How to Use Eyebrow Wax

The Different Types of Hair Removal Wax and How to Best Use Each Wax

Waxing is one of the most effective methods when it comes to removing unwanted hair from different areas of the body. It is one of the most effective ways of temporarily removing hair for longer periods of time. When you wax, you’re doing something called, “depilation” which is the removal of the entire hair follicle from below the surface of the skin. Make sure to keep up with your waxing appointments because the more often the air is removed the more likely it is that the hair follicles will become damaged. Unlike the hair on your head this is a good thing. Damaged hair follicles can cause the hair to thin out and some people are even lucky enough that the hair will just stop growing all together in certain places. We’ve all heard our fair share of the good, the bad and the ugly of waxing stories but the truth is when it comes to waxing there is nothing to be scarred of. Once you do it once you’ll be hooked and probably won’t want to stop. It becomes an addicting service that many people like to have done.

There are many different brands and types of wax out there but all of them will fall into 2 different categories of wax; soft wax and hard wax. The type of wax that you will choose will depend on the area that you’re going to be waxing as well as a personal preference. There are advantages and disadvantages of both types of wax depending on what you’re going to be using it for. Most all waxes will work for any area but some waxes are more effective on other areas and types of hair than others. Choosing the correct wax type will help create less discomfort for the client and better result.

Soft Wax Is Good for Body Waxing or Eyebrows

Soft wax or also known as strip wax, because it requires the use of a strip to remove the wax from the body. During this method of waxing a thin layer of wax is applied to the area in the direction of the hair growth, then quickly ripped off in the opposite direction. Soft wax is usually used with body waxing. It is suited for larger areas such as the legs, arms or the armpits. Soft wax is the better choice when it comes to waxing bigger areas of the body. Some pros and cons of soft wax vs hard wax are;

-Soft wax is the cheaper of the two.

-Soft wax is great for sensitive skin.

-Soft wax grabs finer hairs easier, making it better/easier to work with on larger areas.

-Soft wax cannot be applied to the same spot twice.

-Soft wax required cotton strips to remove the hair.

Hard Wax is Good For Thicker Hair

Hard wax does not require a strip to remove the wax from the body. Hard wax is mostly used to remove areas with thicker hair growth or areas that are smaller and may be more sensitive. Hard wax is applied thicker than soft wax. It is also applied in the direction of the hair growth, then rapidly removed in the opposite direction. Hard wax takes a bit more skill to perfect. Hard wax is ideal for smaller places and section such as areas like the underarms, the facial area, and bikini waxing. Hard wax attaches itself to the hair and not the skin reducing discomfort and minimizing the chances of irritation. Some pros and cons of hard wax vs soft wax are;

-Hard wax is less painful to use.

-Hard wax should only be applied in smaller sections or it can break.

-Hard wax leaves no sticky residue.

-Great for getting those shorter hairs.

-Can be applied multiple times to the same spot.

-When using hard wax since it is warm it opens up the hair follicles and makes it easier to pull the hair out. 

The main difference between soft and hard wax is one method requires strips so remove the wax while the other doesn’t. There are many different areas of the body that can be waxed. Any area of the body can initially be waxed but the most common areas are the legs, arms, underarms, face, and genitals. Waxing is a great method to use when removing unwanted hair but know the limitations. The risk for ingrown hairs when waxing is significantly more vs shaving if the initial service or after care isn’t performed properly. In most casing waxing also removes the top layer of the skin, making the skin smoother but initially making it more vulnerable to irritation, burns or abrasions. Making sure proper skin preparation and aftercare is used along with good waxing practices are a very essential combination when avoiding any of these issues.

Here are some tips and tricks when it comes to waxing. For waxing to be the most effective the hair should be at least a quarter of an inch long in order to remove it successfully. IF the hair is too long you can always cut it. If the hair is too long it will make the waxing process more complicated and painful for the client. A couple of days before the service be sure to tell your clients to exfoliate with a mild scrub. This will remove the dead skin cells which will help create a better surface to be waxed and it will also help loosen any existing ingrown hairs, which will improve the waxing service. Make sure the area that is being waxed is freshly cleaned off and germs, oil, makeup, dirt, sweat or any residue that can be on the skins surface. A pre-wax cleanser can be used to clean the skin before you start waxing. Be sure the area that is going to be waxed is very dry. Wax won’t adhere to wet hair. Make sure to test the temperature of the wax before applying it to a client. Apply a small patch to outer area of your wrist. Always treat the freshly waxed area using some sort of after care product. This will soothe the skin.

Initially waxing does come with a little bit of pain or irritation depending on each person and their tolerance; but anyone that has had it done will tell you that it’s worth it and they will never go back to anything else. Waxing may not be for everyone but it is definitely a great way to get rid of that unwanted hair for a longer period of time. Soft wax and hard wax both have their pros and cons but learning the benefits and down factors of each will help you be at the top of the waxing game.