Waxing vs. Plucking — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 28, 2023
Waxing involves removing hair by applying wax and then stripping it off, taking hair from the root. Plucking is the act of individually pulling out hairs using tweezers or similar tools.
Difference Between Waxing and Plucking
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Key Differences
Waxing and plucking are two commonly used techniques for hair removal, primarily aimed at achieving smooth skin. Waxing utilizes a special wax that is applied to the desired area of the skin.
Once the wax is applied and has adhered to the hairs, it is swiftly pulled off, usually with a strip, removing the hairs from their roots. Waxing can cover large areas in a single session, making it a popular choice for legs, arms, and the bikini area.
Plucking, on the other hand, is a method that involves removing individual hairs. Typically, a pair of tweezers is used to grip and pull out each hair from its follicle. This method is precise and is often used for eyebrows or stray hairs.
The results from waxing generally last longer than plucking since a larger area and a greater number of hairs are removed at once. However, plucking offers precision, which is why it's a go-to method for shaping eyebrows or removing isolated, unwanted hairs.
In essence, while both waxing and plucking achieve the goal of hair removal, waxing is suitable for larger areas and offers longer-lasting results, whereas plucking is more precise and ideal for small areas or individual hairs.
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Comparison Chart
Technique
Application of wax and removal with strips
Individual removal of hairs using tweezers
Area Coverage
Suitable for large areas
Suitable for small areas or individual hairs
Duration of Results
Longer-lasting results due to bulk hair removal
Shorter duration since individual hairs are targeted
Precision
Less precise due to bulk removal
Highly precise
Pain Level
Can be more painful due to bulk removal
Less painful but repetitive
Compare with Definitions
Waxing
The act of applying wax to a surface for protection or shine.
He was waxing his car to give it a nice shine.
Plucking
The act of picking or gathering.
She was plucking flowers from the garden.
Waxing
The act of expressing oneself in an enthusiastic manner.
He was waxing poetic about the beauty of nature.
Plucking
The process of removing feathers from a bird.
They were plucking the chicken to prepare it for cooking.
Waxing
A method to preserve or seal with wax.
She was waxing her letter's envelope for a vintage touch.
Plucking
The action of pulling something abruptly.
He was plucking the guitar strings to create a melody.
Waxing
The method of hair removal using specially formulated wax.
She scheduled a waxing appointment for smooth legs.
Plucking
Removing something from its place with a sudden motion.
He was plucking apples from the tree.
Waxing
A process to increase or grow in extent.
The moon is waxing, leading to a full moon.
Plucking
To remove or detach by grasping and pulling abruptly with the fingers; pick
Pluck a flower.
Pluck feathers from a chicken.
Waxing
Waxing is the process of hair removal from the root by using a covering of a sticky substance, such as wax, to adhere to body hair, and then removing this covering and pulling out the hair from the follicle. New hair will not grow back in the previously waxed area for four to six weeks, although some people will start to see regrowth in only a week due to some of their hair being on a different human hair growth cycle.
Plucking
To pull out the hair or feathers of
Pluck a chicken.
Waxing
Any of various natural, oily or greasy heat-sensitive substances, consisting of hydrocarbons or esters of fatty acids that are insoluble in water but soluble in nonpolar organic solvents.
Plucking
To remove abruptly or forcibly
Plucked their child from school in midterm.
Waxing
Beeswax.
Plucking
To give an abrupt pull to; tug at
Pluck a sleeve.
Waxing
Earwax.
Plucking
(Music) To sound (the strings of an instrument) by pulling and releasing them with the fingers or a plectrum.
Waxing
A solid plastic or pliable liquid substance, such as ozocerite or paraffin, originating from petroleum and found in rock layers and used in paper coating, as insulation, in crayons, and often in medicinal preparations.
Plucking
To give an abrupt pull; tug.
Waxing
A preparation containing wax used for polishing floors and other surfaces.
Plucking
The act or an instance of plucking.
Waxing
A resinous mixture used by shoemakers to rub on thread.
Plucking
Resourceful courage and daring in the face of difficulties; spirit.
Waxing
A cosmetic procedure in which facial or body hair is removed by peeling away a layer of wax that has been allowed to harden.
Plucking
The heart, liver, windpipe, and lungs of a slaughtered animal.
Waxing
Made of wax
A wax candle.
Plucking
Present participle of pluck
Waxing
To coat, treat, or polish with wax.
Plucking
(gerund of pluck) An act in which something is plucked.
Waxing
To remove (facial or body hair) by covering the skin with a layer of wax that is peeled off after hardening, uprooting the encased hairs.
Plucking
A fragment of something obtained by plucking.
Waxing
To remove hair from (a portion of the body) by this method.
Plucking
(printing) The undesirable situation in which printed ink becomes detached from the paper.
Waxing
To increase gradually in size, number, strength, or intensity
“His love affair with Mrs. Bernstein waxed and waned and waxed again” (C. Hugh Holman).
Plucking
The act of removing hairs individually with tweezers.
She was plucking her eyebrows to give them a shape.
Waxing
To show a progressively larger illuminated area, as the moon does in passing from new to full.
Waxing
To grow or become as specified
“His very body had waxed old in lowly service of the Lord” (James Joyce).
Waxing
To speak or write as specified
“[He] warmed to his most favorite of subjects, waxed eloquent, gained in his face a glow of passion” (Paul J. Willis).
Waxing
The action of the verb to wax.
Waxing
(countable) A cosmetic procedure in which hair is removed from the body by the application and removal of wax.
Waxing
(countable) A recording intended for a phonograph.
Waxing
The application of wax to a surface
Waxing
A gradual increase in magnitude or extent;
The waxing of the moon
Waxing
(of the moon) pertaining to the period during which the visible surface of the moon increases;
The waxing moon passes from new to full
Common Curiosities
How long do waxing results typically last?
Waxing results generally last longer than plucking, often several weeks, depending on hair growth.
Is plucking only used for eyebrows?
While often used for eyebrows, plucking can be used to remove any individual or stray hairs.
Is plucking suitable for large areas?
No, plucking is more suitable for small areas or individual hairs due to its precision.
Can waxing be done at home?
Yes, there are home waxing kits available, though some prefer professional services for best results.
What does waxing primarily involve?
Waxing involves removing hair by applying wax and then stripping it off, taking hair from the root.
Why might someone choose plucking over waxing?
Plucking offers precision and is ideal for shaping eyebrows or removing isolated hairs.
Is waxing painful?
Waxing can be uncomfortable or painful for some, especially in sensitive areas.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
