When looking into the various types of waxing methods, there are a few variations to consider. These include the following as the most common types known.
- Hot waxing
- Hard Waxing
- Soft waxing
- Cold waxing
- Sugaring or sugar waxing
Hot waxing
Using hot wax to remove unwanted body hair is the most common type of waxing agent in modern salons and treatment centers. Results are gathered by applying warmed wax to the skin and removed either with or without the assistance of a removal strip. The reason for the popularity behind hot waxing is that it is quick to apply and remove; is cost-effective, and is also one of the most effective and convenient methods of hair removal via waxing. Within the category of ‘hot wax’ there are two subtypes:
Hard Wax
Hard wax is what the name suggests; the wax hardens once applied, and can then be removed from the skin without the aid of a cloth or paper removal strip. This type of wax is most commonly used on delicate or sensitive areas, such as bikini line, underarm, or occasionally on the face. Best used by a trained professional, as heating the wax to the correct temperature is essential to avoiding skin aggravation through burns, or ineffective hair removal.
Soft Wax
Contrastingly to hard wax, soft wax requires the use of a cloth or paper strip in order to aid removal. Like hard wax, the waxing agent is applied hot (or warm), and then followed by a cloth or paper strip pressed into it. After slight cooling, the strip is pulled away from the skin, removing the wax and underlying unwanted body hair. Also best used by a trained professional, as soft wax can be incredibly messy to use by novice applicator, and handling the hot product with inexperience may result in burns or ineffective results.
Cold Waxing
Typically favored by those travelling or performing a wax treatment at home, cold wax is an easy solution for DIY hair removal. Strips are purchased with the wax pre-applied, and are pressed to the desired area, having been warmed up with the heat of the hands. Similarly to hot wax, the strips are then removed, taking with them the wax agent and underlying hair. Unfortunately, cold waxing is often discredited as not quite as effective as hot waxing; if you find that not all hairs are removed on the first wax of a skin patch, it is often advised to re-wax the area with the strip to assist with removing any stray hairs. While easily doable, this is often inconvenient, and can be frustrating for those waxing at home.
Sugaring or Sugar Waxing
Most similar to hard waxing, sugar wax is a concoction applied to the skin warm and removed without the aid of a cloth or strip. Traditionally cooked using sugar, lemon juice and water, sugaring is the most natural method of waxing, and is less likely to result in allergic reaction when compared to other hair removal agents, based on the completely natural list of ingredients in the mixture. The sugar mixture is cooked into a toffee-like substance; worked and stretched until the colour becomes akin to golden honey. From there, the warm substance is smoothed over the skin against the direction of hair growth, and then the mixture is pulled, by itself, removing any unwanted hair.