As estheticians, it’s incredibly important for us to know our wax, and be able to use it with expert precision and care for our clients. That all begins with the ideal waxing temperature! Your application and removal technique might be textbook perfect, but if the temperature is off it’ll be a bad experience for your client.
How to find and measure the right waxing temperature
No matter which brand or type of wax you use, the manufacturer provides guidance on proper melting temperatures. With time and experience, you’ll quickly be able to identify that your wax is heated to a proper temperature. When you’re working with new wax, or you want to be extra safe, have some tools on hand to check temps.
Start with a proper wax warmer
Always use professional wax warmers that let you control the exact temperature that your wax is being heated to. Warmers with just two to three settings just won’t cut it. They don’t allow for the level of control that you need for a consistent wax. When you go to purchase a wax warmer, make sure you have flexibility in temperature control.
Have a thermometer on hand
As your wax melts, you want to keep track of how hot it’s getting. The easiest way to do so is with an infrared thermometer. However, you need to be careful, and always mix the wax thoroughly before taking a temperature reading. Infrared thermometers only measure the surface, and wax is always hotter the deeper you get into the tin.
Know your consistency
Even without a thermometer on hand, there’s one way to measure the proper temperature of a melted wax. If it has that perfect, syrup or honey-like consistency, you’re likely at the ideal temp for application. You should be able to hold wax on your stick, and when you turn the stick on its side, the wax should run at a smooth pace.
Too hot, and your wax will be very runny and thin. Not hot enough, and you pick up chunks out of the warmer, and it doesn’t drip off the stick evenly.
Difference in temperature between hard and soft wax
In professional wax warmers, you are able to heat both hard and soft wax. However, they melt at drastically different temperatures. Know the difference between the two to provide a satisfying wax for your clients.
Hard wax temperature
Generally, hard wax heats at a higher temperature. Bare Beauty Wax Supply features brands that have low melting points compared to many other hard waxes. ItalWax’s Full Body Wax features a melting point of 104°F. As the type of wax you use in intimate areas, you always want to provide clients with a safe and efficient appointment.
Soft wax temperature
Since soft wax typically melts at a lower temperature, you don’t have to worry too much about making it too hot. Expect soft wax to melt around 99°F for perfect application and removal. Both WaxOne and ItalWax have soft waxes that are perfect for your studio or spa.
What happens when you try waxing with the wrong temperature
Obviously, you should use wax that is too hot or not hot enough on a client. Doing this causes unnecessary pain for your client, and you’ll end up taking longer than you should to perform a wax. You want to provide the best possible experience for every client to grow your business!
Issues with wax that is too cold
When wax hasn’t been completely melted, the consistency is thick and viscous. It sets way too fast, and is very difficult to apply evenly on your client’s skin. You almost guarantee that the wax snaps or breaks upon removal, as well. It may not grip all the hairs either, so you’re forced to use multiple coats to fully wax the skin. Don’t ever use wax that hasn’t been melted down all the way!
Never use wax that’s too hot
On the other hand, wax that’s above the proper temperature comes with its own set of problems. The biggest issue is that you risk burning your client’s skin. If there’s one way to make sure a new client never comes back for a repeat appointment, giving them a burn is probably it!
At worst, you’ll lift some of your client’s skin along with their hair if you use wax that’s too hot. Watch your consistency and temperature. If the wax is looking too runny and thin, it needs to cool a bit before you apply.
Bare Beauty Wax Supply carries both hard and soft wax that melt at conveniently low temperatures for safe application on sensitive skin. Many of our available waxing products are also hypoallergenic, and are perfect for clients with allergies to prevent irritation. Browse our waxing supplies, and see why we’re a favorite of so many estheticians nationwide!