Hard Wax vs. Soft Wax
Odds are, if you’ve ever thought about unwanted hair removal, waxing was the first thing that came to mind. It is one of the oldest and most popular techniques salons have to offer, and even though new techniques like sugaring and threading have begun to emerge, waxing continues to play an important role in the removal of unwanted body hair. While most people only recognize the standard wax-and-tear-strips method of waxing, it is important to know there are actually multiple different varieties and methods of waxing. Hard wax and soft wax each have their own unique application and removal methods, as well as their own benefits. Let’s break down the differences between hard and soft wax and look at the pros of each:
What is hard wax?
Hard wax combines an elastic film wax and polymers to create a solution that is notably thicker than regular wax. The polymers are essential for acting as a buffer between the wax and skin, allowing the removal to be gentler overall. After the wax is has been melted by your beauty technician, it is applied with a spatula, while still warm, onto the skin in the desired area.
How is it removed?
After the wax has been applied, it is left for a couple of minutes to set completely. As it sets, the “lip” created by your beauty technician, where they will pull the strip of wax from, will begin to curl upwards ever so slightly. Once it is time for the wax to be removed, your technician will grab the “lip” and pull the wax strip off in one fluid motion—no strips needed!
What are the benefits?
Hot wax latches onto unwanted hair only, as opposed to the skin, which makes it a less painful method overall and reduces the risk of skin irritation. It is especially ideal for sensitive areas of the body, such as the face (e.g. eyebrows, upper lip) and bikini area, as well as for those who have sensitive skin in general. Hard wax also attacks extremely small hairs, eliminating the need to wax the same area more than once, and further leaves behind no sticky residue on the body.
What is soft wax?
Soft wax is most likely what you imagine when you think of waxing, as it involves using both wax and waxing strips. The wax is applied onto the desired area of the body with a spatula, and then the strips, made out of muslin, are promptly applied overtop.
How is it removed? After the wax and strips have set for a moment, your beauty technician will grab one end of a strip and quickly pull it off. This is repeated with every strip, and sometimes it is repeated in the same area if some unwanted hairs remain. The strips are always pulled opposite to the direction of hair growth to ensure the hair is pulled directly from the root.
What are the benefits? Soft wax can be applied in large amounts without breaking, making it ideal for waxing larger areas of the body (e.g. legs, arms, back). It is also best for areas where the hair is especially coarse because it grows in different directions, which is why this method is always used for Brazilian waxes. Additionally, because soft wax attaches itself to the skin, it actually provides the skin with an extra level of exfoliation. Whichever method you choose, remember that there’s no need to be afraid of waxing!
Written by: Deanna F.