Plucking vs. Waxing: Is Plucking the Same as Waxing?

Are you looking for the right method of hair removal for your body? The most common answer you will get is either waxing or plucking. Most people prefer using them as they seem really effortless. If we dig deeper, every method has its own consequences, struggles, and different results. So, you cannot make your decision based on what other people say. Before choosing the right method, you need to know about them in detail. So, here we are! We will provide you with all the information like the cost, procedure, similarities, and differences of these methods to find the right answer for yourself. Is Plucking the Same as Waxing? To beginners, plucking and waxing might seem to be the same procedure as they both pull out hair from your roots. But, they are different. Plucking is also commonly referred to as Tweezing but it is different from waxing. The results of both these procedures are similar, but the process, tools, and so many other parameters differentiate them from each other. Plucking gets rid of your unwanted hair without the use of any other creams or agents while waxing requires an external agent to do the work. You can use hard wax or soft wax for removing hair from your body. In the next section, let’s discuss in detail the parameters that differentiate them. What is the Difference Between Plucking and Waxing? Cost Starting with the cost, plucking, and waxing, both are economical methods of hair removal you can use all the time. If we compare the cost of these methods, plucking can cost you only a few dollars as you only need a pair of tweezers. You need need to change them when they get dull. As for waxing, it is more costly compared to plucking. A wax kit can range from $10-$40 or even above and it won’t last more than 2 months, unlike tweezers that can work well for long. Procedure The procedure of both techniques is slightly different. In plucking, you need to pull each hair individually with the help of a pair of tweezers. In waxing, you need to apply wax with a spatula and then remove it using a piece of cloth or you can use wax strips. For the right application, you need to know the right direction of putting the wax on your body and the right way to remove and prepare the wax. So, if we compare them on the basis of procedure, plucking is easier than waxing as it does not have a lot of rules or it doesn’t need lots of preparation. To know the right way of waxing, click How to Wax at Home. Time Taken It’s an emergency and what method will you use to remove your body hair? Well, waxing is usually faster than plucking. It is because, in plucking, you need to work on each hair separately while wax allows you to remove a number of hairs at once. So, if you are in a hurry, just wax and get yourself ready to go. Related reading Plucking vs Shaving: Is Plucking Better Than Shaving? Top 100 at-home IPL/Laser Hair Removal Devices Available Suitable Body Areas Plucking is time taking while waxing can be done quickly. Plucking is preferred for smaller areas like your eyebrows, upper lips, chin hair, and other facial hair. It is more precise so better for these areas. Plucking is ideal for small areas because it allows for precision in hair removal, making it a popular choice for facial features. Larger areas mean more hair and if you start plucking your hair one by one, it is going to take forever. Therefore, you can use wax on larger areas and get the work done quickly. Waxing is more efficient for larger areas, as it can remove multiple hairs at once, significantly reducing the time required for hair removal. Supplies Required Plucking only requires a pair of tweezers. On the other hand, you should have a whole waxing kit for wax. This includes wax, wax strips, a bowl, a spatula, and even a wax warmer if it is hot wax. So, waxing can be a bit messier in comparison to plucking. If you still prefer waxing, you can find some amazing waxing kits at The Best At-home Waxing Kits . Waxing kits are available for at-home use, making it convenient to achieve salon-like results in the comfort of your home. Effect on Thickness There are myths going on about waxing and plucking that these techniques make your hair thicker. In most cases, waxing leads to thinner and finer hair and thick hair growth is only rare. On the other hand, plucking has more chances to make your hair thicker, but only in case, you pluck hair from high-density body parts. Results Waxing and plucking are quite different in various manners but there have similar results. Both these methods remove hair from their roots and it takes time for the new hair to grow. So, irrespective of the method you are using between these two, your body will stay smooth for 4-6 weeks. Comfort We know that both waxing and plucking are painful. Want to know which one is more painful? Waxing pulls many hairs together and also with a strong force. This makes waxing more painful than plucking. Waxing tends to be more painful due to the simultaneous removal of multiple hairs, while plucking can be more tolerable as it focuses on one hair at a time. The good thing is that the pain after waxing goes in an instant but for plucking you will feel it every time you pull your hair. This means, if you do your upper lip plucking in 5 minutes, you will have to bear the pain for this whole time period. In short, waxing causes stronger but quick discomfort while plucking is a bit less painful but causes continuous pain. Related reading How to Pluck Hair So It Won’t Grow Back After? Plucking Chin Hair: Associated Damage, and the Alternative Methods 5 Best And Most Effective Laser Hair Removal Devices for Your Neck In 2025 Benefits If we talk about the benefits of both these methods, both these methods can get you good results. Both plucking and waxing can lead to effective hair removal, allowing individuals to choose based on their personal preferences. Waxing is more effective for removing finer hair because it is difficult to hold small and thin hair with a tweezer. It is quick and also pain goes away instantly. In contrast, plucking can be a good choice when you want to shape your brows perfectly or have any skin allergies. Side Effects If we talk about side effects, plucking has lesser side effects. Plucking does not use any products so the maximum you can get is itchiness if done the right way. Plucking typically results in fewer side effects compared to waxing, making it a suitable option for those with sensitive skin. Waxes have chemicals plus for hot waxes, you need the right temperature for application. So, you are prone to burns at high temperatures, or irritation, redness, and bumps caused by any allergic reaction to wax. Waxing may lead to more significant side effects due to the use of chemicals and the risk of burns, especially with hot wax. Contraindications There are some contraindications to both these procedures. If you have any skin disorders, varicose veins, diabetes, or cancer, then waxing is certainly not for you. Also, during menstruation, your skin becomes sensitive so you should avoid waxing. It is crucial to be aware of contraindications, as certain health conditions can make waxing unsafe for individuals. As for plucking, if you have any moles, acne, or ingrown hair, you need to avoid plucking on those areas as they can increase inflammation and cause further irritation. Specific skin conditions can make plucking problematic, as it may exacerbate inflammation in sensitive areas. A Better Solution to Hair Removal Plucking your hair requires a lot of patience and of course, being a newbie feels almost impossible to do it right. The waxing is also very painful and for those with sensitive skin, it’s not a safe option. And if you are contra-indicated, then you cannot even think about these methods. So, what to do? You can go for IPL hair removal. IPL technology uses impulse pulsating light to destroy your hair follicles. You don’t need to go outside for this, become we have an amazing at-home IPL hair removal device to free you from all the worries. Use Ulike Air3 IPL hair removal handset. It is an IPL device you can conveniently use at home. Advantages of At-home IPL hair removal Following are the advantages you cannot get from either waxing or plucking: You only have to use it for 7 minutes per session so it’s very quick After undergoing the number of required treatments, you can enjoy hairless skin for up to 6 months and for some people, it can last up to years After completing the necessary treatments, you may experience a significant reduction in hair growth for up to 6 months, with some individuals enjoying results that can last for years. 3 different adjustable modes allow you to use it on all body parts unlike waxing or plucking which is harmful to the bikini area or other sensitive parts This versatility allows for safe use on all body parts, making it a preferable option compared to waxing or plucking, especially in sensitive areas. With its patented-cooling technology, you are free from all the pain you had to go through during waxing and plucking Thanks to this innovative technology, you can experience a more comfortable hair removal process without the discomfort typically associated with waxing and plucking. It has 30+ certifications and FDA cleared for being a safe device which means minimum side effects FDA clearance indicates that the device has undergone rigorous testing to ensure safety and effectiveness, leading to minimal side effects for users. The device's numerous certifications and FDA clearance indicate that it is a safe option for hair removal, ensuring minimal side effects for users. Comparison Table Here’s a short summary of the three hair removal procedures we mentioned above. Parameters Plucking Waxing Ulike Sapphire Air3 IPL hair Removal Cost $5-$15 ( one pair) $10-$40 per kit $329 Time Taken 10 minutes (only for eyebrows) 40 minutes (full body wax) 7 minutes (for any area) Compatible Body Areas Small areas Large Areas All Compatible Skin tone and Hair types All All Light skin with dark hair Results 4-6 weeks 4-6 weeks More than 6 months Pain Yes Yes No Difficult Yes (for Newbies) A bit easier Very Easy The IPL device looks really expensive but if we look at the money we spend on changing our tweezers repeatedly or the waxing kits we have to buy again and again, the cost of an IPL device is very less as you can use it for a lifetime after paying once. Conclusion Waxing and plucking are the typical methods of getting a hair-free body. Both these techniques get rid of hair till their roots make your skin smooth. It lasts for up to a month. Moreover, they are also not expensive so everyone prefers these methods. You can use wax for larger areas to get rid of more hairs at once and save time. For smaller areas like your eyebrows, you require some precision, so plucking is to go for. But, both of these methods are painful and waxing can cost you more than $10,000 for a lifetime. Also, there are some contraindications. So, you can use IPL hair removal too. This semi-long-lasting hair removal method is safer than waxing and plucking and also pain-free. To choose the right method for you, you can think about your needs and then decide which of the three methods fulfills them. Viktoria Viktoria