Waxing Instructions — Soft Waxing

Waxing is one of the best, oldest and most popular methods of hair removal. Its popularity is based on several factors, including its effectiveness and its relatively low cost. But practice is as much an art as it is a science. Incorrect waxing can lift the skin and cause permanent scarring. For safety reasons and to achieve best results, waxing, especially in sensitive and hard-to-reach areas, is best left to professionals. If you’re determined to do it yourself, it’s highly recommended that you visit a hair removal professional at least once so you can see how it’s done correctly before trying it yourself.

Whether you are a professional or a home user, it is important to follow some basic guidelines to achieve safe and effective hair removal results. This article outlines key concepts about how depilatory waxes are formulated and the basic techniques and best practices for safe and effective soft wax hair removal. A later article will describe the techniques and best practices for hard waxing.

First, we need to define the difference between soft wax and hard wax. It is important to note at the outset that the difference in quality from one brand of wax to another can be significant. Cheap waxes often use inferior raw materials, resulting in finished products with inferior performance and safety features.

Both soft and hard hair removal waxes are designed to be melted and applied to the skin. How the products “cure” or dry on the skin and how they are removed are the essential difference. Soft wax cures slowly and remains sticky. Once applied, it must be removed with a wax strip (a piece of cloth designed for this purpose). Hard wax, often called stripless wax, cures firmly so you can lift stripless.

Hard or stripless waxes tend to be softer than soft waxes and are often the esthetician’s choice for waxing sensitive areas such as the lips, bikini bottoms, and underarms. In general, soft waxes bind and pull hair more strongly than hard waxes. However, depending on how the wax is formulated and what secondary ingredients are included, there is considerable variation from one soft wax to the next.

For example, Bombshell Wax sells two types of soft wax, Bombshell Wax Lavender Tea Tree Wax and Bombshell Wax Rose Petal Crème Wax. Bombshell Wax Lavender Tea Tree Wax is a translucent wax that is applied in a very thin layer, almost like cellophane. It is ideal for quick hair removal on larger areas of the body, such as full arms or legs, back and chest. Bombshell Wax Rose Petal Crème Wax’s formula includes Titanium Dioxide to create a slightly thicker, more opaque cream-styling wax that goes on slightly thicker to surround and lift even coarse, curly, or unruly hair. Bombshell Wax Rose Petal Crème is softer than Bombshell Wax Lavender Tea Tree and is therefore more suitable for the face and sensitive areas. The point is that subtle variations in product formulation can make a measurable difference in the performance of a particular wax.

To wax soft, start by choosing a high-quality soft wax like Bombshell Wax or Cirepil.

Melt the wax in a professional wax warmer over low heat until liquefied. Alternatively, if using Bombshell Wax or another wax packaged in a polypropylene container, microwave the wax in 1-2 minute increments until liquefied. Do not overheat. Keep in mind that waxes vary in how quickly they heat up.

Cleanse skin with a mild, antiseptic, antibacterial exfoliating fluid such as Tonic 86(TM) or Tend Skin. Apply the liquid to a cotton ball or cotton round and apply a very thin layer to the areas you wish to wax. Do not use Tonic 86(TM) or Tend Skin on previously exfoliated skin, especially on the face.

Pat skin dry and lightly powder.

Test the temperature of the wax on your wrist using an applicator or spatula. If it’s too hot, let the wax cool down.

Dip a wooden applicator or spatula (think tongue depressor) into the wax. Scrape the bottom of the spatula on the rim of the wax jar so that the wax is only on one side of the spatula. Rotate the spatula over the jar until you have control of the wax and have an ounce or two on the spatula. Spread a thin, even layer of wax in the same direction that the hair grows. Repeat: spread the wax in the same direction as the hair growth (if the follicle is the start and the tip of the hair is the end, spread from the follicle towards the tip).

Do not allow the wax to harden.

Cover the wax with a high quality strip of wax such as Bombshell Las Vegas Strips(TM) and press down firmly in the same direction as the hair growth.

Hold the skin firmly with one hand. With the other hand, quickly whip the strip in the opposite direction of hair growth keeping it close and parallel to the skin. Warning: It is very important to remove the strip low and parallel to the skin. If you lift it up, you risk lifting the skin and causing bruising.

Using your hand, immediately apply pressure to newly epilated skin to relieve tingling nerve endings.

Using a wax strip, press and lift any wax residue left on the skin.

To prevent ingrown hairs and breakouts, immediately after waxing, apply an antiseptic, antibacterial, mild exfoliating fluid such as Tonic 86(TM) or Tend Skin. Apply the liquid to a cotton ball or cotton round and apply a very thin layer to the area that was waxed. Apply regularly between treatments (3-5 times per week) to lighten and prevent ingrown hairs.

To reduce redness or irritation, apply a soothing cream like Cream 100(TM) Calming Balm to instantly reduce redness, soothe inflammation, soothe skin, and promote healing.