The Right Approach: Is There a Difference Between Strip Wax and Hot Wax?

Waxing remains a popular means of hair removal today. However, women and men often want to know if they should choose strip wax or hot wax. Is one method more effective than the other? Is hot wax more painful or expensive? How do the two products differ? These are only a few of countless questions a person might have when they go to make a purchase or request a service. The following provides information about the two options, their similarities and difference between strip wax and hot wax.

The Difference

People must understand the difference between strip wax and hot wax. When most people mention waxing, they refer to strip wax. This runny wax goes on the skin in a thin layer, and the person must use a disposable wooden spatula to apply it. A disposable strip then goes over the wax and is quickly peeled off to remove the strip, the wax, and the hair.

Hot wax, in contrast, goes on in a thick layer, although a disposable wood spatula stick applies this product as well. Many people choose to use hair removal wax beads and melt them before using them. Technicians and home users apply the wax in layers and move the stick around to ensure they cover all areas. When using this method, the person must leave a lip on one edge. Once the wax hardens, which only takes a minute or two, the person grabs the lip and removes the wax. Doing so too soon means the hair won’t be removed, however, so take care to ensure the wax has hardened properly. While waiting for the wax to dry, those with experience apply wax to another area. This reduces the time needed to complete the task and minimizes downtime. The person isn’t sitting there simply waiting for the wax to dry, which can lead them to remove it too soon to move on to the next section.

Which to Use?

Why do manufacturers make different products? Are they used for different areas? Which one is best? Most people use strip wax when they are removing hair from a large area, such as the back or legs, as it is easier to apply and remove. Thick skin and less sensitive skin respond well to strip wax because it provides a firm grip on the skin and hair. However, men and women with sensitive skin need to avoid strip wax because it could leave bruises, tear the skin, or result in ingrown hairs.

Sensitive skin does better when the person uses hot wax, and the same holds true for thick hair. For this reason, most people use hot wax when removing hair from the underarms, the bikini area, and the face. The hot wax sits on the skin, opening the pores and hair follicles. As a result, the hair comes out more easily and people experience less pain. In addition, it works great on thick and stubborn hairs thanks to its firm grip. If the hair is short, this method works best because it works on hairs as short as 1mm.

As each product offers benefits, people often use a combination of the two methods when removing hair. This ensures it removes all hairs without unnecessary pain and discomfort. Learn which wax works best on different body parts and use that method for the best results.

Pain Level

Another question many individuals have involves the pain level associated with each method. Upon reading the above information, many people assume hot wax is always the way to go since it opens the pores and hair follicles. However, it doesn’t work as well in areas where the hair is thinner. Furthermore, hot wax takes more time, and some people feel this adds to the pain of the process.

Which Method to Use for a Hollywood Brazilian Wax?

Professionals turn to hot wax when a client requests a Hollywood. However, they often use strip wax to address the thinner hairs seen above and outside the bikini line. It never hurts to try strip wax in this area to see what you think.

Another option would be to undergo a few IPL treatments, as this thins the hair in the area and weakens the root. Doing so makes strip waxing more effective in this area. The right therapist finishes a Hollywood wax in ten minutes, but thicker hair means more pain and possibly multiple passes on the same area. The skill and training of the person doing the wax play a large role in the success of this service and the pain involved. Keep this in mind before paying to have the work done or trying it at home.

How Hot is Each Type of Wax?

People often express concern over the temperature of hot wax when compared to the temperature of the strip wax. Actually, there isn’t much difference between the two. Users must warm strip wax until it reaches a temperature of 104 to 109 degrees Fahrenheit. Hot wax, in contrast, is heated to 118 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit, although salons keep it at a much higher temperature. Always test the temperature on the wrist before applying it to other parts of the skin. If the wax feels too hot, don’t use it. Allow it to cool some.

The Cost

Hot wax costs more than strip wax. It takes more time to complete a hot wax treatment and more skill on the part of the person doing the work. Keep this in mind when choosing which method to select.

An Overview of the Pros and Cons

Strip wax takes little time to apply and remove, making it ideal for sizeable areas like the arms or back. Thick, less sensitive skin responds well to strip wax, which is the preferred method in most salons. It requires less skill on the part of the user or technician, but people shouldn’t use it on sensitive skin. Doing so could lead to ingrown hair and bruising. In addition, it doesn’t grip as tightly as hot wax, so it’s best to use hot wax on areas where the hair is thick.

Hot wax opens the pores as it hardens, which makes the process less painful. People using this method experience less breakage, which means they can wait longer for their next wax treatment, and ingrown hairs become less of a concern. Hot wax encourages hydrated skin, and the skin is less likely to become red when the person uses this method. In addition, hot wax works well on thicker, stronger hairs, and is perfect for hairs that are very short, as short as 1mm.

However, a hot wax treatment takes more time, and some people say this makes it feel more painful. In addition, it takes skill on the part of the person doing the treatment. As a result, it costs more.

Consider the above when deciding which method to use. Combine the two methods. Doing so provides the best results.

*This is a collaboration post