Is Waxing Better Than Shaving? An Esthetician's Honest Answer
For most people, yes. But you deserve to know where that answer comes from. Some of it is research, some of it is 16 years of watching real skin in my treatment room, and some of it is territory where nobody has solid data yet. I'll tell you which is which.
What's actually different between shaving and waxing?
Shaving cuts hair at the surface. Waxing pulls it out from the root. Dermatology researchers call these depilation and epilation. Depilation removes only the hair shaft. Epilation removes the shaft along with the follicle and bulb underneath.
That one difference drives everything else: how fast hair comes back, how it feels when it does, and how likely it is to grow back into your skin.
Does shaving make hair grow back thicker?
No. Shaving doesn't change how thick your hair is or how fast it grows. It slices each hair straight across and leaves a blunt tip, which looks and feels coarser than a hair's natural tapered end. That scratchy stubble isn't new, thicker hair. It's the same hair with a flat top.
Shaving doesn't make hair grow back thicker. It cuts it flat, so it only feels that way.
Which one gives you more ingrown hairs?
Shaving is the bigger problem, but waxing isn't a free pass.
What the research says: Razor bumps happen when a curved hair, cut to a sharp point, grows back into the skin instead of out of it. They're most studied in men's beards. They also show up in women who shave the underarms or bikini area, and curly or coarse hair carries the most risk.
What I see in my room: When clients switch from shaving, regrowth feels finer and bumps start calming down right away. Clients who come in already fighting ingrowns usually see improvement within their first three visits. That's professional observation, not a clinical study.
Waxing lowers your odds of ingrown hairs. It doesn't erase them, and aftercare is the other half.
Men, this includes you. We wax men regularly, including full body, and the Manzilian is our most popular men's service. If shaving leaves you with bumps in places you'd rather not bring up, bringing them up is literally my job.
How long does a wax last, and how often should you come in?
Research puts waxing at two to six weeks hair-free, depending on how fast your hair grows and which area you wax. I recommend coming in every 3–4 weeks for every area. That keeps you ahead of regrowth, and staying consistent is when clients notice the biggest changes.
Some research suggests repeated waxing may reduce regrowth over time. In my personal waxing experience, this holds true. I have little to no growth in many of the areas I've been waxing over the years.
How much does a first Brazilian hurt?
Less than you've built it up to be. Your first wax will be the most uncomfortable, mostly because you have no idea what's coming. Based on 16+ years of client feedback, most people rate their first Brazilian around a 2 or 3 out of 10 for discomfort. By the second visit, it's night and day. By the third, you're a pro.
Your first wax is the hardest one, and most clients rate it a 2 or 3 out of 10.
What happens at your first wax at BARENUÉ?
Before your visit, you'll fill out a welcome form. It covers your skin health, medical history, and how we can support your self-care goals. Wear something easy: a dress, sweatpants, or loose shorts.
Now the awkward part: yes, we will be seeing it all, and no, it's not weird for us. The wax itself takes about 15 minutes. We use The BARENUÉ™ Method with hard wax only, a rosin-free formula that is vegan-friendly. While we work, I explain how waxing works, why people do it, how often to come back, and how to care for your skin afterward. Ask anything. I've heard every question, and none of them are silly.
Fun fact: most people are worried about the butt strip. It's actually the least uncomfortable part, and for a lot of clients it becomes their favorite place to be hair-free. It's only weird the first time.
Want the full walkthrough? Here's what to expect at your first visit.
How should you prep, and what do you do after?
Before: Let it grow. Aim for about two weeks of growth since your last shave, which is roughly the quarter-inch that research says wax needs to grip. Exfoliate the night before. Go easy on caffeine the day of, because in my experience it can make you more sensitive. If you'd like to take an over-the-counter pain reliever, check with your doctor or pharmacist first to make sure it's safe for you.
For 24–48 hours after, avoid:
- Heavy sweating
- Hot baths, saunas, or steam
- Friction and rubbing
- Picking or touching
- Active products your esthetician hasn't approved
And do:
- Keep the area clean
- Wear loose, breathable clothing
- Follow your home care routine exactly
- Stay on schedule, and rebook before you leave
Between waxes: I put every client on the Core 3 System from the Bump eRaiser line: a Body Wash, an Ingrown Hair Serum, and a Lotion. Start deeper exfoliation one week after your wax, 2–3 times a week, alongside the Core 3. First-time clients also go home with a welcome kit that includes exfoliation samples, and we'll talk about working them into your routine at your follow-up. Shop the Core 3 System.
When is waxing not the right call?
Sometimes you should wait, and sometimes shaving is fine.
If you take an oral retinoid such as isotretinoin (Accutane), waxing is postponed. A dermatology literature review notes that people on these medications are advised not to wax because of a higher risk of scarring. Your welcome form asks about medications for exactly this reason, and if anything you're taking affects your skin's ability to be waxed, we reschedule. If you're being treated for a skin condition, ask your doctor before booking. And if something comes up during your service that's outside an esthetician's scope, I'll tell you to see a doctor.
If you take an oral retinoid like isotretinoin (Accutane), tell us before you book. Waxing waits.
Waxing carries its own documented risks too: irritation, folliculitis, and allergic reactions to wax ingredients. And if you try it and truly can't handle the discomfort, shaving is a legitimate choice.
Ready to try it?
First-time clients can book the BARENUÉ Brazilian Treatment for $89: a full Brazilian or Manzilian, plus a Red LED Light Treatment and an Ingrown Hair Mask.
Have questions first?
Call (337) 496-5419 or email info@barenue.com.
We're at 1301 E McNeese St, STE 106, Lake Charles, LA 70607.
FAQ
Is waxing better than shaving?
For most people, yes. Waxing removes hair from the root, so results last two to six weeks, and many clients see fewer razor bumps. Waxing has its own side effects, and people on oral retinoids should not wax.
Does shaving make hair grow back thicker?
No. Shaving doesn't change hair thickness or growth rate. It leaves a blunt tip that feels coarser than hair's natural tapered end.
Does waxing prevent ingrown hairs?
It can lower your odds, but it doesn't eliminate them. Consistent visits and a home care routine between waxes matter.
How often should I get waxed?
I recommend every 3–4 weeks for all areas.
How much does a first Brazilian hurt?
The first wax is the most uncomfortable one. Based on 16+ years of client feedback, most people rate it around a 2 or 3 out of 10, and it gets easier with each visit.
Can I get waxed if I'm taking Accutane?
No. Waxing is postponed for people taking oral retinoids such as isotretinoin because of a higher risk of scarring. List all medications on your welcome form, and ask your doctor if you're being treated for a skin condition.
Written by Jacquelyn Kraemer, licensed esthetician and owner of BARENUÉ™ in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Over 16 years of hands-on experience matching professional Korean skincare to real clients' skin. Last reviewed: September 2026