For some, waxing is an acquired taste. It takes more than one session for them to enjoy the process, but often the benefits of smoother skin outweigh the momentary discomfort. Soft body waxes generally offer a faster process, but this can be a disadvantage for those with low pain tolerance. Both soft and hard waxes have advantages that beginners will appreciate, but it all depends on the type of treatment you want to have. As you know, waxes are divided into two categories: soft waxes and hard waxes. From there, there are a variety of wax products for specific types of skin, with certain hard waxes being particularly versatile in their application, and soft waxes that manage to provide gentle care to some of the most sensitive areas of the body. The quality of the product plays an important role in making the waxing process as smooth and pain-free as possible.
1. What is a soft wax
Before diving into the soft wax tutorial and how to use soft wax, it is vital to understand the definition of soft wax. Soft wax, also known as strip wax or pliable wax, is a wax that remains soft and pliable at room temperature. It is applied to the skin in a thin layer and then removed with a muslin cloth or paper strips, effectively removing hair from the root.
2. Benefits of soft wax
Soft wax offers a variety of benefits and is the preferred choice for many people. Here are some of the main benefits of soft wax:
- Versatility: Soft wax is suitable for larger areas of the body, such as the legs, arms, and back, making it a versatile option for comprehensive hair removal.
- Effective Hair Removal: Soft wax adheres to the hair and skin, ensuring thorough removal of even the finest hair at the root.
- Exfoliation: During the waxing process, soft wax gently exfoliates the skin, removing dead skin cells for a smoother, more radiant complexion.
- Affordability: Soft wax is often more cost-effective than other hair removal methods, making it a viable option for many people.
3. Disadvantages of soft wax
- Skin Adhesion: Soft wax will adhere to the skin and hair, making it more painful to remove.
- Risk of Irritation: Repeated use on the same area may cause skin irritation.
- Not Suitable for Sensitive Areas: It may be too harsh for sensitive areas like the bikini line or face.
- Precision: Not as precise as hard wax, so tricky for detailed areas like eyebrows.
- Skin Lifting: If applied to one area multiple times, there is a risk of skin lifting.
- Temperature: Heat is required, incorrect temperature can result in burns or ineffective waxing.
4. How to use soft wax?
Soft wax is best for large areas, such as the back, legs, and arms. It adheres to both the skin and the hair. If you are using soft wax to remove hair for the first time, incorrect use may cause your skin to become red or irritated. Let’s explore each step of soft waxing and its precautions.
1) Pre-waxing
- Apply a thin layer of depilatory oil to create a lipid barrier that prevents the wax from sticking to the skin. Note: Too much oil will prevent the wax from adhering to the hair.
- Wipe with gauze or wipe with a light, talc-free gauze pad to remove moisture. You may need to wipe throughout the service.
- Always follow the manufacturer’s protocol and guidelines for wax consistency.
2) Wax Dipping
- Stir wax into the sides and center of the container.
- Dip a clean applicator tip into the center of the wax container to achieve a constant wax temperature. NOTE: The wax is hottest at the edges.
- NOTE: Do not re-dip wax; the applicator must be thrown away after each wax contact to ensure a sterile environment. The wax is not hot enough to kill bacteria.
3) Wax Application
- Hold your skin taut while waxing to ensure that the wax is thoroughly applied to the roots of the hair.
- Using moderate pressure, hold the edge of the applicator at a 45-degree angle to the skin and apply a very thin layer of soft wax.
- Apply with quick, swipe motions in the direction of hair growth.
- Do not cover newly waxed skin.
4) Wax removal
- Cover the wax with a woven or nonwoven strip and rub firmly in the direction of hair growth.
- Use the tape to pull the wax-free end to grab the tape for removal, creating a pull loop; 1/2 to 2 inches in length.
- Use one hand to hold the skin taut and away from the pull loop.
- Tight skin is easier to remove hair
- Less tension and less pain on the client’s skin
- Lift the pull loop with your other hand.
- Quickly pull the wax strip across the skin in the opposite direction of wax application.
- Do not pull up
- Avoid bruising or tearing the skin.
- Increases chances of bulb removal for longer-lasting results.
- Avoids breaking hair within the follicle.
- Immediately after removing each wax strip, apply firm pressure to the waxed area with the palm of your hand to reduce pain.
IMPORTANT: The soft body wax adheres to the skin and removes dead skin cells and hair. Because of this, the danger of double dipping is all the more present. When using soft wax, remember to:
- Apply no more than one coat of wax to each part of the skin.
- Throw away the used strips and the wax left on the pan after disposal.
- Use only sanitized items and accessories during each session.
- After each tape is removed, keep an eye on the skin and treat minor bruises appropriately with an antioxidant solution.
5. Hard wax vs. soft wax – which is less painful?
If you choose the correct wax for the skin you’re treating, you may only have to deal with temporary pain. Both soft and hard waxes can damage the skin if used incorrectly. In general, soft waxes are no less painful than other wax products because they cling to the skin while also catching hair. If you are too rough or the wax is not applied evenly, pulling off the wax strip can hurt the skin, and even if you master the waxing technique, your client must know that the exfoliating effect of the wax may cause a certain degree of discomfort.
To make up for it all, Soft waxes have a sticky texture that grips hairs effortlessly, allowing most skin to be treated in a relatively short amount of time. Soft waxes can help you get waxing done long before clients start reaching their limits, and many brands go the extra mile to create professional soft waxes that can soothe even the most sensitive areas of the body.
We specialize in incorporating Tamanu Oil, Pine Resin, and other natural ingredients that work to relax the skin during treatments with our softening body wax. The creaminess of our soft waxes allows them to relax different types of skin without compromising the effectiveness of the treatment.
6. Soft wax FAQs
1. What are the main advantages of using soft wax over hard wax for large body areas?
The main advantages of using soft wax over hard wax for large body areas such as the legs and arms are that it effectively covers a larger surface area quickly, provides long-lasting results and effectively removes fine hair.
2. Can soft wax be used on sensitive areas like the bikini line?
Soft wax is not recommended for use on sensitive areas like the bikini line because it may cause more pain and irritation than hard wax beads.
3. How do I ensure a smooth soft wax application?
To ensure a smooth soft wax application, apply the wax in a thin layer in the direction of hair growth, press the strip onto the wax and then quickly pull it off, against the direction of hair growth, while holding the skin taut.
4. What are some care tips for keeping your skin smooth after waxing?
To keep your skin smooth after waxing, remove any wax residue with oil, apply soothing products with antibacterial properties, wear loose clothing, and begin gentle exfoliation and moisturizing 24 hours after waxing for best results.
5. How does waxing exfoliate the skin?
Waxing adheres to the outermost layer of hair and dead skin cells, exfoliating them for smoother, more radiant skin.
6. Who is suitable for soft wax?
All in all, if you don’t mind taking a risk and don’t mind pain, irritation, and even some peeling, then soft waxing might be for you. But heed the warnings and be careful. If you want a gentler way to remove hair, you may want to look for other options that better suit your preferences.
7. Conclusion
Soft waxing plays a leading role in hair removal, providing effective results and skin exfoliation. However, it requires consideration of issues such as skin irritation and precision. As you browse hair removal options, this guide can help you choose the right hair removal method for your needs.