Waxing vs Shaving: Is Waxing Better than Shaving?

Is waxing better than shaving? Everything you need to know about waxing vs shaving.
So you’ve been shaving forever and now you’re wondering: should I switch to waxing? Or maybe you just want to figure out the easiest way to stay silky smooth for as long as possible.
Shaving and waxing are totally different when it comes to results, effort, and how your skin feels after. So—wax or shave? Let’s find out which one really wins for you. We've even got a quick quiz you can take to decide which hair removal method would best suit you.
Is Waxing Better than Shaving?
Shaving is the most popular hair removal method. It's quick, easy, affordable, and painless. Plus, you can shave anytime, no waiting for hair to grow out, which makes it super convenient for busy days or last-minute plans.
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Waxing, on the other hand, offers longer-lasting smoothness if you can handle a bit of discomfort and don’t mind scheduling appointments. It’s a great option for some, but not everyone’s cup of tea.
So, is it better to wax or shave? Honestly, it depends on your lifestyle and what you value most. But if you want smooth skin on your own terms (think: fast, fuss-free, and with zero pain), shaving might be your perfect match.
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Take the Quiz: Should You Shave or Wax?
Not sure whether to grab a razor or book a wax appointment? Answer these quick questions to find your perfect hair removal method.
1. How Do You Feel About Pain?
A. I can handle it if it means smooth skin for longer.
B. No thanks! I prefer to keep things painless.
2. How Much Time Do You Want to Spend on Hair Removal?
A. I don’t mind a longer appointment if it means fewer sessions.
B. I’m all about quick fixes.
3. How Often Do You Want to Deal with Hair Removal?
A. Once every few weeks sounds perfect.
B. I don’t mind shaving every couple of days if it’s easy.
4. How Sensitive is Your Skin?
A. It’s usually fine—I can handle a little redness.
B. It gets irritated easily, especially with strong treatments.
Your Results
💡 Mostly A’s: You’re Team Wax
You’re all about long-lasting results and don’t mind a little pain to get there. Waxing removes hair from the root, leaving you smoother for longer and saving you time in the long run.
💡 Mostly B’s: You’re Team Shave
You want fast, painless, and easy—and shaving gives you just that. While it doesn’t last as long as waxing, it’s great for low-maintenance babes who want smooth skin without the ouch.
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Waxing vs Shaving: Which Should You Choose?
Still need help deciding is waxing better than shaving? Below, we break down the pros and cons of each to help you figure out which one to choose.
What is Waxing?
Waxing is a hair removal process that involves applying warm wax to remove the hair follicle from the root. You can get this done by a professional or use an at-home wax product. First, you'll need to grow your hair to around a quarter of a inch in order for waxing to be effective.
Waxing is a fairly quick process that lasts up to 30 minutes. However, it does depend on the area you're getting waxed. Waxing your underarms or bikini line will obviously take less time than a full body wax.
Pros & Cons of Waxing
A major benefit of waxing is how long it lasts. You can expect to stay smooth for at least three weeks. Alongside this, hair comes back less coarse and thick when you wax. Because waxing removes hair from the root, unwanted hairs become thinner over time and sometimes don't grow back at all.
Waxing is, without a doubt, painful, especially on sensitive areas like the bikini line, underarms, and upper lip. In addition to the discomfort, waxing tends to come with a high price tag, especially if you're getting a professional wax.
And finally, because you need to grow your hair before waxing, not everyone likes feeling stubbly for weeks. This can be a big disadvantage for many women.
What is Shaving?
Shaving involves using a razor blade to trim hair right at the surface of your skin. Depending on how much hair you’re removing and the area—like quick underarm touch-ups versus full leg shaves—it usually takes between 2 to 10 minutes.
Shaving is quick, easy, and pain-free. You can shave whenever you feel like it without having to wait for your hair to grow. Plus, you can make it as luxurious as you like depending on the shave products you use.
Pros & Cons of Shaving
With shaving, you don't have to deal with any pain or discomfort. It's a pain-free process that only takes a few minutes. You can also shave every day in the shower to maintain your smoothness. On top of that, you don't need to plan a shave like you do a waxing session, which makes it more convenient for people with tight schedules. Shaving is also a lot less expensive.
Shaving has fewer downsides. The main ones being the upkeep. With shaving, results don't last as long as waxing so you'll need to shave more often to maintain smooth skin. Then there are the common side effects like cuts, razor burn, and ingrown hairs if you're not using proper shaving products and techniques.
How to Shave Like a Pro, According to Experts
When it comes to achieving ultra-smooth, ingrown-free skin, Truly Beauty sets the standard. As leaders in body care and experts in hair removal, our cult-favorite shaving lineup has earned viral status.
From TikTok-famous shave butters to skin-soothing aftercare, each formula is clinically inspired and results-driven, transforming your shave from routine to ritual. Ready to get the smoothest shave of your life? Here's how.
1. Exfoliate Before You Shave
Start with exfoliation to slough away dead skin cells and lift trapped hairs. This step helps prevent razor bumps, clogged blades, and those annoying ingrowns. Use a gentle scrub like Truly Beauty’s Smooth Legend Pre-Shave Scrub, which buffs and brightens with pineapple, jojoba beads, and coconut oil. Think of it as your shave primer. It sets the stage for a flawless glide.
2. Use a Sharp, Clean Razor
A dull razor = more tugging, more irritation, and more potential for nicks. Always shave with a fresh, clean blade and replace it regularly (especially if it’s been sitting in the shower collecting rust). Opt for a razor with multiple blades for a closer, smoother shave in fewer passes.
3. Don’t Skip the Shave Butter
Dry shaving is a no-go if you want baby-soft skin. Instead, lather up with Truly Beauty’s Happy Hairless Shave Butter. This ultra-creamy formula cushions your skin with coconut, passion fruit, and lavender to reduce friction and protect your barrier while you shave. Bonus: it smells so good, you’ll actually look forward to shaving.
4. Moisturize After Shaving
Once you rinse and pat dry, it’s time to seal in hydration and soothe your skin. Reach for Truly Beauty’s Glazed Donut After Shave Oil or the Coco Cloud After Shave Moisturizer—both are packed with nourishing oils and anti-inflammatory ingredients to calm redness, prevent ingrowns, and lock in glow. Your skin will feel smooth, soft, and visibly radiant.
Is waxing better than shaving? When it comes to deciding between shaving or waxing your body, keep in a mind a few things: your pain threshold, how long you want results to last, your skin’s sensitivity, and how much time you’re willing to spend on hair removal. In the end--it all comes down to your personal preference.