Different Types of Hair Removal Wax

So the sun’s out. As well as removing layers of clothing, many of us are looking to remove some body hair. When you’re after smooth, hair-free skin, your choice of hair removal method can be a personal choice.

Maybe you’ve tried out different hair removal treatments and found waxing to be best for you. But maybe you’re still stuck on which type of hair removal wax to use.

Waxing is the preferred choice of hair removal for many women – and for good reason. Waxed hairs are removed from the root, resulting in softer regrowth than shaved hairs. Pulling the hairs out from the root can weaken the root, meaning hairs grow back finer over time.

Another big plus women can enjoy with waxing is that you get to enjoy smoother legs for longer. Although you may initially spend slightly more time waxing than say – shaving, the results last from 3 to 6 weeks, so overall time can be saved.

Before choosing, think about the nature of the hair you are removing and the body part you’re treating. Treating facial hair will require different consideration than removing underarm or leg hair. Whether it’s your eyebrows, upper lip, or jawline, waxing your face requires special care and attention.

women on beach

Each product differs slightly. You’ll want your skin to feel soft, as well as smooth after hair removing. Something gentle on your skin, but effective on your hairs.

Technique is important. You also want the product to be affordable, if you’ll be purchasing it on a regular basis. Do you have sensitive skin? Some people have skin that’s sensitive to hair removal, and you need to bear this in mind when selecting a product.

There’s no getting around the fact that waxing does hurt (apart from with a paracetamol or shot of gin) although the pain does diminish over time. What’s your pain threshold? This will adapt with continued use, and what seemed painful initially becomes less so.

Waxing is a relatively safe and gentle technique, and is suited to both facial and body hair. Just about any area of the body can be waxed. Waxing is a good and preferred method for bikini line hair removal. Everyone reacts slightly differently to various treatments. We’ll guide you through types of hair removal wax, so you can make an informed choice and decision.

Broadly speaking, there are two different types of hair removal wax; soft wax and hard wax.

Soft wax

The oh-so-popular wax strips are a type of soft wax. Strip waxing is when you spread a thin layer of wax over the skin. This is followed by a strip of cloth or paper which is pressed down firmly. The strip adheres to the wax which then adheres to the skin. This is quickly pulled against the direction of hair growth, keeping the strip as near to the skin as possible – to avoid unnecessary discomfort. This takes out the wax and the hair. A quarter inch of hair growth is required for this method to be successful.

Heated soft wax

There are also different forms of soft wax. Heated soft wax is usually a pot of wax, softened in a microwave or other method. The heat aids in the spreading of the product onto the skin surface area. This warmth also softens the hair and skin, which may result in less pain.

Cold soft wax

Cold soft wax is for braver souls, and goes straight from pot to skin. Although more convenient, the firmer consistency makes it trickier to get an even layer onto the skin. Some also find this type of waxing more painful. Warning: make sure it’s properly applied to ensure no hairs get left behind.

Pre-made strips

Another type of soft wax is pre-made strips. Here, the wax has already been applied to the strips. You can pre-heat them simply by rubbing them with your hands. This allows them to stick to the hair effectively. Pre-waxed strips are a nice, easy method which takes the guesswork out of how much product to apply. Another plus is that it may be possible to use the strips more than once on a single area. Soft waxing strips are useful for the face, because you can cut the strips to a desired size, making hair removal simpler.

womens legs

Hard wax

Now – on to hard, or stripless wax. This type of wax involves applying a thicker layer. No cloth or paper strips required. Why? Well, the wax hardens as it cools allowing it to be removed directly. This method is usually carried out by a therapist or beautician. It’s a good procedure for those of us with sensitive skin, as it doesn’t adhere to the skin as strongly as strip wax. Finer hairs are more easily removed this way, as the wax surrounds the hair as it hardens. It’s also a method that can be less pain-inducing. Stripless waxing is great for areas of thick hair growth. It’s also good for smaller, more sensitive areas.

Conclusion

So there you have it. A peek at the different types of hair removal wax on the market today. If you want smoothness of legs, underarms and other areas consistently, month after month, waxing can be a great choice. A good hot wax can work wonders and be brilliant. Hair does need to be at a certain length before waxing, but it can be a great hair removal tool with long lasting results. Wax can also act as a skin exfoliator.

Waxing in general is good for removing large amounts of hair at a time. However it’s not all rosy, as waxing can be painful – although this passes pretty quickly.

If you choose to opt for at-home hair removal waxing, it can be a very economical way to maintain hairless skin. With practice, you should be able to enjoy salon smooth results at home. Alternatively, you can always book in to and visit a salon for hair removal treatment. If done professionally, there’ll obviously be a cost associated. However, pampering yourself is definitely allowed!

Whatever your hair removal needs, there’s a type of wax that’s best for you to bare your skin with confidence.