The Benefits to Hard and Soft Wax

Hard waxes are available in blocks, disks, pellets, or beads. They are considered a no-strip wax. They must be liquefied before they can be used. Hard waxes are available at different melting points to address the needs of normal and sensitive skin. The harder the wax, the more heat it requires to melt it. Small, individual wax heaters are available and can be placed in each treatment room. The used wax is discarded after each service.
Some estheticians prefer hard waxes. They are gentle enough for the face area, yet strong enough to be used on hard to remove, coarse hairs. Some like to use it on th bikini and underarm area. Estheticians generally use soft wax in larger areas, such as the back and legs, and hard wax in smaller areas, such s the eyebrow.
Hard wax is thicker than soft wax. It is first applied against the hair growth, then back in the opposite direction in a figure eight pattern. The hair is gripped as the wax dries and tightens and lifts off without sticking to the skin. The follicle is not distorted when pulled in the same direction as the hair growth pattern. Hard wax is especially effective in areas where hair grows in multiple directions or skin is thin or fragile. Some estheticians apply and remove the hard wax in the same ddirection as the soft wax. Application depends on the area to be waxed and how coarse the hair is. The direction for pulling the hard wax off is more forgiving than soft wax. Hard wax is the only wax recommended for Brazilian waxing, although I personally prefer soft wax to avoid tweezing.
Soft Wax
One of the most common methods of hair removal is soft, or strip, waxing. The main detractor to using soft wax is that it can be irritating to the skin because the ingredients, such as rosins, can adhere to the skin. Soft waxes have a lower melting point and come in tins or plastic containers. If they come in plastic containers, they can be melted slightly in the microwave to make it easier to pour the wax into a wax heater or warming pot. With this method, a thin coat of wax is applied on the skin and removed immediately with a muslin, pellon, or cotton strip before it cools.
One of the benefits of soft wax is that it feels warm on the skin and the heat dilates the follicle for easier removal. The quick application of soft wax is known as speed waxing and is more comfortable for the guest. Faster procedures save time, lead to more revenue, and more satisfied clients.