Waxing 101.2: Types of Wax

pic from sweetmadamblue.wordpress.com

Now that you understand the consultation and contraindications, let's get to the types of wax available.

Strip/cool/cold wax: (all the same thing)
Solid but sticky when cold. Usually comes in tins.
Melting point and working temperature of 43°C. *
It's applied thinly in direction of hair growth (e.g. applied down the leg), and removed, with a strip, against the hair growth. So the strip is removed/"pulled" up the leg.

Strip wax. Image from skin2nvdebi.com

This method is great for areas such as the legs, arms, back, chest (in most cases).
Many therapists prefer to use strip wax on the face, especially for upper lip and eyebrow waxes. I, personally, do not. It is not advisable to reapply strip wax on the same area more than once, and often it is necessary, especially with more stubborn facial hairs. This type of wax is much better for finer/thin hairs. Some therapists are really great with strip wax, no matter what the treatment area is, but I've seen and experienced too many things go wrong with this method. I've had skin burnt and ripped on my eye area (upper eyelids), upper lip, underarms and bikini. YES, bikini! Even legs, but that was at college, so it's kind of forgivable, as that is where most of us made most of our mistakes, I hope!

Hot wax:

Solid when cold.May come in the form of pellets and/or slabs/blocks. Melting point and working temperature is about 68°C *
Requires thick application in opposite direction to hair growth. So it is applied against the hair. So if your hair is growing down, the wax will be applied upwards, against the growth. Smaller patches are advisable.
For those who aren't familiar with hot wax, it looks like smooth cake batter (in prettier colours) and is applied to the treatment area. It is then left for a couple of seconds, to "set" (become firmer/harder, but not rock hard, as then it would crack on removal. This is a sign of heat damaged wax.) and then removed/pulled off. No strips required.

Hot wax when melted. Image from allwomenstalk.com

This is great for underarm, face (eye, upper lip, chin) and bikini. I've had minimal to no problems with this method, especially on the face. My main problem/concern with this method is heat destruction and poor quality wax, which is why you need to go to a professional place. You have every right to ask questions.

Film wax:

Best of both. It has the lowest working temperature* and is applied like strip wax in direction of hair growth, and removed against the hair growth. It has the consistency of hot wax, but is not applied as thickly, and can be removed by either strip, or after it has set, as with hot wax. Can be used on most areas. It's very nice for face and the top part of your bikini area (for those who remove most hair to everything.) It is also great for people with more sensitive skin, especially to heat. Film wax is also not as popular as it should be, so know that not every salon will have/use it.

One of the best waxing brands around. Depileve never disappoints. depileve.com

<Miss B

*Melting and working temperatures may differ from brand to brand. Depileve, for example, have lower working temperatures for their wax products. Their film wax has a working temperature of 39°C.