Shaving or using depilatory creams are two of the most commonly used methods for hair removal. From your legs to your facial hair to your sensitive areas, these methods seem to be the most convenient. Some people prefer shaving, while others rely on depilatory creams. Can't decide which is better for you?
We are here for you. In this article, we will explain how both techniques work and what advantages and disadvantages you can expect from each method. With a comparison table, it will be easier for you to better understand the situation and make your decision.
So read on to the end to find the right answer for you!
Table of contents:- Part 1: How do depilatory creams work?
- Part 2: How does shaving work?
- Part 3: Hair Removal Cream vs. Shaving
- Part 4: Are depilatory creams better than shaving?
- Part 5: A Better Solution: IPL Hair Removal
- Part 6: Comparison table
- Part 7: Conclusion
How do depilatory creams work?
Before we compare hair removal cream and shaving, we should know how the two methods work.
Hair removal creams , also known as depilatory creams, contain thioglycolic acid as an active ingredient. This acid, along with other chemicals, has the potential to dissolve keratin, a protein that makes up your hair, by breaking the disulfide bonds.
This causes your hair base to weaken, so when you apply depilatory creams for some time and wipe the cream off your body, the hair will also be easily wiped off due to the weakened hair bases.
In this way, you can get a smooth body in just a few minutes with the depilatory creams.
How does shaving work?
Shaving involves cutting unwanted hair down to skin level with a razor or sharp blade. This removes the ends of the hair but does not damage the hair root. This is why your hair grows back quickly after shaving.
There are two other types, dry shaving and wet shaving. In dry shaving, an electric razor cuts the hair and does not require any lubricant. In wet shaving, on the other hand, you must use shaving cream or soap before using the razor.
Wet shaving is safer, while dry shaving is faster.
Depilatory cream vs. shaving
Now let’s discuss some other aspects that can help you make your decision.
Proceedings
To use the depilatory cream, you just have to apply a layer of the cream to the desired area and wait about 5 minutes for thin hair and up to 10 minutes for thick hair. Then remove the cream from a small area and if the hair comes off easily, you can remove the depilatory cream from other areas as well.
When you wet shave, you first have to moisten the area and then apply the shaving foam. Now you need a wet razor and move it in the direction in which your hair grows.
Using hair removal cream is easier for beginners than shaving because shaving requires skill in handling the razor.
time expenditure
To get an efficient result from shaving, it is best to take a warm water shower, but apart from that, it will take a total of 5-20 minutes depending on the area you are shaving. This includes softening your hair before shaving, then lathering, shaving and moisturizing your skin after shaving.
Depilatory creams, on the other hand, take more time because you have to apply the cream first, wait for 3-10 minutes and then carefully remove it. So the total time is between 7-20 minutes. For the armpits, you need 5-7 minutes, while the legs can take 15-20 minutes.
Results
Now, if we talk about the results of both methods, the depilatory cream shows a better result than shaving. Since the depilatory creams remove the hair right down to the root, your skin remains smooth for a long time.
Unlike depilatory cream, shaving only cuts the hair above the skin's surface. This means that it can grow back quickly and you will need to shave every other day to achieve a hairless, smooth body.
Compatible body areas
Both shaving and hair removal creams can be used on all parts of the body, but when it comes to facial hair specifically, shaving is better as it is more precise and faster. For sensitive areas like the bikini line, hair removal creams are preferable as you don't want to take any risks with a blade there.
For the legs, shaving is quicker and for the armpits both methods can work well.
Cost
Shaving is an inexpensive method of hair removal. All you need is a razor and shaving cream. You can buy shaving cream for $1-$5 or more, and dozens of razors for $10-$20.
You can get high-quality hair removal creams for just €5-€15. So there isn't much of a price difference between the two hair removal methods.
pain
The thing we fear most when undergoing hair removal is the pain it causes. When choosing between shaving and depilatory creams, you can opt for depilatory creams because they are completely painless.
Shaving is also a nearly painless procedure, but only if you are experienced. This is because you have to use a razor that can easily cut your skin, which can cause irritation and pain. Shaving also causes ingrown hairs, which can also cause itching.
side effects
Finally, we will discuss the possible side effects of both procedures.
When you use depilatory creams, you don't have to worry about cuts, scratches or razor stubble , but they can cause irritation, allergic reactions and, in severe cases, burns. On the other hand, shaving has more side effects compared to the depilatory creams. You are prone to cuts, ingrown hairs, folliculitis, skin irritation and burns. In short, both procedures are painful, but shaving can be riskier.
Are depilatory creams better than shaving?
If we compare the depilatory creams with shaving, they are almost painless and have fewer side effects than shaving. Unlike shaving, you don't even have to be an expert to use depilatory creams. While shaving, you have to be careful with the razors. Also, the depilatory creams last longer.
So if you want a nearly painless removal with better results, you should use depilatory creams. But if you want quick hair removal and are good with a razor, shaving is the better choice.
If you have decided to shave for one reason or another, you can check out the best razors for women to buy some of the best razors that ensure the least side effects with maximum safety.
A better solution: IPL hair removal
If both methods seem unreliable to you, we have another option for you. You can use IPL hair removal with the Try Ulike Sapphire Air 10 IPL hair removal device .
Painless and fast
Most hair removal procedures are painful, but with IPL hair removal, it is almost painless. The maximum feeling it can cause is like a rubber band snapping against your body, but with the Ulike Sapphire Air 10, you won't even feel that pain. This is because it is equipped with a patented ice cooling technology that gives your skin a soothing feeling.
Long-lasting results
While all other methods only show results for a few days, IPL hair removal can give you results for up to 6 months. Even after that, the newly grown hair will still be thin. After using the Ulike Saphir Air 10 device, you will notice first results after just 1 week and have a hair-free body in a maximum of 5-8 weeks.
Cost-effective
The Ulike Sapphire Air 10 hair removal device 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. Shaving, on the other hand, can cost up to €10,000 or more for your entire lifetime. So isn't it better to buy a device with better results and less cost?
Reliable
Shaving and depilatory creams have a lot of side effects. But IPL hair removal also has some side effects in rare cases. In addition, the Ulike Sapphire Air 10 is approved by the FDA with more than 30 safety certificates.
side effects
IPL hair removal is safe, but in some cases it can cause side effects such as redness, itching or scarring. However, most of these side effects subside within a few minutes and hours and occur mainly in people with dark skin.
comparison table
|
parameter |
shave |
depilatory cream |
Ulike IPL hair removal |
winner |
|
Cost |
5 €-20 € per month |
5 €-15 € per cream |
329 € (lifetime) |
Ulike Saphir Air 10 |
|
Results |
1-3 days |
3-5 days |
Up to 6 months |
Ulike Saphir Air 10 |
|
pain |
Painful for cuts and ingrown hairs |
Almost painless |
Almost painless |
Depilatory cream and Ulike IPL device for hair removal |
|
treatment time |
5-20 minutes |
5-20 minutes |
7-10 minutes |
Ulike Saphir Air 10 |
|
Compatible areas |
All |
All (better for the bikini area) |
All |
All |
|
compatibility with skin and hair type |
All hair and body types |
All hair and body types |
Not compatible with blonde hair and dark skin |
shaving and hair removal cream |
|
Possible side effects |
● Burns ● Itching ● cuts ● Abrasions ● Ingrown hair |
● Irritation ● Allergy ● Burns |
● Does not work well on dark skin |
All procedures have disadvantages in some areas |
Conclusion
Sometimes we get confused whether to buy a shaving kit or depilatory creams for hair removal. Both methods are inexpensive but shaving is quick while hair removal with depilatory creams is almost painless. While shaving is good for the legs, hair removal creams are better for sensitive areas. So, which one you choose depends entirely on your needs and budget.
Both methods also have a number of side effects such as burning, itching and redness, and if you look at the lifetime cost, it can be more than €10,000. So, you can also opt for the Ulike Sapphire Air 10 IPL hair removal that will give you benefits for a lifetime - for only €329 (with code).
