There is often a debate between hair removal specialists about the best material for hair removal — hard or soft wax. However, each of them has its advantages and disadvantages, so the choice depends on the individual preferences of the client and the experience of the master. For example, ItalWax produces both options and equally recommends them for use by depilation masters. Hard wax has a higher melting point, making it effective for removing stiff hair, while soft wax is ideal for more sensitive skin areas.
What’s the Difference?
These two distinctly different materials, although for the same purpose, have many individual characteristics.
Hard Wax
Using a spatula, hard wax is applied straight to the skin, allowed to cool and harden, and then manually removed. It is a stripless waxing technique. It sticks to the hair instead of the skin like soft wax does, which greatly lessens discomfort while waxing. Because of this, hard wax is a great option for those who have sensitive skin or are getting waxed for the first time. It is frequently used on smaller, more sensitive areas like the face, armpits, and Brazilian, and it works especially well at getting rid of coarse or stubborn hair.
Additionally, hard wax is adaptable enough to be applied to larger areas like the back, arms, and legs. Its firm grip on the hair guarantees effective removal without the need for repeated passes, reducing irritation to the skin. Since hard wax doesn’t pull at the skin like soft wax does, many clients and professionals find it to be easier to use and less painful. Its flexibility allows it to reach difficult areas and adjust to contours, guaranteeing complete hair removal.
Precision, softness, and suitability for sensitive areas are some of the greatest benefits of hard wax, which makes it a popular option for both novice and expert waxers.
Soft Wax
This wax is thinly applied with a spatula and then removed with strips. It can offer a more complete exfoliating treatment by eliminating dead skin cells and hair because it sticks to both skin and hair. Soft wax is more commonly used in salons due to its ease of use and ability to cover larger areas quickly.
Soft wax is particularly suitable for larger areas:
- arms;
- legs;
- back;
- chest and abdomen.
The decision between soft and hard wax ultimately comes down to your own preferences, needs, skin sensitivity, and what area you wish to wax.
Should Waxers Even Choose?
Ultimately, it is up to the esthetician to choose which type of wax to use based on their experience and expertise. But favouring only one type of wax, the master not only narrows the list of possible services and the number of his own clients, but also rudely ignores the individual characteristics and needs of clients who turn to them for help. After all, the first task of a master of depilation is to create a comfortable space for the client. Client’s comfort and desired results should always be a priority in making that decision.
