Ask an Esthetician: Hard Wax vs. Soft Wax
Waxing is a great way to remove the hair and its follicle for up to six weeks, and hard wax and soft wax are both very efficient. Deciding which type of wax is best for you depends on the area being waxed and the density of the hair. In my professional opinion, soft wax is better used to remove fine hair in areas such as face, arms, legs, chest, and back. Hard wax removes course hair more efficiently than fine hair, and is a better alternative to soft wax when you are using facial products that contain any type of acid exfoliant. Hard wax only adheres to only the hair itself— not to your skin—lowering the possibility of redness and inflammation, whereas soft wax must adhere to the hair and skin to be removed with the fabric strip, leaving slightly more sensitivity in the area.
Before receiving a waxing treatment it is recommended to exfoliate the night before, and to wear loose clothing before and after your treatment. It is also recommended not to immerse a waxed area in hot water for at least twenty four hours after a waxing service. Most people will need to use an ingrown hair serum after a waxing service, as ingrown hairs are very common. We offer amazing pre- and post-waxing products such as exfoliants, pre-numbing serum, ingrown hair serum, and inhibiting hair gel (thins the hair by 26% and slows the growth by 35% after one month of use!).
We look forward to providing you with a professional, hygienic and comfortable waxing treatment, and if you have any questions, please be sure to ask your esthetician.
Carissa Zylstra
Primary Esthetician, Glen Ivy Spa, Brea
I recently began using homemade sugar wax, a hard wax made from 8 parts sugar, 1part water and 1part lemon juice. I was told to apply the wax opposite the direction of the hair, and remove in the direction of the hair. Ive found that I’m getting many ingrown hairs. Most aren’t infected, they’re just stubby and itchy. In other parts of my leg, my hair still is growing. But even on these longer hairs, I’ve noticed they’re coming out more coarse, thick and black.
I was wondering what you would recommend to make the sugar wax more suitable for my skin/hair? Is there anything you’d change to the recipe or heating process, or even the application process of the wax?
I hope to hear from you soon. Thanks for all the help.
A possible reason for your ingrown hairs is improper application/removal. You should apply in the direction the hair grows and remove pulling against the direction the hair grows.
Exfoliating regularly before and after waxing will reduce the amount and likelihood of ingrowns.