Waxing is a popular way to get rid of your body hair. It is convenient, quick, and effective with long-lasting results. There are two types of waxes; hard wax and hot wax. In this article, we will talk about each of them and tell you everything you need to know about them.
Hard Wax Vs Hot Wax - Differences
Hard wax is used to remove the hair from sensitive spots. That’s because instead of adhering to your skin, it adheres to your hairs, giving it the advantage in a hair removal process.
Hard wax is much thicker compared to hot wax, and it works by hardening on the skin. After it hardens, removing it with your hands becomes easy, so there is no need for any waxing strips. According to experts, you should use hard wax when you want to remove hair from the bikini line, face, and underarms.
As for hot wax, it adheres to both skin and the hair, which means that an outermost top layer of the skin can also come off after wax is pulled off. This may make the process of removing hair quite painful as well. Additionally, you’ll have to use a waxing strip for removing wax and the hair from the skin. This can leave the skin irritated and red afterward.
Because both the hair follicle and top layer of the skin are removed, you shouldn’t retreat the area, even if several hairs were not removed on your first try. Hot wax should be used to remove hair from your arms, legs, and back.
How To Use The Hard Wax
Clean an area of the skin you’d like to wax.
Apply the pre-wax oil, such as grapeseed oil, for creating a barrier between your skin and the wax. This can help protect the skin.
Warm a wax to 130ÂF. It needs to be warm but not hot. The safest and easiest way to warm wax is in the wax warmer. Try using one that has the temperature gauge dial; it can let you know when wax reaches an ideal temperature.
Apply wax in a direction of the hair growth with the waxing spatula.
Wait for a while until it hardens and then pull the wax off in the opposite direction of the hair growth.
Pros And Cons Of Hard Wax
Pros
It is gentler on the skin, particularly for areas like the bikini line and face.
You do not need the material strip for removing the hair and wax.
Removing it is less painful, unlike hot wax.
There is usually less residue left behind.
Cons
Applying and removing wax is time-consuming in case you are using it on relatively larger areas like arms and legs.
It may break off easily even before it is ready to come off.
Before applying it to your skin, you have to warm it up.
How To Use The Hot Wax
Clean an area you’d like to wax.
Warm wax to a temperature suggested by a product you are using.
Hold the skin while you are applying wax.
Apply the thin coat of the wax with the waxing spatula. Ensure to apply wax in a direction of hair growth, spreading it on evenly.
Place the waxing strip on an area and then rub it vigorously.
Holding your skin taut, quickly remove a strip in the opposite direction of hair growth.
Pros And Cons Of Hot Wax
Pros
You can use it on larger areas of the body like arms, legs, and back.
It is less expensive than hard wax.
It usually doesn’t break off.
Cons
You need the material strip for removing the hair and wax.
Compared to hard wax, it is more painful to remove.
In case you apply wax to the exact same area twice, it can cause skin irritation.
If you apply and remove it incorrectly, it can cause harm to the skin.
Does Waxing Involve Any Risks?
Regardless of what type of wax you are using, FDA doesn’t recommend using it in case you have circulatory problems or diabetes.
Moreover, you should avoid using wax on warts, moles, and varicose veins. You shouldn’t apply it to nipples, eyelashes, ears, nose, or irritated or sunburned skin either.
If you have skin irritation that keeps getting worse or experience swelling or skin redness that lasts more than two-three days after waxing, consult with your healthcare provider.
