Shaving is one method to make the skin surface free of hair. With shaving, however, part of the hair shaft remains below the surface of the skin in the follicle, which is a narrow shaft through which the hair grows. There are other methods of hair removal, and each one has its own pros and cons. In part, the decision for whether to shave or use another form of hair removal depends on where on the body the hair is located.
Shaving
Shaving is quick and relatively inexpensive. It can be done in the shower, making it also convenient as moisturized hair tends to be more easily cut, which is one reason for the application of shaving cream or gel. Shaving removes hair above the surface of the skin for one to three days, according to KidsHealth. Shaving can cause nicks and cuts, though. Also, for hair that has tight curls, shaving can cause small segments of hair to turn downward, toward the surface of the skin. Future hair growth can cause the hair to grow into the skin and become infected.
Tweezing
Tweezers can be used to pull hairs out. This is a quick and inexpensive method for removing individual facial hairs, but it can be time consuming when there are many hairs to pluck. Using tweezers to pull hairs can also be more painful than shaving. Hairs remain gone from three to eight weeks.
Depilatories
A depilatory is a cream or liquid that is applied to the skin. It combines with the protein in hair, dissolving it so that it can be washed away. The action of hair removal by a depilatory lasts from several days to two weeks. Depilatories, like shaving, can be quick and inexpensive, but this method can be messier than shaving. For people with sensitive skin, depilatories can cause allergic reactions. Also, depilatories may not be as effective as shaving for people with coarse hair.
Waxing
Waxing works by applying a layer of wax on the skin, over the hair that is to be removed. A strip of cloth is laid over the wax and quickly pulled off, removing hairs along with dead skin cells. This method works for a longer period of time than shaving, three to six weeks, because it pulls out roots of hairs. However, there can be more discomfort with this method than with shaving. With waxing there can be temporary redness and inflammation of the skin.
Electrolysis
Electrolysis is a method by which hair is permanently removed by destroying the root. Although meant to be permanent, some hair regrowth can occur. It is more effective than shaving for removing hair, but it is much more expensive.
Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is also meant to be permanent. As such, it is more effective than shaving, but it also is much more expensive.
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