What is waxing?

To start off, let me briefly explain what waxing is and how it really works.

Waxing is a hair removal method that involves applying a warm or cold wax to the skin, which adheres to the hair. When pulling off the wax, it actively removes the hair from the root, leaving the hair follicle empty, resulting in smooth hair and skin free from visible hair for a certain amount of time until it regrows.

Types of wax in the industry

Not all wax types are the same, nor are they all equipped to work on the same skin type and hair type. Understanding the wax options in the industry and who they are most suited to, is key to achieving optimal results.

  1. Cold Wax: also known “strip wax”, is an ‘all-rounder’ wax, suitable or large and small areas on the body. It involves applying wax onto the area with a spatula, and then removing it with a fabric strip or paper strip. This versatile wax is commonly used on larger areas of the body, such as the legs, arms, or back. It has a strong adherence to the hair, making it suitable for fine or course hair alike.
  2. Hard Wax, also referred to as “hot wax,” differs from cold wax in that it hardens as it cools and requires manual removal by hand, using the patch of wax itself to peel off the skin, rather than being removed with strips. Hard wax is gentler on the skin and less likely to cause irritation, making it ideal for sensitive areas like the face, bikini line, and underarms.
  3. Sugaring: Sugaring is a natural alternative to traditional waxing, and believe it or not, all it involves is sugar, lemon juice and waxing to make. Sugaring, similar to hot wax, doesn’t require a wax strip for its removal from the skin. Sugaring is gentle on the skin and less painful than traditional waxing, making it suitable for sensitive skin types.
  4. Cartridge Wax: This is essentially the same as cold wax, with the key distinction being its utilization of pre-loaded wax cartridges for convenient application. It’s specifically designed to fit into a handheld device, streamlining the process and reducing messiness for the therapist. Like cold wax, it’s ideal for larger body areas such as the legs, arms, and back.

Conclusion

Understanding the different types of wax that are available is important, because it can help you better know which one suits your skin, and how you can reap the best results from it. If you are somebody that has very sensitive skin, you would probably do well with hard or hot wax, whereas, if your skin is resilient and your hairs are tough, strip wax would remove the hair from your body effectively. Don’t be afraid to request a certain type of wax that you know will suit your skin type best!