The hair removal industry makes over $2.2 billion per year and continues to grow. That’s a lot of waxing options.
Whether you’re a faithful Brazilian wax devotee or considering buying your first home waxing kit, you can get overwhelmed by all the hair removal options. Don’t get discouraged. With so many different types of waxes for hair removal, there’s an option to suit everyone’s lifestyle, including yours.
Are you ready to find a hair removal solution that you love? Keep reading — we’ll explain the types of waxes for hair removal and what you can expect from them.
Hard Wax
Hard wax is a hot wax method. The wax is heated, applied to your skin, and then allowed to cool. Once it has hardened, it can be removed without the use of wax strips.
Hard wax shrinks as it cools, so it only grabs onto hairs instead of your skin. This means that it doesn’t pull your skin as it’s removed, so it’s gentle enough for delicate facial areas. (If you’re applying hard wax at home, just make sure that you apply it in the direction of hair growth so that it can adhere to as many hairs as possible.)
Of course, hot waxes have drawbacks. The DIY waxers out there may find that they overheat the wax, leading to burns as the hot wax is applied. This may not be the best choice if you have sensitive skin.
Soft Wax
Soft wax is the best-known type of hair removal wax.
This hair removal method uses a soft, spreadable type of wax. After you spread the wax onto your skin, you’ll apply a waxing strip on top to adhere to the wax. Then — well, you know what comes next.
Soft wax is the superhero of the wax world. It’s versatile enough to handle bikini waxes, Brazilian waxes, full-leg waxes, and more. You can find soft waxes at a range of prices, with specialized ingredients to meet your skin’s needs.
This go-to waxing method has a lot of downsides, though. Applying the liquid wax is undeniably messy.
More importantly, soft wax adheres to your skin as well as your hairs, so ripping it off is painful. The soft wax removes skin cells as well as hair, leaving the skin irritated, so good aftercare is essential. Avoid swimming and don’t apply any scented products for a few days.
Pre-Prepared Wax Strips
Pre-packaged wax strips are a type of soft wax that can be applied cold. Since the strips are mess-free and easy to apply, they’re the most popular solution for at-home waxes.
Wax strips come in many varieties, so make sure you choose the right one for your needs. The classic cold wax strip is meant for less-sensitive areas like underarms and legs. However, you can also find pre-prepared strips for more delicate areas like the upper lip and eyebrow.
As easy as they are to apply, wax strips have some drawbacks. The cold wax is usually not as effective at removing small hairs. Many people even find it more painful than traditional warm waxing.
Pre-made wax strips are a good choice for beginners to get comfortable with waxing at home. Just make sure you follow the instructions closely and follow up with a professional if you have problems.
Sugar Wax
If you’re looking for gentle, all-natural hair removal, you may want to hop on the sugar waxing trend. Even though it’s a misnomer — sugar “wax” doesn’t have any wax in it — it’s an ancient hair removal option that’s growing in popularity again.
Sugar wax is usually made from simple ingredients like hot water, lemon juice, and sugar. The thick, honey-like paste is spread on your skin at room temperature. Unlike regular waxing, you’ll pull the sugar paste off in the direction of hair growth, not against it.
This all-natural cousin of hair removal waxes is known for being gentle. This makes it a popular alternative to traditional waxing for those with sensitive skin.
Not only that, sugaring hurts less than traditional hair removal waxes. Plus, its natural ingredients exfoliate and nourish your skin.
On the con side, sugar wax can be less effective than regular waxing. However, the natural benefits of this alternative waxing method are attracting more and more attention anyway.
Fruit Wax
We’re not talking about the shiny wax on your apple. Fruit hair removal wax is applied just like regular hard wax, but it’s pumped full of fruit extracts for maximum skin pampering.
Fruit wax may include antioxidants and enzymes from a variety of fruits. Depending on the fruit additives, you may see benefits like anti-aging, exfoliating, and moisturizing. Instead of being hard on your skin like traditional waxes, fruit wax actually gives your skin a boost while it removes unwanted hair.
Fruit wax only has one major downside: cost. Its specialty ingredients put it a cut above run-of-the-mill waxes, and its price reflects that. If its price point is a bit steep, try fruit wax as a luxurious treat once in a while instead of making it your regular wax.
Different Types of Waxes for Hair Removal
If you ask a hundred different women how they groom the “hair down there,” you’ll get a hundred different answers. Hair removal is a personal choice.
Thankfully, there are so many different types of waxes for hair removal that you can find a solution that’s as unique as you are. Whether you’re looking for an eyebrow wax or a full Brazilian, these tips will help you find the right wax for you.
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