Not sure which hair removal method is right for you? Here is the honest answer: it depends on your skin, your schedule, and how much effort you are willing to put in.
Shaving is quick and flexible. Waxing lasts longer but needs planning. Dermaplaning is for your face, not your legs.
This guide breaks down all three so you can stop guessing and just get on with it.
The Quick Answer
| Method | Best For | How Long It Lasts |
|---|---|---|
| Shaving | Speed, flexibility, everyday use | 1 to 3 days |
| Waxing | Longer lasting results, less frequent upkeep | 3 to 4 weeks |
| Dermaplaning | Facial hair, smoother skin and makeup | 3 to 4 weeks |
Shaving: Best for Speed, Flexibility, and Everyday Use
Shaving removes hair at the surface of the skin. It is the quickest, most convenient option and the one that fits around real life without any planning.
No appointments. No waiting for regrowth. No pain. You decide when you want smooth skin and you get it.
What shaving is good for:
- Legs, underarms, and bikini line
- Last-minute plans when you need smooth skin fast
- Anyone who wants a low-maintenance, flexible routine
- Sensitive skin when done properly with the right products
What to keep in mind:
- Needs to be done more regularly than waxing
- A blunt blade or no shave cream will cause irritation. Use both.
- Exfoliating first makes a real difference for smoothness and preventing ingrown hairs
The key to a good shave is prep and the right tools. The FFS Razor Starter Kit comes with a 6-blade razor designed specifically for women, rated a Which? Best Buy for women's wet razors (August 2027). Pair it with FFS Moisturise & Glide Shave Cream and you will not get the irritation, dryness, or razor burn that comes from shaving without proper prep.
Waxing: Best for Longer Lasting Results
Waxing removes hair from the root rather than the surface. That means results last significantly longer than shaving, typically 3 to 4 weeks, and hair can feel softer as it grows back.
The trade-off is that it takes more planning, more pain tolerance, and you have to let hair grow to a certain length before you can wax again.
What waxing is good for:
- Anyone who prefers fewer maintenance sessions
- Holiday prep when you want smooth skin for longer
- Legs, bikini line, and underarms
What to keep in mind:
- Hair needs to be at least 5mm long before waxing. That means letting it grow between sessions.
- It hurts, especially the first time and around sensitive areas
- Regular waxing can be expensive if done professionally
- Skin can be red and sensitive for 24 to 48 hours after
Waxing works well if you want to do it once and forget about it for a few weeks. It does not work well if you need smooth skin at short notice.
Dermaplaning: Best for Facial Hair and Smoother Skin
Dermaplaning is different from shaving and waxing. It uses a small blade to remove fine facial hair (peach fuzz) and dead skin cells from the face at the same time.
The result is smoother skin texture, better makeup application, and skincare that absorbs more effectively. It is not really about hair removal in the traditional sense. It is as much about skin quality as it is about hair.
What dermaplaning is good for:
- Removing fine facial hair and peach fuzz
- Improving skin texture
- Getting a smoother base for makeup
- Anyone whose skincare feels like it sits on top of their skin rather than absorbing
What to keep in mind:
- Only for the face, not legs or body
- Requires careful technique, especially around the jaw and upper lip
- Not suitable for active breakouts or very sensitive, reactive skin
- Results last around 3 to 4 weeks
The FFS Dermaplaner Kit is designed for at-home use and gives you the same results as a professional treatment without the appointment or the cost.
So Which One Should You Choose?
There is no single right answer. Most people use a combination depending on what they need that week.
Use shaving when you need smooth skin quickly and without hassle. It is the most flexible option and the easiest to fit into a regular routine.
Use waxing when you want longer lasting results and are happy to plan ahead. Best before holidays or events when you want to stay smooth for weeks.
Use dermaplaning when you want smoother skin on your face, better makeup application, or a more effective skincare routine.
If you are starting out and want the simplest option that works, shaving wins every time. Low effort, no appointments, no pain, and no waiting.
FAQs
Which hair removal method is best for sensitive skin? Shaving is usually the safest option for sensitive skin, as long as it is done correctly. Use a fresh sharp blade, apply a shave cream with soothing ingredients like shea butter or witch hazel, and moisturise straight after. Waxing can cause more irritation and redness on sensitive skin. Dermaplaning on the face is fine for sensitive skin as long as you avoid active breakouts.
Does shaving make hair grow back thicker? No. This is one of the most persistent myths about hair removal and it is not true. Shaving cuts hair at the surface which can make the regrowth feel blunt and slightly coarser at first. But the actual thickness, colour, and rate of growth does not change. Hair only appears thicker because the tapered tip has been cut off.
How often should you shave your legs? It depends entirely on personal preference and how quickly your hair grows. Most people shave every 2 to 3 days. Some shave daily. Some once a week. There is no rule. Shave when you want smooth skin.
Is dermaplaning safe to do at home? Yes, when done with the right tools and technique. Use a dermaplaning tool designed for home use, hold the skin taut, and use short light strokes at a 45 degree angle. Avoid using it on active spots, sunburned skin, or areas of irritation.
Is waxing better than shaving? It depends on what you want. Waxing gives longer lasting results and is a good option if you prefer fewer maintenance sessions. Shaving is quicker, more flexible, pain-free, and easier to fit into everyday life. Neither is objectively better. It is about what works for your routine.
Can you shave after waxing? You can, but it is worth waiting until the waxed hair has fully grown back. Shaving between wax sessions means you lose the benefits of waxing as regrowth becomes uneven. Most people either shave regularly or wax regularly, rather than switching between the two on the same area.
What is the cheapest hair removal method? Shaving is the most cost-effective long-term option. A quality razor and shave cream costs a fraction of regular waxing appointments, and with a refill plan you always have fresh blades delivered before you run out.
