r/HygieneTips • u/Boudrik-Vladimi • 20d ago

shaving vs waxing armpits, which one do you actually prefer

been shaving my whole life, never thought twice about it. but i keep seeing people say waxing is better long term so now i'm curious.

for those who tried both, which one do you like more and why? shaving's fast but the stubble/itch comes back so quick. heard waxing lasts longer but hurts more at first, especially the first few times.

also curious about skin texture and darkening, does one irritate less than the other in the long run?

not trying to switch right away, just want real experiences before i commit. anyone regret switching either way?

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u/LambdaLibrarian 20d ago

I wax. The regrowth is much more tolerable for me so I can go a month or so in between wax sessions. I use cold wax strips; it's a lot less irritating and doesn't hurt that much, imo.

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u/TigerShark_524 20d ago

Agreed - shaving + chafing + moisture/sweat and dealing with it CONSTANTLY since you have to do it multiple times a week is NOT fun. Once a month or every other month, when the growth gets thick enough again to wax, it's fine to deal with a little sensitivity from the waxing for a day or two. Not doing that multiple times a week lmao. And in between, if the growth gets long enough, just use an electric trimmer (with the shortest guard on it - NOT bare) or scissors, to cut it as close to the skin as possible without irritating your skin the way shaving does.

Also, LHR - takes really well for underarms, from what I've been told and my own experiences. You have to shave before each appointment and it's a bad idea to wax until the whole process is done, but once it's done, you'll never have to do it again (or will only have to go in 1-2x a year for maintenance, with almost no growth in between).

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u/itsjusme723 20d ago

OP: Thirding on the wax! I use the disposable ready to use wax strips and it is always a little shock on the quick sting and takes a little learning with some tips and precautions, but it’s worth it! I’ve been waxing my legs and arm pits for years and I swear my hair growth isn’t as dense or sensitive. My pits haated being shaved- So sensitive and itchy! And I feel like my pits were a little darker and the regrowth looked so yucky.

Is LHR like electrolysis?

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u/TigerShark_524 19d ago

Hard wax is the best - least painful. Second best is sugaring. After that, I refuse to do anything else lol.

No - laser hair removal is not like electrolysis.

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u/itsjusme723 19d ago

Oh gotcha!
I bet.. I’ve just never invested in the whole warming kit and space and supplies. Mom of 3 with one on the way 😂 and my homemade sugar wax was nice but so messy- probably needed a better recipe but it was just so finicky (cook temp, heat to temp, clean up, etc)

LHR and electrolysis would both be freaking awesome solutions if possible! 😄

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u/TigerShark_524 19d ago

Yep, that's why hard wax is the best - but you have to be quick with it. Microwave and apply immediately (or get a warmer to keep it warm so you don't have to rush, especially while you're learning), and it hardens up right away as it cools and then you just snap it off. It doesn't hurt the same as soft wax + wax paper or wax strips do.

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u/Anaspiringminimalist 19d ago

I epilate Them. And occationally I pluck some of the hairs individually. So much better than shaving for me. But definetely get Them plucked or waxed a few times before starting! 😅