As estheticians, our clients trust us to safely and effectively remove unwanted hair with expert precision and minimal discomfort, and ensuring the ideal waxing temperature is a fundamental component of the practice. Your technique might be perfect, but if the temperature is off, your clients will pay the price. Join us for the ultimate guide to optimal temps for soft and hard wax to ensure your clients stay happy, comfortable, and silky-smooth!
How to find the ideal waxing temperature
No matter the brand or type of wax you prefer, the manufacturer will provide guidance on ideal waxing temperature. With time and experience, you’ll learn to quickly identify wax that’s heated to an appropriate temperature for depilation, but the proper tools can help ensure your formula and preparation are on point.
Start with a proper wax warmer
Always use professional wax warmers that let you control the exact temperature of your wax. Warmers with only two to three settings just won’t cut it, since they don’t offer the level of control you need for a consistent temp.
When shopping for a wax warmer, choose one that enables flexibility and precise temperature control.
Have a thermometer on hand
As your wax melts, you’ll want to keep track of how hot it’s getting. There are plenty of devices out there for this task, including candle thermometers, digital varieties, and infrared models. Just be sure to mix your wax with a clean applicator before taking a reading, as heat may be distributed unevenly.
Know your consistency
Even without a thermometer handy, it’s possible to determine the ideal temperature of melted wax. If it has that perfect, syrup or honey-like viscosity, you’re likely at the proper temp for application.
Appropriately heated wax should adhere to an applicator and gently run at a smooth, even pace when you turn the applicator to the side. If it’s too hot, your wax will be runny and thin. Too cold, and the wax will be inconsistent and chunky.
Difference in temperature between hard and soft wax
Professional, salon-grade wax warmers allow you to heat hard wax and soft wax simultaneously at ideal temperatures. Still, the ability to feel if wax is the appropriate temperature will help your clients feel confident in your expert hands.
Ideal temperature for hard wax
Most hard wax varieties require a temperature between 130 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit to reach that thick, honey-like consistency. Many brands at Bare Beauty Wax Supply have low melting points compared to many other hard waxes, offering a safe, comfortable, and efficient treatment process for intimate areas. For instance, ItalWax’s full body wax has a melting point of 104 degrees F.
Ideal temperature for soft wax
Since soft wax has a lower melting point than hard wax, it’s at less risk of getting dangerously hot. Expect soft wax to melt around 100 degrees F for the perfect hair removal experience. Brands like Waxness offer tons of options and clearly specify the maximum temperature on the label.
What happens when wax is the wrong temperature?
Obviously, you should never use wax that’s too hot or too cold on a client, and finding the ideal waxing temperature is essential to ensuring happy clients. Applying wax at the wrong temperature can cause burns, excessive pain, and damage to the skin. Here are the ways improperly heated wax can impact results:
What happens if wax is too cold?
Cold wax won’t burn your client’s skin, but it will make your waxing session less efficient and comfortable. Wax that isn’t hot enough sets too quickly and may snap upon removal, increasing the risk of breakage and ingrown hairs. It won’t effectively adhere to hairs, so you’ll also need to reapply to the same areas, leading to extreme exfoliation and sensitivity.
What happens if wax is too hot?
Heating wax to excessive temperatures can cause a whole host of other problems. Burning your client’s skin is the biggest risk, and can leave them with blisters, permanent scars, and hyperpigmentation. Even wax that’s only slightly too hot can make aftercare more challenging and uncomfortable.
An accident like that could also ruin your reputation as an esthetician and affect your livelihood for years to come. So be sure to test your wax for the ideal temperature before every application. If the consistency appears thin and runny, turn down the temperature and allow time for adequate cooling.
Related: Waxing Tips for Estheticians
Frequently asked questions
What is the ideal temperature for waxing?
- Hard wax: Between 130 degrees F to 140 degrees F for standard hard wax, but may be significantly lower for specialty waxes.
- Soft wax: Between 100 degrees F and 130 degrees F on average.
How can I tell if my wax is too hot or too cold?
Wax that’s too hot will be highly viscous, thin, and runny. Wax that’s too cold may have a lumpy, inconsistent texture. If you think it’s at the ideal waxing temperature but you’re not sure, use a clean applicator to test a small amount on your wrist.
Can I use an infrared thermometer to check my wax temperature?
Yes, but keep in mind that infrared thermometers only gauge surface temperatures – wax deeper within the container will be much hotter. Always stir the wax before checking the temp with this type of thermometer.
Get optimal temperatures with Bare Beauty Wax Supply!
Bare Beauty Wax Supply carries both hard and soft waxes that melt at conveniently low temperatures for safe application on sensitive skin. Browse our products to see why so many estheticians have made Bare Beauty their number-one source for waxing supplies, hygiene tools, and more!