As painful as the actual hair removal process can be, choosing the right hair removal wax is equally important. The process of removing hair is the same with all waxes, but they don’t all work the same. Deciding which kind to use can be challenging. Wax is traditionally divided into two types: soft and hard, but things get more complicated from there. How does wax relate to sugaring?
What type of wax should be used on the bikini area? (Does it count?)
The European Wax Center’s Jodi Shays and Gina Petak explain all about wax. When it comes to choosing a wax type, Shays says, “Use whatever wax you find more effective for you.”
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Warm Soft Wax
The wax used for strip waxing is made from cream or resin. After being gently warmed, it is applied to the skin in a thin layer. Hair can be removed by pressing a strip of cloth against it and removing it. Spreadable wax can be applied to large areas like the legs and arms. Soft wax is very effective in picking up even fine hairs, but sticks to the skin as well, so it should only be applied once per area.
Honey/resin-based waxes can cause irritation and itchiness in the skin, while cream-based waxes are more gentle. Some estheticians may be able to give a great wax with honey/resin-based wax, but Shays does not recommend these waxes for sensitive skin. “They can be hot, sticky, and abrasive.”
Warm Hard Wax
Professional hard wax can be used on both thick, coarse, and fine hair. When it cools, the wax hardens. When it hardens, it forms a strip. Strip-free wax is also called this. The skin is usually protected from wax by applying a small amount of pre-epilation oil after it has been cleansed. Shays explains that by heating the wax, it hardens into a flexible material that can be removed by a ‘lip’ that the provider creates.
Hard wax is also thicker than soft wax, as well as being applied in the direction of hair growth. The wrong direction of pulling the hair can result in ingrown hair, warns Petak. A hard wax adheres to the hair instead of sticking to the skin as a soft wax does. Due to this, it is more suitable for sensitive areas like lips, noses, underarms, and bikini lines. Shays warns that it is likely to break hair when applied to larger areas, like the legs.
Cold Soft Wax
Cold wax comes in two forms: directly from a pot, or prepared on a strip. This method does not cause skin burns due to too hot wax. Despite its convenience, a thin layer can be hard to apply evenly since it is firmer. Shays says it is typically less effective than hot wax and may leave hair attached to the skin. In addition to being more painful, cold wax is harder to remove. If the wax is slightly heated before use, it may even be easier to spread.
Pre Made Wax Strips
Cold soft wax is already attached to the pre-waxed strips, which do not need to be heated. Beginners should use this method because it is convenient and mess-free. It’s easy to use, and you won’t have to worry about overapplying. If you’re removing a lot of hair, you might need to use a strip more than once per area.
By rubbing wax strips between your palms, they will adhere better to hair if they are slightly heated. Cold strips are by far the most convenient option since they require the least preparation and have the fewest moving parts. These strips don’t burn your skin. Pre-made strips should be used for smaller areas, as they cannot be spread like warm wax.