What Waxes Do Professionals Use?
Waxing is a popular hair removal technique used in salons and spas around the world. Professional waxing provides smooth, hair-free skin that can last 3-6 weeks on most body parts. There are several types of wax that professionals use, each with their own benefits and drawbacks. The most common waxing services requested by clients are Brazilian and bikini waxes, leg and arm waxes, underarm waxes, back and chest waxes, eyebrow waxes, and facial waxes. Waxing works by adhering to hair strands and removing the entire follicle from the root when the wax is pulled off. This provides longer lasting results compared to shaving or other hair removal methods. In this article, we will provide an overview of the major types of wax used by professionals and discuss the techniques, preparation, and aftercare involved in professional waxing services.
Hard Waxes
Hard waxes are waxes that remain hard and brittle until warmed up and applied to the skin. They do not require cloth strips for removal. As the name suggests, hard waxes are more dense and solid in texture compared to soft waxes. They become pliable and spreadable when heated to the proper temperature.
Hard waxes adhere firmly to the hair but not to the skin. Once the wax cools and hardens on the skin, it forms its own strip that can be pulled off, removing the encapsulated hair. This makes hard waxes gentler on sensitive areas compared to soft waxes. The key benefit of hard wax is that it only adheres to the hair and not the skin, reducing pain and irritation (Beauty Image USA).
Some pros of hard waxes include:
- Less painful than soft waxes, especially on sensitive areas
- Does not adhere to skin so reduces irritation
- No strips required for removal
- Effectively removes short, coarse hairs
Some cons of hard waxes include:
- Can be messier than soft waxes
- Takes practice to master application technique
- Does not work as well on fine or long hairs
- Can only be used in small sections at a time
Some common brand name hard wax products include Cirepil Blue, Satin Smooth, GiGi, and Clean + Easy Hard Wax.
Soft Waxes
Soft waxes are waxes that have a lower melting temperature and are more pliable than hard waxes. They are often made from natural ingredients like beeswax, rosin, and oils. The consistency of soft wax is sticky and it adheres to the top layers of skin when applied (Source: https://www.healthline.com/health/soft-wax-vs-hard-wax).
Some pros of soft wax are that it works well on short, coarse, or curly hairs. It also exfoliates the skin more than hard wax. However, some cons are that it can be messier, more painful, and lead to ingrown hairs more often. Soft wax requires using cloth strips to remove the wax and hair (Source: https://medium.com/@idahospa.usa/comparing-hard-wax-vs-soft-wax-pros-and-cons-for-body-waxing-166bfeb26563).
Common soft wax products include GiGi Brazilian Body Hard Wax, Wakse Gold Hard Wax Beans, and Nova Wax Nova Hard Wax Microbeads (Sources: https://www.healthline.com/health/soft-wax-vs-hard-wax, https://crownbeautybar.com/blog/2017/4/12/the-difference-between-hard-wax-and-soft-wax).
Sugar Waxes
Sugar waxes are a popular natural alternative to traditional waxing. They are made from sugar, lemon juice, and water. The sugar bonds with the hair, allowing for easy removal of the hair from the root when the wax is pulled off. Unlike wax, sugar wax doesn’t adhere to the skin, which can make it less painful for hair removal.
Sugar waxes have several pros and cons compared to traditional waxing 1:
Pros:
- Natural ingredients, less irritation for sensitive skin
- Lower skin adhesion, potentially less painful
- Easier to clean up than wax
Cons:
- May not remove all hairs, less effective on coarse hair
- Doesn’t allow for thin precise lines like waxing
- Takes longer to heat up and prepare than commercial waxes
Some popular sugar wax products include Parissa Sugar Wax, GiGi Sugar Wax, and homemade sugar paste recipes.
Waxing Kits
Professional waxing kits contain all the necessary supplies for performing waxing services. They often include different types of waxes, applicators, muslin strips, pre-wax products, and aftercare items. Popular professional waxing kit brands include Nacach, Star Pil, and Nova Wax.
Nacach offers various kits for full body waxing, Brazilian waxing, and facial waxing. Their Deluxe waxing kit contains hard and soft waxes, applicators, muslin strips, pre-wax oil, and aftercare gel. Star Pil’s Ultimate Face and Body kit has everything needed for professional facial and body wax services. It includes tea tree hard and chamomile soft waxes. Nova Wax’s Master Waxing kit is customizable and contains all their highly-rated waxes, applicators, supplies, and accessories.
Having a fully stocked professional waxing kit allows estheticians to perform a wide range of waxing services without needing to purchase supplies separately. The top kits contain salon-quality waxes, strips, tools, and products tailored for sensitive areas like the face and brazilian. They provide convenience and value for professional waxing.
Wax Warmers
Wax warmers are an essential piece of equipment for heating and applying wax. They provide gentle, even heating to melt hard and soft waxes to the ideal consistency and temperature for application. Professionals recommend using a high-quality wax warmer with adjustable temperature settings and a wide wax chamber. Some popular options include:
The Pioneer Woman Fancy Flourish Full Size Fragrance Warmer – Features multiple heat settings up to 135°F and a large 26-ounce capacity. The sturdy warmer has a stylish design and keeps wax at a consistent temperature for easy dipping and spreading.
Cape Candle Wax Warmer – An inexpensive option with an adjustable thermostat and auto shut-off function. The simple warmer heats wax safely without scorching or overheating.
Look for warmers with “auto-stir” or “agitator” functions to prevent overheating and continuously mix wax. Warmers that maintain a temperature between 120-135°F provide the ideal viscosity for hard and soft waxes. High-end warmers allow professionals to work efficiently, avoiding wasted product and time spent re-heating wax between applications.
Pre-Wax Preparation
Proper pre-wax skin preparation is crucial for safe and effective waxing results. Exfoliating before waxing removes dead skin cells and allows the wax to adhere directly to the hair follicles. Using a gentle scrub or loofah, gently exfoliate the area to be waxed 24-48 hours prior. Avoid harsh scrubs that may cause irritation or sensitivity.
Applying pre-wax oil is also recommended to prep the skin. Oils like sweet almond, grapeseed, or baby oil create a barrier between the skin and wax, allowing the wax to grip the hair better. Apply a small amount of oil and massage it into the area to be waxed, avoiding applying directly over any cuts or irritated areas. Let the oil sit for 2-5 minutes before waxing. Pre-wax oils allow the wax to glide on smoothly and remove cleanly.
Proper exfoliation and pre-wax oils prep the skin for a smoother, less painful waxing experience. Preparing the skin properly can also help prevent ingrown hairs and allow the wax to remove more hair in fewer passes.
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Waxing Techniques
Experienced waxing professionals know that proper waxing technique is crucial for safe, effective, and relatively painless hair removal. Some key techniques include:
Always apply wax in the direction of hair growth and remove in the opposite direction. This allows the wax to properly adhere to the hairs for easy removal. Going against the grain can break hairs or cause ingrown hairs.
Use the right pressure and motion. Apply firm, even pressure as you wax and flick the strip off quickly against the direction of hair growth. Ripping the strip off hastily can damage skin.
Keep skin taut for a smoother wax. Pull the skin tight with one hand while applying strips with the other. This allows the wax to adhere evenly and come off cleanly.
Apply pre-wax oils or powders. These products create a barrier between skin and wax, allowing the wax to only grip the hairs. Talc powder or baby powder works for soft waxes. Use witch hazel or special pre-wax oils for hard waxes.
Work in small sections. Apply wax and strips to small areas at a time, like 2-3 inches sections. This prevents the wax from cooling before removal.
Never apply wax to irritated, broken, or extremely sensitive skin. Avoid waxing over moles or warts as well.
Check the temperature. Warm wax to the proper temperature based on product instructions to avoid burns. Usually hard waxes are heated to 130-140°F and soft waxes to 120-130°F.
Cleanse and powder before post-wax application. Remove wax residue and soothe skin with an oil-free cleanser, then apply baby powder or cornstarch on the waxed area to prevent ingrown hairs.
Post-Wax Care
Caring for your skin after waxing is crucial to avoid irritation, ingrown hairs, and other issues. Here are some tips for proper post-wax care:
Exfoliate the area gently 24-48 hours after waxing to prevent ingrown hairs. Use a soft washcloth, brush, or chemical exfoliant like glycolic acid. Avoid harsh scrubs.
Apply a soothing post-wax product like an aloe-based gel or lotion to calm inflammation. Some top options include Star Pil Post Wax Soothing Gel and Tend Skin Solution.
Avoid sun exposure, hot tubs, steam rooms, swimming pools, and friction from tight clothing for 24-48 hours after waxing. This prevents irritation.
Use an antibiotic ointment on the first days after waxing to prevent infection of follicles. Stop once skin heals.
Moisturize daily with a gentle, fragrance-free lotion to keep skin hydrated. Products with calming ingredients like chamomile, aloe, and tea tree oil are ideal.
Consider a post-wax serum with azulene, lavender, and vitamin E to soothe skin and reduce redness after waxing. Apply twice daily.
Avoid makeup, deodorant, perfume, and hair removal creams on waxed areas for 24 hours post-wax to allow pores to close and prevent irritation.
Wear loose, breathable clothing and avoid exercise for 24 hours after waxing to prevent friction and sweat from irritating skin.
Schedule waxing sessions 4-6 weeks apart to allow hair to grow in between and prevent breakage or ingrown hairs.
Conclusion
In summary, there are three main types of wax that professionals use for hair removal – hard waxes, soft waxes, and sugar waxes. Each has their own benefits and ideal uses. Hard waxes are the strongest and work best for coarse, thick hair. Soft waxes are more gentle and better for sensitive areas. Sugar waxes are natural and low irritation. Waxing kits provide all the tools needed for a professional waxing service. Wax warmers allow temperature control to prevent burning. Proper preparation, technique, and aftercare are also essential elements of professional waxing services. The key points are utilizing the right wax type for the hair and skin, maintaining proper temperatures, stretching the skin taut, applying pressure on removal to minimize pain, and caring for skin after waxing. With the proper supplies, techniques and care, professional waxing can safely and effectively remove hair.
