Waxing vs Shaving: Does Waxing Actually Make Hair Grow Back Finer?
If you've ever been told to stop shaving because it'll make your hair grow back thicker, we have some news for you:
That's actually a myth.
Shaving doesn't change the thickness, colour or growth rate of your hair. But if you're someone who shaves in the morning and can already feel that familiar stubble creeping back in by the next day, you'll know why it feels like it does.
So with summer on its way and legs, underarms and bikini lines slowly emerging from their winter hiding places, let's settle the waxing vs shaving debate properly. What actually happens to your hair with each method, does waxing really make a difference to regrowth, and is now a good time to swap the razor for a regular waxing routine?
First, what actually happens when you shave?
Shaving is pretty simple. Your razor cuts the hair at the surface of your skin, while the follicle and the rest of the hair remain underneath.
It doesn't affect the follicle, which means it can't tell your body to suddenly start producing thicker, darker or faster-growing hair.
So why does it sometimes seem that way?
Natural hair has a tapered end. When you shave it, you cut straight across the thicker part of the hair shaft. As that freshly cut hair grows through the skin, the blunt end can feel prickly and look more noticeable than the softer, tapered hair you had before.
That's the stubble you're feeling, not a thicker hair growing in.
And because the hair was only removed at skin level, rather than from the root, that regrowth can become noticeable pretty quickly.
So, what makes waxing different?
Waxing takes the entire hair out from the root rather than simply cutting it at the surface.
That means the follicle has to begin growing a new hair before you'll see it at the surface again, which is why you can generally enjoy smooth skin for much longer than you would after shaving.
It also means no next-day blunt stubble.
This is where the idea that waxing makes your hair grow back finer comes from, and there is some truth to it.
With repeated waxing, some people notice that their regrowth becomes softer and finer over time. Regularly removing the hair from the root can affect the follicle, although the degree of change varies from person to person. Your genetics, hormones, hair type and the area being waxed all play a part.
So we won't promise that six waxes will magically make your body hair disappear forever. But many long-term waxing clients genuinely find their regrowth becomes easier to manage.
Why does my hair come back at different times after waxing?
This is one of those things that can make someone think their wax "didn't work".
You leave beautifully smooth and then, seemingly far too soon, a few hairs appear.
Annoying? Yes. A failed wax? Not necessarily.
Your hairs aren't all growing at exactly the same stage at exactly the same time. Some may be actively growing while others are sitting at different points in their natural growth cycle. A hair that wasn't yet visible above the skin when you were waxed can make its appearance afterwards.
This is also why consistency matters.
When you start waxing regularly and resist the temptation to shave between appointments, you give your hair a chance to settle into a more predictable routine. Over time, appointments can catch more hairs at the right stage of growth, making the whole process much easier to maintain.
Waxing vs shaving: which lasts longer?
Waxing wins this one pretty comfortably.
Shaving can be incredibly convenient, especially when you realise at 9pm that you're wearing a dress tomorrow and haven't touched your legs in three weeks. We've all been there.
But because shaving only removes the visible part of the hair, the smooth result is relatively short-lived. Depending on how quickly your hair grows, you might notice regrowth within a day or two.
Waxing removes the hair from the root, so results commonly last for several weeks.
There's also the convenience factor that doesn't get talked about enough. Once you're in a good waxing routine, you don't have to think about hair removal every few days, pack a razor every time you go away, or discover halfway through getting dressed that you've somehow shaved one ankle and completely forgotten the other.
What about ingrown hairs?
Unfortunately, neither method gets a completely free pass here.
Ingrown hairs happen when a growing hair curls or grows back into the skin rather than coming through normally, and both shaving and waxing can contribute to them.
Good technique and aftercare make a difference. Keeping the skin gently exfoliated and moisturised between waxing appointments can help, but freshly waxed skin needs a little kindness first. Avoid immediately attacking it with scrubs or strong active skincare.
If you're particularly prone to ingrowns, mention it to your therapist. We can help you work out an aftercare routine that suits your skin rather than throwing every exfoliating product in the bathroom cabinet at it.
Should I shave between waxing appointments?
If you're trying to establish a regular waxing routine, try not to.
We know it's tempting when a few stragglers appear, especially at the beginning. But shaving takes those hairs back to skin level without removing the root and interrupts the progress you're making towards more consistent regrowth.
Give it time, keep your appointments regular and let those hair cycles do their thing.
Thinking about waxing for summer?
Start now!
September and October is actually a great time to begin.
Starting your waxing routine in spring gives you a few appointments before the Christmas parties, beach days, holidays and "why did I agree to wear shorts today?" weather arrive.
Rather than waiting until the day before your first summer event, you can give your hair time to move through a few growth cycles and work out an appointment schedule that suits you.
At Indulge, we offer professional waxing for the face and body, whether you're a seasoned waxer or you're finally considering breaking up with your razor.
And if you're not sure what to book, how long your hair needs to be, or whether waxing is suitable for your skin, just ask us. We'd much rather answer the slightly awkward hair question than have you sitting at home Googling it.
Ready to get your waxing routine sorted before summer?
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