Shaving or using hair removal creams are two of the most used methods of hair removal. From legs to facial hair to your sensitive areas, these methods seem to be the most convenient ones. Some people prefer shaving while others go for hair removal creams and now you can’t decide which is better for you based on these opinions?
We’ve got you. In this article, we will talk about how both techniques work and what pros and cons you can expect from each of the two methods. With a comparison table, it will be easier for you to understand better and make your decision.
So, let’s stay together till the end and find the right answer for you!
How do Hair Removal Creams Work?
Before making a comparison between hair removal creams and shaving, let’s get to know how each of the two works.
The hair removal creams also known as depilatory creams have thioglycolic acid as their active ingredient. This acid along with other chemicals has the potential to dissolve the keratin, a protein that makes your hair, by breaking the disulfide bonds.
This causes a weakening effect on the base of your hair. So, when you apply depilatory creams for some time and wipe the cream off your body, the hair also wipes off easily due to weakened hair bases.
In this way, you can get a smooth body in just a few minutes using the hair removal creams. To find the best hair removal creams, click onThe 12 Best Facial Hair Removal Creams.
How does Shaving Work?
Shaving is a procedure in which we use a razor or a sharp blade to cut down unwanted hair to our skin’s level. This eliminates your hair ends but does not affect the hair root in any way. That is why your hair grows quickly after shaving.
It is further two types, dry shaving, and wet shaving. In dry shaving, an electric razor cuts off the hair and does not require the use of any lubricant. In contrast, wet shaving requires you to use shaving cream or soap before using the razor.
Wet shaving is safer while dry shaving is faster.
Hair Removal Cream vs Shaving
Now, let’s discuss some other aspects that can help you make your decision.
Procedure
For using depilatory cream, all you need to do is to apply a layer of cream on the required area and wait for almost 5 minutes for thin hair and up to 10 minutes for thick hair. After that. Remove the cream from a small area and if the hair easily comes off, you can remove the depilatory cream from other areas too.
On the other hand, for wet shaving, you are required to wet the area first and then apply the shaving cream. Now you need a razor and move it in the direction your hair grows in.
Using hair removal cream is easier than shaving for beginners as shaving requires you to be skillful in using the razor.
Time Taken
To get efficient results from shaving, it is best to take a hot water shower but excluding this time it requires a total of 5-20 minutes depending upon the area you are shaving. It includes softening your hair before shaving, then lathering, shaving, and moisturizing your skin after the shave.
On the other hand, hair removal creams take more time as you need to apply the cream first, then wait for 3-10 minutes, and then remove the cream carefully. Hence, the total time is going to be between 7-20 minutes. The underarms require 5-7 minutes while the legs may take 15-20 minutes.
Results
Now, if we talk about the results of both procedures, the hair removal cream shows a better result than shaving. As the hair removal creams affect your hair to the root, your skin stays smooth for a long time.
Unlike hair removal cream, shaving only cuts the hair above your skin’s surface, which means they can grow again quickly and you have to shave them every second day to get a hairless, smooth body.
Compatible Body Areas
Both shaving and depilatory creams can be used on all your body areas. But, if we specifically talk about facial hair, shaving is better as it gives more precision and is faster. For sensitive areas like the bikini area, hair removal creams are preferred as you don’t want to take a risk with a blade on those areas.
For legs, shaving is going to be faster and for underarms, both procedures can work well.
Cost
Shaving is an inexpensive method of hair removal. It only requires a shaving razor and shaving cream. You can buy shaving creams anywhere between $1-$5 or more and dozens of shaving razors for $10-$20.
You can get some high-quality hair removal creams between $5-$15. So, there is not much difference between the price of both hair removal techniques.
Pain
The thing we are most afraid of while going through any hair removal procedure is the pain it causes. While selecting between shaving and hair removal creams, you can go for hair removal creams as they are completely pain-free.
Shaving is also a painless procedure but only if you are experienced. Because you need to use a shaving razor which means you can easily cut your skin which can cause irritation and pain. Shaving also causes ingrown hair which can be another cause of itching.
Side Effects
Lastly, we will discuss the possible side effects of the two procedures.
While using hair removal creams, you don’t have to worry about any cuts, nicks, or razor stubble but it can cause irritation and allergic reaction and burns in most severe cases. On the other hand, shaving comes with more side effects as compared to hair removal creams. You are easily prone to cuts, ingrown hair, folliculitis, skin irritation, and burns. In short, both procedures are painful but shaving can be more risky.
Are Hair Removal Creams Better Than Shaving?
If we compare hair removal creams with shaving, they are painless and have lesser side effects as compared to shaving. You don’t even need to be an expert for using hair removal creams, unlike shaving. While shaving, you need to be careful with the razors. Furthermore, hair removal creams give results for a longer time.
Therefore, if you want painless hair removal with better results then go for hair removal creams. But, if you want quick hair removal and are good with razors, then shaving can be a better option.
If you have decided to go for shaving for one reason or the other, you can check out theBest Shaving Razors for Womento buy some best razors that ensure the least side effects with maximum safety.
A Better Solution: IPL Hair Removal
If both procedures seem unreliable to you, we have another option for you. You can try IPL hair removal using theUlike Sapphire Air 3 IPL Hair Removal Handset
Pain-free and Quick
Most of the hair removal procedures are painful but if we talk about IPL hair removal, it is painless. The maximum sensation it can cause is like a rubber band snapping against your body but with Ulike sapphire Air 3 handset, you will not feel even this pain. It is because it comes with patented ice-cooling technology that gives your skin a soothing sensation.
Long Lasting Results
While all other procedures show results for some days, IPL hair removal can give you results for up to 6 months. Even after that, newly grown hair will be thin. After using the Ulike Sapphire Air 3 handset, you will start noticing the results in 3 weeks and get a hair-free body in a maximum of 7-10 weeks.
Cost-effective
The Ulike Sapphire Air 3 hair removal handset feels expensive at first but if we look at the long-term benefits it is better than other hair removal methods. You only have to spend $329 for a lifetime. On the other hand, shaving can cost up to $10,000 or more for your whole life. So, isn’t it preferable to buy a device with better results and less money?
Reliable
Shaving and depilatory creams come with a lot of side effects. Although IPL hair removal also has some side effects in rare cases. Furthermore, the Ulike Sapphire Air 3 handset is approved by FDA with more than 30 safety certifications.
Side Effects
IPL hair removal is safe but in some cases, it can cause side effects such as redness, itching, or scarring. But most of these settle in some minutes and hours and occur mostly in those with dark skin.
Comparison Table
| Parameters | Shaving | Hair Removal Cream | Ulike IPL Hair Removal | Winner |
| Cost | $5-$20 per month | $5-$15 per cream | $329(full-life) | Ulike Sapphire Air 3 IPL Hair Removal Handset |
| Results | 1-3 days | 3-5 days | Up to 6 months | Ulike Sapphire Air 3 handset |
| Pain | Painful in case of cuts and ingrown hair | Painless | Painless | Hair removal cream and Ulike IPL hair removal handset |
| Treatment time | 5-20 minutes | 5-20 minutes | 7-10 minutes | Ulike Sapphire Air 4 handset |
| Compatible areas | All | All (better for the bikini area) | All | All |
| Compatible skin and hair type | All hair and body types | All hair and skin types | Not compatible with blonde hair and dark skin | Shaving and hair removal cream |
| Possible side effects | ● Burns ● Itching ● Cuts ● Nicks ● Ingrown hair | ● Irritation ● Allergy ● Burns | ● Does not work well for dark skin | All procedures are disadvantageous at some pints |
Conclusion
There are times when we get confused between buying a shaving kit or hair removal creams. Both of these methods are inexpensive, but shaving is quick while hair removal using hair removal creams is painless. If shaving is good for the legs, hair removal creams are better for sensitive areas. So, whatever choice you make totally depends upon your requirements and the budget.
Both methods come with a number of side effects too like burning, itching, and redness and if look at the lifetime cost, it can be more than $10,000. So, you can also opt for Ulike Sapphire Air 3 IPL hair removal for lifetime benefits for just $329.
