Waxing and depilatory creams are two very different types of hair removal methods, and both have different outcomes.
So we thought we’d put to you the pros and cons of each to help you determine which is better suited for you and your lifestyle.
First, let’s look at what the difference is between waxing and depilatory creams.
Waxing is a hair removal method whereby either a hard or soft wax is applied to the skin and then pulled off, taking away the whole of the unwanted hair from its root. You can expect to be hair free for up to four to six weeks.
Depilatory creams work by applying the cream to the skin, letting the chemicals within the cream work on the hairs for up to ten minutes and then scraping the cream off, taking with it the hair that was underneath it.
Depilatory creams only remove hair that has broken through the skin, much like shaving. It does not remove the whole hair from its follicle as waxing does. You can expect to be hair free for a few days up to a week before hair starts to show once more.
Depilatory Cream Pros
- Hair length doesn’t matter
Unlike waxing, depilatory creams work on all lengths of hair whether it’s one millimetre long or an inch, so there is no need for those in between days where hair is starting to grow, and you can’t get rid of it because the hair isn’t long enough.
- Lower chance of an ingrown hair
Because of the nature of how a depilatory cream works to remove hair, you are much less likely to experience an ingrown hair, than you are with waxing
Depilatory Cream Cons
- Depilatory cream smell
Depilatory creams are renowned for not having the nicest smell. The smell of the cream is down to the chemicals found within them, resulting in a strong chemical aroma. It really isn’t a pleasant smell, but the smell only lingers while you have the cream on the area you are removing hair. Once you have finished removing the cream and washed the area the smell will be gone.
- Chemical and synthetic hair removal
For the cream to have the abilities to break down the hair so it can be removed means the product will be made from a lot of chemicals. These products are synthetic and artificial and aren’t something those of you who like to use natural products would steer towards using. Waxing is by far a more natural process to remove unwanted hair.
- Not long lasting hair removal
Although you’ll achieve a soft and smooth hair free area, the results do not last long. You’ll find you could be reapplying a depilatory cream within a few days to up to a week to achieve the smooth, hair free finish you’re after.
- Non quick hair removal
Now with depilatory creams, they’re not like shaving or waxing where you are instantly hair free, you have to allow time for the cream to work enable the hair to be removed. This usually takes up to ten minutes but varies between manufacturers. So once you have applied the cream, you have to find something to do that won’t smudge the cream off or cause it to transfer to another body part - not easy!
Waxing pros
- Long lasting hair removal
Whether you choose to wax with soft or hard wax, either way, it is the more natural hair removal method out of all the options available.
When removing unwanted hair through waxing, you can expect to be hair free for up to four to six weeks.
- Hair growth is disrupted
When you wax you damage the follicle (the hair root) which means over time, the hair that does eventually grow back will do so thinner and weaker, and the time in between waxing will prolong too. If you use Frenesies Cream after waxing, you’ll not only become hair free permanently, but you’ll also help soothe the skin afterwards.
Waxing cons
- Painful
Waxing can be painful, and that is because you are pulling the whole hair out from its root and not merely ‘cutting’ it. The first few sessions can seem more painful but over time you grow accustomed to it, and it won’t hurt as much.
- Irritation
Waxing will always cause a reaction, including redness and small bumps. This is perfectly natural and is simply your body’s way of reacting to having its hair pulled out.
There are of course ways you can soothe your skin after being waxed, including; applying soothing lotion and avoiding hot shower and baths. Some have even run an ice cube over a wax area to help soothe the skin.
Post time: Jan-06-2023