Whether you’re waxing with Auperwel at home or going to your favorite spot on the street, you’ve probably had to choose between hair removal wax and hot wax at some point. Is one more effective? Less painful? Why is hot wax more expensive? Aren’t they all “hot” wax? what is the difference? So many questions! The good news is we’re here to answer them all. After reading this article, you will know everything there is to know about stripping and hot waxing.
The main difference between the two is that hair removal wax involves using disposable epilation strips to remove hair, while hot wax hardens the wax and then removes hair directly. Read on to learn more about these processes and how to decide which one is best for you!
1. What is the difference between strip wax and hot wax?
When most people think of waxing, they think of wax removal. It is a flowable wax that is applied in a thin layer using a disposable wooden spatula stick. The hair is then removed instantly by rubbing the hair with a disposable strip and quickly peeling it off.
Hot wax is usually thicker in the pot and is applied thickly. Like strip wax, your therapist applies it using a disposable wooden spatula stick. She might put on a few layers of feel and move the stick in a few directions, leaving some extra wax on one edge. The wax will harden slightly over the next minute or so, during which time the therapist may apply the wax to another area to save time.
She will then “pat” the wax to check its softness or hardness – waxing too early will be less effective. When it’s ready, she peels off the corners adds more wax (for gripping purposes), and then waxes the entire piece. So no wax strips are needed, you can just peel this wax off.
One way to remember this difference is that strip wax sticks to the skin, so it’s better for fine hair, whereas hot wax sticks to the hair, not the skin, so it’s great for delicate areas like underarms and bikini lines. Plus, because hot wax just sticks to the hair, it doesn’t necessarily hurt as much as waxing.
hot wax
This product is ideal for sensitive and delicate areas such as:
- facial waxing
- bikini line
- armpit
- Brazilian
Apply the hot wax thickly to the skin and allow it to dry slightly, then peel off gently. This method is much more painful than most and plucking the hair directly from the root. There are fewer ingrown hairs and fewer breakages as a result.
Our treatments use natural, flexible waxes to deliver great results while still being gentle on your skin. This wax has a creamy consistency with titanium dioxide, which reduces redness and irritation, making it especially suitable for Brazilian waxing. Nourishing almond oil and other essential vitamins also restore skin’s softness and elasticity.
strip wax
Always produces excellent results when removing stubborn and coarse hair, such as:
- leg
- arms
- Back, chest, and shoulders
Waxing is recommended for thicker/less sensitive skin. Apply a thin layer of wax to the skin and remove it using disposable strips.
We use high-performance strip wax based on pure olive oil. This natural formula with soothing olive oil instantly nourishes and softens skin for a restorative wax treatment. It glides on quickly and easily without leaving any sticky residue on the skin.
2. Advantages and Disadvantages of Strip Wax and Hot Wax
Strip wax:
- Quick application and removal of wax
- Ideal for large areas such as the legs or back
- Suitable for thicker/less sensitive skin
- More common in salons
- Most therapists can use it well since it requires less technique
but:
- Not ideal for sensitive areas – may even cause bruising and more ingrown hairs
- Does not hold the hair tightly so is not suitable for thicker hair such as Hollywood Pomade.
Hot wax:
- The warmth of the wax opens the pores while it waits to harden, which in theory should make the treatment less painful
- There are fewer ingrown hairs and less breakage, so the regrowth cycle is longer.
- Wax promotes skin hydration
- It has a stronger grip on hair and is great for thicker, stronger hair like Hollywood hair.
- Ideal for short, stubborn hair as small as 1mm
- Reduces the chance of skin redness.
but:
- It’s much slower because the wax needs to be applied in several coats and then takes about a minute to harden and then peel off.
- For some people, the wait time and suspense can make treatment seem more painful.
- More training and skills are required – choose only trained technicians, especially in intimate areas.
3. When to Choose Strip Waxing or Hot Waxing
You may be wondering, why are there two different types of wax. Is it better for certain areas? Well, yes, strip waxing is typically used on larger areas because it is much faster to apply and remove. It is almost always used on areas such as the legs, arms, and back. It’s generally better suited for thicker or less sensitive skin because it grips hair and skin firmly. When used on sensitive skin, it can cause bruising, tears, and ingrown hairs—not fun!
Hot wax is great for waxing sensitive areas or thicker hair. This is why it is often the wax of choice for bikini/Hollywood/Brazilian waxes, underarm waxes, and sometimes facial waxes. When the wax remains on the skin for up to a minute, the heat opens the pores and hair follicles, making the hair easier to remove. In theory, this shouldn’t be that painful. It also has a stronger grip on hair, which makes it perfect for thick, stubborn hair. Even hair up to 1mm long can be waxed!
If you think about it, strip waxing and hot waxing are almost complementary. They each have pros and cons, and where one fails, the other does better.
4. FAQ
Here are answers to frequently asked questions about hot wax vs. strip wax.
1) Can hot wax relieve pain?
So if hot wax opens pores to a greater extent and is less painful to remove, is it always more painful than hair removal? Indeed, it’s ideal for the typically painful Hollywood wax – as it’s good for both sensitive skin and thick hair. Although hot wax isn’t as effective on finer hair, it won’t be as effective on areas like the arms or legs.
There is also the time factor. Which treatment would you prefer—a shorter and slightly more painful treatment, or a longer and less painful treatment? It’s a bit psychological, but some people don’t like the wait time and suspense that come with hot wax.
2) Should I use Hollywood/Brazilian waxing?
Typically, when it comes to Hollywood wax treatments, the therapist will use hot wax directly. They may use hair removal wax to quickly remove the finer hair on the outside and above your bikini line. While all signs point to using hot wax on this sensitive area, some therapists prefer and strongly recommend trying waxing.
Definitely worth trying once. Especially if your hair down there is thinner than normal. For some people, several intense pulsed light treatments can thin hair and make the roots more fragile. This makes strip waxing effective there. The best part is – getting a Hollywood wax look takes less than half the time. We are having a less than 10-minute conversation with an amazing therapist! Of course, as mentioned before, with thicker hair, the pain can be doubled, and it can be difficult to remove every band in one go.
At the end of the day, especially in intimate areas, the skill and training of the technician is crucial. A good technician who has experience with both types of wax will know which type is most effective and least painful for you.
3) Is hot wax “hotter” than dewaxing?
Technically – yes. But only a few degrees. Temperatures vary between brands, but generally speaking, strip wax is heated to 40-43 degrees Celsius, and hot wax is heated to 48-50 degrees Celsius. Your therapist should check the wax on your wrist before applying it to you. They can usually tell if it gets too hot throughout the treatment by the consistency of the wax in the pot. But if you think it’s too hot, tell them.
4) Why is hot wax more expensive?
Some waxing menus may offer most hair removal or hot wax treatments but at different prices. Hot wax is always more expensive. Mostly because it takes more time, but also because it requires more skill.
5) Who is suitable for hair removal treatment?
Hot waxing and waxing are suitable for everyone unless they have specific allergies. However, waxing is not always a good idea if you suffer from a skin condition like eczema or psoriasis. Likewise, if you have severe acne or are taking medication that thins your skin, it may be worth talking to your GP first.
6) What should I do after waxing?
If you want the best hair removal results after your treatment, avoid anything that makes you sweat. After waxing, your pores are very open and more likely to become clogged. Avoid exercise, sunbathing, hot showers, and saunas for at least 24 hours after hair removal treatment.
7) Want to know about hair removal during pregnancy?
Hair removal during pregnancy has become extremely popular and our therapists are trained to ensure it is comfortable and safe for all areas of the body. Brazilian or Hollywood hair removal is a very popular treatment in the week before your due date.
5. Conclusion
Well, now you know the difference between strip wax and hot wax! If you are going to be waxing soon, please contact Auperwel.