When the weather warms up and summer is about to burst on the scene, clothes tend to get skimpier and skin becomes more visible. Having smooth legs that are free of hairs and stubble is almost a must to get through the season in a fashionable manner. Waxing and shaving are two of the options you have to get rid of the hairs on your legs. Both methods have pros and cons, and learning about these, might help you decide which method is best for your gams.
The Pain Factor
Although you can get your legs waxed at a salon, you can also give yourself a wax job right at home. Regardless who does the waxing, expect the experience some pain, because you're pulling a bunch of hairs out at the same time. When the wax is applied to your legs, it adheres to the hairs. A cloth is then used to pull the wax and unwanted hairs off your legs. As for shaving, the process is pretty much painless, unless you don't have a sturdy hand or shave your hairs when your skin is dry
The Duration
Even when done at home, waxing takes longer than shaving and tends to be messier. Heating the wax, whether it's rubbing wax strips between your hands or using the microwave, takes time. At a salon, it might take 30 minutes, if not more, to get the job done. Shaving is quick and easily done while taking a shower. Quick touch ups are easy, and unlike a wax job, which requires hair to be at least 1/4-inch long, you don't have to wait for the hair to grow to a certain length.
The Cost
The supplies needed to shave your legs will most likely cost under $10. A sharp razor and shaving gel are all you need. A home wax kit can cost about the same amount, but if you have the process done by a professional, you can expect to pay anywhere from $10 to $70, depending on the salon.
The Risks
The biggest risk with shaving your legs are the nicks and cuts that might occur when you're in a rush, and the red bumps that might emerge on irritated skin. Taking your time, using a shaving gel, shaving your legs when the hairs are soft and moving the razor in the direction of the hair growth, can ease the process. Waxing can result in ingrown hairs, and because the hairs are removed root and all, the follicle stays open, increasing the risk of an infection/ This is why it's essential to apply antibacterial lotion after waxing hair.
The Results
When you shave your legs, you remove just the visible part of the hair. You cut it off at the point where it meets your skin. Waxing, removes the entire hair including the root, which gives a cleaner, smoother appearance. The latter also lasts longer. A wax job can keep your legs free of hair for two to three weeks, while shaving can result in stubble within a few hours of as soon as the next day, depending on how fast your hair grows.
The Pain Factor
Although you can get your legs waxed at a salon, you can also give yourself a wax job right at home. Regardless who does the waxing, expect the experience some pain, because you're pulling a bunch of hairs out at the same time. When the wax is applied to your legs, it adheres to the hairs. A cloth is then used to pull the wax and unwanted hairs off your legs. As for shaving, the process is pretty much painless, unless you don't have a sturdy hand or shave your hairs when your skin is dry
The Duration
Even when done at home, waxing takes longer than shaving and tends to be messier. Heating the wax, whether it's rubbing wax strips between your hands or using the microwave, takes time. At a salon, it might take 30 minutes, if not more, to get the job done. Shaving is quick and easily done while taking a shower. Quick touch ups are easy, and unlike a wax job, which requires hair to be at least 1/4-inch long, you don't have to wait for the hair to grow to a certain length.
The Cost
The supplies needed to shave your legs will most likely cost under $10. A sharp razor and shaving gel are all you need. A home wax kit can cost about the same amount, but if you have the process done by a professional, you can expect to pay anywhere from $10 to $70, depending on the salon.
The Risks
The biggest risk with shaving your legs are the nicks and cuts that might occur when you're in a rush, and the red bumps that might emerge on irritated skin. Taking your time, using a shaving gel, shaving your legs when the hairs are soft and moving the razor in the direction of the hair growth, can ease the process. Waxing can result in ingrown hairs, and because the hairs are removed root and all, the follicle stays open, increasing the risk of an infection/ This is why it's essential to apply antibacterial lotion after waxing hair.
The Results
When you shave your legs, you remove just the visible part of the hair. You cut it off at the point where it meets your skin. Waxing, removes the entire hair including the root, which gives a cleaner, smoother appearance. The latter also lasts longer. A wax job can keep your legs free of hair for two to three weeks, while shaving can result in stubble within a few hours of as soon as the next day, depending on how fast your hair grows.
