Wax for depilation - is it really made of wax?

Waxing is one of the most popular types of hair removal, as its purpose is to lift and remove the hair along with the root, providing smooth skin for a long period.

But, despite the widespread use of this procedure, few girls are wondering what kind of materials the masters use to carry it out. Today I will try to acquaint you in more detail with the characteristics of waxes for depilation, as well as the materials that I use in my work.

The basis of any wax for depilation is two ingredients: rosin and beeswax . The more of these components present in the composition of the wax, the higher its "sticky" properties. And the quality of depilation directly depends on this. In addition, depending on the manufacturer, the composition of the wax includes natural oils, fragrances, dyes and preservatives.

Although this is a fairly rare occurrence, there is still a possibility of allergic reactions when using wax. Therefore, if you are prone to allergies, try to choose a wax with a composition that is as close to natural as possible.

In my work, I try to use waxes that contain natural ingredients. Here are some of the organic materials used in the production of most waxes:

Rosin . A translucent, brittle organic material that becomes sticky when heated and has a slight pine scent. It is the foundational ingredient used in many waxes for better "contact" with the hair.

Sera Alba . White beeswax is added to most waxes to allow for favorable wax removal from the skin.

Glyceryl Rosinate . This is a modified resin with high elasticity, which is produced by the interaction of rosin with glycerin.

Ethylene . It is used to provide resilience, flexibility and greater surface contact when hot wax is applied.

Types of waxes

The two types of wax most commonly used for hair removal are soft and hard . But it has several varieties related to how it heats up (or not), how it is packaged, how it is applied and removed.

Soft wax for hair removal. This wax is also known as strip wax because special paper strips are required to remove hair from the body. Soft wax is applied in a thin layer in the direction of hair growth, a strip of paper is applied on top, and with its help a sharp movement is made in the opposite direction, thereby removing hair. Some girls love this method, as the wax does not stay on the skin for a long time and is quickly removed. But in fact, this method is less effective, because due to the speed of action, some hairs are missed.

Soft wax is made by different companies and the quality varies greatly. Some soft wax makers use a creamy base, while others use honey as an ingredient. These waxes often contain ingredients that include extracts of tea tree, cherry, lavender, and even chocolate.

Subspecies of soft wax:

Heated soft wax. This type of wax is heated and softened in a microwave oven or a special wax melter. When heated, it spreads easily and also softens the hair and skin, thereby reducing pain during the procedure.

Cold soft wax. This wax is taken directly from the jar and applied to the skin. At first glance, this is convenient, but it is harder, which means that it will be much more difficult to apply an even layer. Many people also find cold soft waxing to be more painful than hot waxing. The disadvantage of this technique is that it can leave hairs if the wax is not properly applied.

Finished strips. In this case, ready-made wax strips are used. This type of depilation is easy to use and will not allow you to apply too much product. Pre-heat the strips before use by rubbing them between your palms, this will allow them to “stick” to the hairs.

Hard wax. This is a special type of wax, it is also called film wax, since when it hardens on the skin, it forms an easily removable film. It applies and removes a little differently than soft wax, but ultimately serves the same purpose - to remove hair from the follicle.

How is it different from soft wax?

No stripes. It doesn't require any extra tools for removal, so it saves money and space in the wastebasket :)

Application method. Such wax is applied in a thicker layer, using a stick or spatula. The thickness of the required layer varies depending on the manufacturer, but as a rule, it is about the thickness of a coin.

The need for preparation. The wax must be preheated either in a wax melter or in the microwave, according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Waiting time. Hard wax must be completely cured before being removed from the skin, otherwise it will crack or not remove hair at all.

But how can an unprepared person understand which wax is better to use and for what purposes? I hope the information below will help you.

When is the best time to use hard wax :

• During bikini waxing and Brazilian waxing. It works well on coarse hair and small areas of skin.
• When depilating the face. Such a wax takes better care of the delicate skin of the face and can remove short visible hair.
• To remove nose hair. Soft wax can be used on the outside of the nose. But when removing unwanted vegetation inside the nose, it is better to use hard wax in the form of a formed ball.

Most masters, including myself, prefer hard hot wax, because due to the temperature, when wax is applied, the skin pores open and the hairs are removed much easier, and therefore more painless.

When is it better to use soft wax :

• On large areas. If you need to treat a significant area of the body, then wax in strips will be much faster to use.
• For beginners depilation. Soft wax is easy to use. And when using wax in strips, the hand “stuffs” well, and in the future it will be easier to switch to using hard wax.
• For self-removal of hair on the bikini line. This technology is suitable for the care of your own bikini line (hair outside the panty line). But if you want to remove a little more, for example, to do a Brazilian depilation, then it is better to trust the professionals in this in order to prevent undesirable consequences and the likelihood of ingrown hairs in the future.

Finally, I want to add that regardless of the waxing technology you choose, for a better follow-up procedure, it is better to keep your skin healthy and moisturized all the time. This includes drinking plenty of water (to hydrate from the inside out) and using moisturizing skincare products to prepare the skin for waxing.