointment as we are all in the same boat ladies!

Waxing or shaving?...

And the winner is...*Drum roll please*...Waxing! I may be biased, but in my experience waxing is they way to go. You have to be in it for the long haul, but the results are so much better! Just imagine being able to get up and go and not having to worry about 'God, I can't wear my dress today, look at my legs!'. Well...for a while at least, until your next waxing sesh!

By Elisha Warner

Photo's from Pinterest