Shaving vs Hair Removal - Which is Safer?

Warmer days are coming! Not long til we can bust out the shorts and jandals again. 

And that means… banishing the winter fuzz!

If you’ve let things go a bit ‘au naturel’ over winter, spring is a great time for a tidy-up. And even if hair removal is part of your usual routine, it’s worth checking whether your go-to method is still the best - and safest - for your skin.

From quick DIY fixes to longer-lasting salon treatments, there’s no shortage of ways to get smooth. So, which works for you?

Common DIY hair removal methods

Manual shaving

Many of us started our hair removal journeys with a handheld razor - and many of us still swear by it. Shavers are designed to remove hair at the surface of your skin. They are widely available and come in a range of designs, from basic disposable razors to ergonomic, reusable tools. 

Pros:

• Quick and easy to do at home

• Painless (when done right)

• Inexpensive

• Works for most body areas

• Leave skin smooth and hairfree

• No electricity required

Cons:

• Must be used with water and shaving gel or body wash

• Can result in nicks, razor burn, and/or ingrown hairs

• Hair grows back within a few days

We like: Venus Comfortglide Sugarberry Plus Olay Razor, which features a pivoting design to adjust to the body’s contours. Also includes razor blade refills and Olay Moisture Bars that release sugarberry body butters for glide and comfort. 

Electric shaving

Electric shavers work by pulling hairs into an oscillating cutting system enclosed by a perforated metal foil or guards. They’re great for a quick, smooth shave, and you can use them on dry skin. 

Pros:

• No water or shaving cream needed

• Fewer nicks than manual razors

• Generally suitable for sensitive skin

Cons:

• Not as close as a manual razor

• Faster regrowth that can feel ‘stubbly’

• Requires charging or batteries

• Higher initial cost than manual razors

We like: the BRAUN Shaver Series 3 - 310BT, which can be used wet or dry and includes five trimmer combs for beards, stubble, sideburns, and moustache grooming. 

Hair removal cream (depilatories)

Hair removal creams contain active ingredients to break down the keratin proteins in hair, turning it into a gel-like substance that can be easily washed away. They’re ideal for areas that are tricky to reach with a razor.

Pros:

• Painless and easy to use

• Hair takes longer to grow back than shaving, as hair is dissolved just below the skin's surface

• Can be used on the face and also on large areas 

• No risk of nicks or razor burn

Cons:

• Most products have a strong, unpleasant smell

• May irritate sensitive skin or cause reactions

• Risk of burns or irritation if timing isn’t followed 

• Not suitable for broken or damaged skin
  
  

We like: Nair Sensitive Hair Removal Cream, which can be used on both face and body and contains Sweet Almond Oil to support skin moisture.

Is hair removal cream safe? 

Yes, depilatory creams are generally safe when used according to the directions. Always apply to healthy skin only and remove within the recommended timeframe (usually 3–10 minutes). Rinse thoroughly with cool water to remove any residue, then apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser.

To avoid irritation, perform a patch test on a small area first. If your skin doesn’t react within 24 hours, you should be good to go.

 

Shaving vs hair removal cream

Shaving is quick, cheap, and can be done at home for immediate results. However, there is a risk of nicks and skin irritation, and hair grows back within a few days. 

Hair removal cream lasts a little longer, leaves skin smoother, and there’s no risk of cuts - but it can irritate sensitive skin if left on too long.

So, is hair removal cream better than shaving?

For sensitive areas like the face or underarms, depilatory creams can be a gentler option. They do take a few more minutes and can smell a bit strong (that “rotten egg” scent is the chemical reaction at work), but formulas have improved significantly over the years. 

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your skin and your schedule.

Other hair removal methods

Waxing

Waxing involves applying warm or cold wax to the skin so that it ‘sticks’ to the hair, then quickly yanking the wax off (with or without a strip). This removes hair from the root and lightly exfoliates, leaving skin smooth for several weeks.

Pros:

• Long-lasting hair removal (2-4 weeks)

• Hair may grow back finer over time

• Effective for the face (brows, upper lip) and also large areas (legs, arms)

• Fewer ingrown hairs with proper technique 

• Also removes dead skin cells, providing a smooth result
  
  

Cons:

• Painful (especially at first!)

• Can leave skin red and sore for a few hours 

• Requires a certain amount of hair growth for each session

• Can be difficult to do properly at home 

We like: Veet Easy-Gel Legs Wax Strips, which make it easy to remove even the shortest hairs (1.5mm). Ideal for beginners, with shea butter and a light acai berry scent.

Epilators

An epilator is a handheld electrical device that pulls hair from the root using rotating tweezers. Results last up to four weeks, and there are a wide range of epilators available now designed for the face, body, or both.

Pros:

• Long-lasting hair removal (up to four weeks)

• No chemicals involved

• Hair may grow back finer over time

• Cost-effective in the long term

Cons:

• Can be painful, especially on sensitive areas

• May cause temporary redness or bumps

• Can be time-consuming on large areas

• May cause ingrown hairs 

We like: BRAUN Silk Epil 3in1 Trimmer, which has a high precision head for hair removal and can be used to shape the bikini zone and eyebrows. 

The verdict on ‘safe’ DIY hair removal

There’s no single “safest” method: every option can be safe when used correctly. It really comes down to what suits your skin, your schedule, your budget - and pain tolerance!  

Our final tips for smoother, safer results: 

• Always follow the manufacturer’s directions carefully.

• Do a patch test before trying new products.

• MichaelExfoliate first, and moisturise after.

• Avoid hair removal on irritated or broken skin.

Check out the whole range of hair removal products at Bargain Chemist. 

And when in doubt, just ask one of the friendly team!