Here’s a sensitive (literally) topic. Is it better to shave or wax pubic hair?
Just the thought of shaving your pubic region scares some guys but the thought of waxing might be much worse if you haven’t done it before given the expected pain. Shaving involves removing the hair with a sharp razor at skin level. Waxing removes hair by the root by ripping it from the skin in the opposite direction of hair growth.
Other than the obvious difference in pain and process, which one is better? Each option has a number of pros and cons in terms of what they offer and how good the result is. While shaving is something you can do yourself, waxing is something you may do yourself or turn to a waxing professional for.
So is it better to shave or wax pubic hair? Let’s compare the two options in detail:
| Shaving | Waxing | |
| Background | Involves shaving the area manually at skin level. | Removes hair by the root. |
| Process | Trim the hair with clippers, apply shaving cream and slowly shave the area in question. | Apply the wax (or use wax strips) and remove the hair. Hair should be 1/4 inch max length otherwise waxing will be difficult. |
| Location | Done at home by yourself. | Done at home by yourself or by a professional. |
| Pain involved | Assuming you don’t cut yourself, there should be none. | Waxing does involve some pain especially in a sensitive area like the pubic region. |
| Frequency | Since shaving results last a few days at best, you’ll have to shave regularly to keep the hair free look. | Since waxing removes hair by the root, you may go several weeks without having to repeat the process. |
| Cost | You can use your existing shaving products although using a new razor is best. | Wax strips or wax with strips sold separately are relatively cheap and easy to find. |
| Aftercare | Avoid lotions, etc that can clog hair follicles. | Avoid lotions, etc that can clog hair follicles. |
| Considerations | Shaving often produces ingrown hairs. Shaving tends to be better if you have sensitive skin. | Waxing can produce ingrown hairs and may not be suitable if you have sensitive skin. Pain might be noticeable until the next day after waxing. |
| Warnings | Shaving can produce cuts which can introduce bacteria to your body especially if you use a dirty or used razor. Be very careful when shaving your private parts for obvious reasons. | Can you take the pain of waxing your pubic region? If you’re using hot wax check it first to avoid burning yourself! |
Healthline has some thoughts on which option is best for pubic hair removal that might be helpful.
Summary: Is It Better To Shave Or Wax Pubic Hair?
At the end of the day, the table above will largely determine which factors matter most to you. So the decision is largely based on balancing your desire for a hair free pubic area and how much time you’re willing to invest (shaving is done more frequently) and the pain you’re willing to experience (in the case of waxing).
What if you miss some hairs while waxing? Be careful before you shave hairs that you missed. The results from shaving obviously won’t last as long as waxing. If you’re uncomfortable doing the job yourself, consider using a waxing professional at least the first time. That way a pro does the work for you along with showing you how to do it properly.
Conclusion
- Is it better to shave or wax pubic hair? It really depends on your desire to either shave regularly or wax more infrequently and your ability to handle the pain involved with waxing.
- Shaving your pubic hair will give you a day or two of completely hair free status before the stubble starts growing back.
- Waxing will give you several weeks at most of hair freedom before the process needs to be repeated.
- Shaving shouldn’t hurt but you may cut yourself and have to deal with the bleeding quickly and safely.
- Waxing is more painful given the process of removing hair by the root.
Have you ever shaved or waxed your pubic hair? Tell us about your experience below!