Waxing vs Hair Removal Cream: Which Is Better for You?

Waxing and hair removal cream both remove hair, but they differ in method, how long results last, and how they affect the skin. This guide from Linh Lan Waxing in District 1, Saigon compares the two and explains when each one makes sense. Skin reactions vary from person to person, so please treat this as a general guide.

Waxing: removing hair from the root

Wax is applied to the skin and, once it sets (or after a strip is pressed on), the hair is pulled off in one go. Because the hair comes out with the root, the gap before the next session tends to be longer than with shaving or cream.

Pros

• Longer lasting: Hair takes time to grow back. How long depends on the person and the area.
• Smooth feel: Unlike shaving, there are no blunt stubble tips, so skin feels soft.
• Works on coarse hair: It can remove thick hair that cream struggles with.
• Light exfoliation: Some dead skin on the surface comes off with the wax.

Cons

• Pain: It can sting or hurt at first, and the bikini and Brazilian areas feel more sensitive for many people. It varies by person.
• Cost: Salon visits cost money, and DIY still needs a wax kit.
• Skin irritation: Sensitive skin can look red or irritated right after.
• Hair length: Hair needs to be at least 0.5 cm for wax to remove it from the root more easily, so you have to wait between sessions.

Hair removal cream: quick and simple

You apply cream, wait the stated time and wipe it off, and the hair dissolves. It is easy to do at home.

Pros

• Easy: Apply and wipe. Beginners can do it.
• Less pain: Hair is not pulled out, so there is less pain, although some people find the chemicals sting.
• Cost and time: It is cheap and usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

Cons

• Shorter results: It only dissolves hair above the skin, so it grows back relatively soon.
• Smell: Some products have a strong chemical smell.
• Skin irritation: The formula is strong enough to dissolve hair, so sensitive skin may sting or react. Patch test on a small area first.
• Leftover fuzz: Some fine hair may remain.

Side by side

Which one suits which situation?

• Waxing: You want a longer gap between sessions, want to tidy up before a trip or event, or have coarse hair.
• Cream: You are short on time and have fine hair. If your skin is sensitive, always patch test first.

How we wax at Linh Lan

We use strips for large areas (arms, legs, etc.) to keep treatment quick, and hard wax for small, sensitive areas such as the bikini line, Brazilian and beard, choosing by area and your situation. If your skin is irritated right after waxing, we finish with cooling air (about -30°C). Therapists wear masks and medical-grade gloves and use single-use sticks, and tools are kept in a UV steriliser.

Related: DIY waxing: pros, cons and a checklist · Waxing aftercare A to Z · Brazilian vs bikini waxing · Price list

Frequently asked questions

Which hurts less, waxing or cream?

Cream does not pull hair out, so there is less pain, but it can sting depending on your skin. Waxing can sting; how much depends on the area and the person.

How long should hair be before waxing?

At least 0.5 cm. Wax cannot grip hair that is too short.

Can I switch from cream to waxing?

Yes, but if your skin is irritated, tell us before your treatment. We may adjust the date depending on its condition.

How do I book?

Walk-ins are welcome at Linh Lan, but you may need to wait if we are fully booked. Booking ahead is the surest way to get your preferred time. Message us on KakaoTalk (ID: linhlanwaxing), Zalo or WhatsApp. Please change or cancel up to one day before.