Although the results are fairly similar, there's one key difference: how long they last. On average, waxing lasts around 3 or 4 weeks because the hair is removed at the root. Hair grows back much faster with shaving, though — within 3 days to a week. This is because shaving only removes the top layer of the hair.
“Waxing lasts longer over time because hair is being removed from the follicle whereas shaving just cuts it at the surface,” says Shays. “Waxing will leave you smoother longer as unwanted hairs become thinner and in some cases don't grow back at all.
One of the best benefits of waxing is how long it lasts. You can expect to keep that smooth, hair-free feeling for a few weeks. With shaving, you will have stubble the next day. Not only does waxing keep hair off long, but it comes in less coarse and thick.
How long will the results last? After a client's first waxing, the results can last 3 to 6 weeks depending on the individual's hair re-growth rate. In most cases, hair growth is minimal during the first week or two and noticeably increases in the third and fourth week.
What all of this means is that an average Brazilian wax will only remove about 30% of hair by the root while it is in the Anagen phase. The majority of your hair is in the Telogen phase, so you are only removing the old, dead hair. This means that you can expect to see noticeable hair regrowth within 2 to 3 weeks.
If you experience stubble in a few days after your appointment it is most likely hairs that were not waxed, but tiny hairs that were under the surface coming through. Generally, clients start to see minor outgrowth at about two weeks.
What's the short answer? While it depends on many factors, results from waxing can last up to 6 weeks. However, this doesn't mean you're hair-free for this long. You'll probably start to see new hair growth around 3 to 4 weeks.
Pubic hair needs to be at least the length of a grain of rice or ¼ of an inch long. Many people feel self-conscious about hair being too long before their Brazilian wax, but longer hair is grabbed by wax better. If you trim beforehand, you could cut it too short and forfeit the ability to wax.
A Brazilian wax is the removal of most hair growth, leaving only a central strip untouched. A Hollywood waxing treatment removes ALL hair growth in the Bikini area.
"For a bikini wax, those who frequent the beach benefit from waxing their bikini line every two weeks. But for a full bikini or Brazilian bikini service, you're recommended to come in every three to four weeks. This allows the proper amount of time for regrowth," Coba says.
Because your hair doesn't go through the stages of the growth cycle all at the exact same time, the hair will grow back at different rates. After a wax, the hairs that were in the resting phase will begin growing back, and that's why you'll see hair regrowth in a matter of weeks but not as thick as before.
As a result, waxing leaves you with smooth and clean skin, while shaving may leave tiny strands of hairs since they were not uprooted. It takes the hair some weeks to regrow after waxing, depending on your body. Shaving, on the other only lasts few days before it the hairs start re-growing.
Put simply, you should avoid waxing if you have a chronic condition like lupus, AIDS, or any other disease that may compromise the skin barrier. Doctors also recommend steering clear of waxing if you take Accutane, or if you've stopped taking it less than six months to a year ago.
How long should I wait after shaving to get a wax? At least 3 to 4 weeks. We need a good quarter of an inch to an inch of growth for you to be happy with your results. If the hair is too stubbly waxing over it can cause irritation and Waxologists won't be able to grab every hair.
Hair follicles remain open for hours after waxing, so it's best to avoid contact with any excess moisture for at least 24 hours. If you must bathe the same day as your wax, take a shower, not a bath. The bacteria, skin, and product in the water could cause infection.
Lots of waxing salons provide disposable underwear that you can wear during your treatment to save your own garments from getting sticky with wax but you're free to wear whatever you feel happiest in; your therapist will always work around your needs and comfort level.
NO hot shower or bath for at least 12 hours.
Directly after waxing your hair follicle is left open. This makes it susceptible hot water entering the open hair follicle during a shower or bath. This will irritate the area and create discomfort. Once your follicles close you can return to your normal bathing routine.
Can hair be too long before a Brazilian wax? If your hair is any longer than a quarter of an inch, trim it before your appointment. Any longer than that and it'll just hurt more (Ophals says you can thank torque and the ergonomics of pulling for that).
You'll get the best wax if you let the hair grow to about ¼ inch so the wax can fully adhere.
Breakage happens when the wax doesn't pull out the entire hair at the root, and instead it breaks it off at surface level. This means that the hair will grow back faster.
Avoid the following for 24 hours after your wax: Swimming and exercise. For Brazilian Wax, no sex, especially oral sex for 24 hours.
Avoid exercise, hot bath/shower, sauna, steam, hot tub, pools and beaches 24 hours after waxing. Sweating can carry bacteria into the pores and can irritate the skin after waxing. Keep hands from touching freshly waxed skin, minimizing chances of getting irritations or small pimples.
Avoid touching your newly hair-free skin—and that means taking care to ensure nothing else touches your skin, either. Since your skin will be more sensitive in the first 24-28 hours after a wax, skip any activities that could cause friction.