Many estheticians understand the general difference between hard wax vs soft wax, but how can you put your knowledge to good use? Knowing when and how to use each type of wax helps you provide the highest quality treatments to your clients. There’s an optimal wax for every waxing service and skin type, and this guide will help you make sense of your options.
What is hard wax?
Hard wax is a staple in all waxing studios. It’s sold as wax beads in a variety of colors and formulations. Generally, hard wax is less painful than soft wax. Hard wax attaches only to hair follicles, not to your client’s skin. Most professional estheticians use this type for intimate waxes and sensitive skin.
What temperatures does hard wax melt at?
Depending on the formulation of your hard wax, its melting temperature can vary widely. Some hard waxes don’t start melting down until they reach 194°F! Many of the hard waxes that Bare Beauty Wax Supply carries are specifically formulated to melt at low temperatures for ease of use and your clients' safety. For example, ItalWax’s Full Body Wax melts at 104°F.
Parts of the body you should use hard wax
To reap the benefits of both hard and soft wax, you’ll need to consider the treatment area. Hard wax excels at facial, bikini, and Brazilian waxing. It adheres only to the hair – not the skin – and these are among the most sensitive areas of the body. Use hard wax in these zones to reduce discomfort and possible irritation after the waxing appointment.
How to use hard wax
After melting down hard wax in a wax warmer, you apply it to your client’s skin with a spatula. Evenly apply the melted solution, keeping thickness in mind, and create the lip you can grab to remove the strip. Hard wax does not require wax strips for removal, so creating a lip upon application is essential. Give the wax ample time to harden before removal!
Hard wax pros and cons
While hard wax is fantastic, it does have some negatives. It’s not perfect for every situation, nor should it be the only kind of wax you have in your studio!
Benefits of hard wax
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Only attaches to hair, not skin. Great for client comfort!
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Hard wax leaves minimal residue behind, making cleanup simple.
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Picks up shorter hair, so typically only needs to be applied once. This saves time for both you and your client.
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Hair is easier to remove with hard wax because additional heat opens follicles prior to removal.
Downsides to hard wax
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Much more expensive, on average, than soft wax.
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It is difficult to apply hard wax over large areas.
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Necessary to have proper training and technique to use effectively.
What is soft wax?
Many spas and salons that don’t specialize in waxing carry soft wax for their services. While seemingly easier to use, knowing when and how to properly use soft wax can be a great benefit for your business.
What temperature does soft wax melt at?
Unlike hard wax, soft wax melts at extremely low temperatures, down to around 99°F. This removes the possibility of burning your clients with wax that’s still too hot for application. On the other hand, due to a lack of heat, it doesn’t open up follicles.
When should you use soft wax?
Soft wax is perfect for large areas of skin that aren’t very sensitive. Think legs, arms, chest, and back. This solution adheres to every little hair, but also to your client’s skin, causing redness and irritation.
Keep in mind that each formulation is different, and some soft waxes can be gentle on skin. However, if your client has very sensitive or reactive skin, you may want to skip soft wax altogether. In these cases, hard wax is a safer bet.
How to use soft wax
Soft wax typically comes in cans that are heated with wax warmers. Use a wax spatula to spread soft wax across the skin after it’s at the specified temperature. Then, gently press a wax strip into the area, hold the skin taut, and remove the strip, pulling away from the direction of hair growth.
We recommend using WaxOne Strip Wax for your soft waxing needs!
Soft wax pros and cons
Soft wax benefits
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Cheaper to purchase than hard wax.
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Tends to require less training on larger surfaces, since it adheres to everything.
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Great for quickly covering large areas of skin!
The negatives of soft wax
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Not ideal for clients with sensitive skin.
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It can be uncomfortable for use in delicate areas such as bikini or facial waxing.
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Soft wax is less precise than hard wax.
Explore hard and soft waxes at Bare Beauty Wax Supply!
Choosing between the best hard vs soft waxes on the market? Bare Beauty Wax Supply has you covered! Our products are reviewed by other verified, licensed estheticians with their own businesses. Each wax brand and formula we carry is cost-effective for businesses without sacrificing quality.